Diverse city skyline blending natural wood textures with modern architecture.

Building Dreams: How Culture Shapes Our Urban Material Preferences

Rhea Morgan in Culture & Society August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the surprising ways your background influences what you want your city home to be made of."

Our world is changing fast. Cities are growing, and more people than ever are moving to them, bringing different backgrounds and expectations with them. This rapid shift puts a spotlight on the materials we use to build our homes and raises crucial questions about sustainability and cultural identity.

Think about your own dream home. Do you imagine exposed brick, sleek steel, or warm wood? Your preference might have more to do with where you grew up than you realize. As cities evolve, understanding these cultural nuances becomes essential for creating inclusive and sustainable urban environments.

This article explores the intriguing connection between cultural background and building material preferences in urban settings. We'll delve into a study conducted in Norway, examining how immigrants and native Norwegians differ in their views on concrete, wood, and other common building materials. Get ready to uncover the surprising ways your background shapes your urban dreams.

Do Our Roots Influence Our Roofs? Decoding Material Preferences

Diverse city skyline blending natural wood textures with modern architecture.

The study, conducted in Norway, focused on two groups: native Norwegians, who come from a culture where wood is a common building material, and immigrants from countries where wood is less prevalent. Researchers wanted to see if these different cultural backgrounds led to different preferences for building materials in urban housing.

Interestingly, the study revealed that the most preferred materials were often the same as those commonly used in city buildings, regardless of cultural background. However, subtle differences emerged, primarily related to general concerns about material choice and preferred living environments.

Here's a breakdown of the key findings:

City Dwellers Lean Towards Common Materials: Those who preferred city living generally favored commonly used city materials like concrete and steel.
Stone and Brick Reign Supreme for Cladding: Stone and brick were the top choices for cladding materials, highlighting their perceived durability and aesthetic appeal.
Wood Still Has a Place: Despite not being as common in urban buildings, stained or painted wood remained a preferred cladding option, suggesting a desire for natural elements in the cityscape.

While the study found only small differences in material preferences based on cultural background, it underscores the importance of considering individual attitudes and priorities. Factors like environmental concerns, maintenance, and aesthetic preferences can all play a significant role in shaping opinions on building materials.

Building a Future: The Importance of Cultural Sensitivity in Urban Development

As cities continue to grow and diversify, understanding the nuances of cultural background and individual preferences becomes increasingly important. By considering these factors, urban planners, architects, and developers can create more inclusive, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing urban environments that cater to the diverse needs and desires of their residents. The future of our cities depends on building with both innovation and cultural sensitivity in mind.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.3390/f9080504, Alternate LINK

Title: Preferences For Urban Building Materials: Does Building Culture Background Matter? †

Subject: Forestry

Journal: Forests

Publisher: MDPI AG

Authors: Olav Høibø, Eric Hansen, Erlend Nybakk, Marius Nygaard

Published: 2018-08-17

Everything You Need To Know

How do cultural backgrounds influence preferences for building materials in urban homes?

Cultural backgrounds can subtly shape preferences for building materials. For example, individuals from cultures where wood is prevalent may still appreciate wood cladding in urban settings, even if concrete and steel are more common. This highlights the impact of cultural familiarity and a desire to maintain a connection to natural elements, while also acknowledging that city dwellers tend to be more open to commonly used city materials like concrete and steel.

What were the main findings of the Norway study regarding material preferences?

The Norway study revealed that city dwellers often favor commonly used materials like concrete and steel. Stone and brick were highly preferred for cladding due to their durability and aesthetic appeal. While not as prevalent, stained or painted wood was still a preferred cladding option, showcasing a desire for natural elements. While cultural background played a role, individual attitudes and priorities, such as environmental concerns and maintenance, also significantly shaped opinions on building materials.

Why is it important to consider cultural sensitivity when planning and developing urban areas?

As cities become more diverse, understanding the nuances of cultural background and individual preferences is essential for creating inclusive, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing urban environments. This ensures that urban developments cater to the diverse needs and desires of all residents, fostering a sense of belonging and improving overall quality of life. Failing to consider these factors can lead to homogeneous and potentially unwelcoming urban spaces.

How can urban planners and architects create more inclusive urban environments regarding building materials?

Urban planners and architects can create more inclusive urban environments by considering a range of building materials that resonate with different cultural backgrounds. This includes incorporating natural elements like wood, even in predominantly concrete and steel landscapes, and offering diverse cladding options such as stone and brick to satisfy varied aesthetic preferences. The key is to balance common urban materials with culturally relevant options while addressing environmental concerns and maintenance considerations to ensure long-term satisfaction for all residents.

What implications does this understanding of material preferences have for the future of city skylines and sustainable urban development?

Understanding material preferences influenced by culture is important for the future of urban landscapes. By integrating diverse materials like wood alongside mainstays like concrete and steel, city skylines can evolve to represent the diverse cultural backgrounds of their inhabitants. The choice of materials also needs to address sustainability. Selecting materials that are durable and environmentally responsible, like sustainably sourced wood or recycled concrete, can enhance a city's sustainability profile. Balancing cultural identity with environmental responsibility will shape the future of urban development.