A considerable part of architectural innovation involves the use of materials. Technical development and new formal languages utilize them to "announce" the "next" architectural era. Of course, materials are essential for construction and significant for the consolidation of languages. Glass, steel, concrete, or brick convey messages about buildings. However, like any language, the meaning of words can vary according to the prevailing social organization; there is a dispute over the meaning of certain expressions, or there is pressure for the abolition—or at least the dissociation—of certain senses associated with some words. It would not be any different in architecture.
The contemporary context brings pressing demands that require attention, and this review focuses on the materials used in construction. For instance, organic materials make more sense regarding environmental pollution but fall short in when it comes to durability—also highly valued in architecture. Clay brick can be an excellent construction material; it is environmentally responsible and reintroduces traditional and historical techniques and languages. In the general imagination, its disadvantage would lie in formal limitations. However, reality is filled with constructed examples that prove otherwise (thankfully).
