TRANSLUCENCY RESEARCH

Fabrics

Chiffon – made from cotton, silk, or synthetic fibres, and resembles a fine net or mesh. It is commonly used in eveningwear to give an elegant and floating appearance.

Fine cotton lawn – made using fine, high count yarns, resulting in a silky and untextured feel. It has a semi transparency that can range from gauzy to sheer, to an almost opaque effect.

Lace – fabric made of yarn or thread in an open, weblike pattern. Traditionally linen, silk, gold or silver threads were used but now it is mainly cotton. Modern artists can create it with copper or silver wire. Dutch designers have created architectural lace fences.

Mesh – plastic mesh, metal mesh, mesh fabric.

Organdy – the sheerest and crispest cotton cloth made.

Organza – thin, plain weaved fabric traditionally made from silk (but can be made from polyester or nylon). It is often used for bridal wear and eveningwear but can also be used as curtains.

Perforated leather – leather with tiny holes at regular intervals to create texture and pattern.
Tulle – lightweight, very fine netting, which is often starched. It can be made out of many materials such as silk, rayon and nylon. It is often used to create a lacy, floating look.

Materials / Architectural structures

Mashrabiya – window enclosed with carved wood latticework, allowing the occupants from inside a view of the street whilst maintaining privacy, and giving shade and protection from the sun but allowing cool air into the building.

Brise soleil – sun shading structures that reduce heat gain by deflecting sunlight.

Translucent paper screens – used in Japanese culture to allow direct access to nature whilst providing an opaque barrier when closed, allowing light to penetrate to the outside.

Coloured glass – provides the view and outlook of clear glass but is more private due to tinting.

Glass – single, double and triple glazed allow different amounts of heat and energy to pass through. There are many different types of glass, such as float and window glass, cast and ornamental glass, polished wire glass, profiled glass, and glass blocks.
Fusuma – Japanese panels that slide from side to side to redefine spaces. They can be used as doors or walls.

Types of doors (which can be types of walls)
Swing door
Hinged door
Pocket door
Bifold door
Sliding door
Accordion door
Collapsible door
Revolving door
Rolling door
Louvred door