The growing demand for innovative, sustainable design solutions in architecture necessitates a deeper understanding of materials beyond their aesthetic or formal characteristics. While contemporary architectural discourse often prioritizes visual and formal considerations, material performance—both at macro and micro levels—remains underexplored in academic curricula. This disconnect results in a gap between theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, preventing students from making informed design decisions that consider the full architectural implications of material use, performance, and sustainability.

This paper proposes a new paradigm for examining materials within architectural education, one that integrates both historical understanding and cutting-edge technological advancements. Architects must not only understand the legacy of material use but also harness modern tools to predict and enhance material performance. Drawing on two case studies, the paper illustrates how material research can bridge this gap. The first case examines the use of Indigenous First Nations architectural assemblies, exploring how traditional materials and methods—when combined with archaeological evidence—offer insight into sustainable design practices and material resilience. The second case explores the use of novel digital fabrication tools to develop clay-based cladding systems, demonstrating how digital technology can reshape the way we conceptualize, create, and perform with traditional materials.

By reframing the role of materials in design discourse and emphasizing both their cultural and scientific significance, this paper advocates for a more holistic approach to architectural education. Such an approach integrates the material performance, sustainability, and cultural context into design decisions, fostering a more informed, interdisciplinary perspective. Ultimately, this paper proposes that a comprehensive understanding of materials—at both macro and micro levels—can serve as a critical tool for innovation in architecture.

Keywords: Material performance, architectural education, digital fabrication, Indigenous architecture, building science, sustainable design, digital tools, material research.