Imitation of materials

How do we define ‘real’ and what values do we associate with the term?
Often the words we use to describe ‘real’ are positive words like natural, genuine, authentic…etc…
We use negative words like artificial, false, imitation, and cheap to describe ‘fake’.
So what does all this mean to design professionals in their world and to the manufacturers who need to communicate with them about products, and the materials from which they are made?
Buildings are made using different materials and various decisions are taken in the process of making it a reality. Different eras have seen the use of different materials and styles in their architecture. Historic buildings are loved because they trigger a certain nostalgia and are the physical embodiment of a different era. Modern buildings showcases the ridiculous thinking of mankind and boasts technology. The nature of materials used in the buildings have evolved. Modern buildings mostly possess materials that imitate natural ones. People with an untrained eye would have no idea that it was fake, they would think it was real. What is wrong is that it is a lie. It is a deception. It is making people believe something that is not true, that they are gazing upon the real, authentic masterpiece, when in fact, what they are looking at is a fake. Well this could be one perspective but does it really matter?
There is undoubtedly a certain prestige surrounding natural materials and their use in buildings. A natural stone floor, handmade bricks, rustic solid wood flooring, real timber cladding …etc… are all seen as the ultimate quality and the pinnacle of good taste. It is not always easy to get the natural materials we desire as their procurement can be challenging in terms of both availability and economics. Due to the advancement of technology we have the option to produce materials that imitate the real one and provide it at a cheaper cost. Not everybody craves for the ultimate quality and the prestige associated with using natural materials. To them this is a very good opportunity to “fake” it.
People want different things in their project. Some sell experiences while others boast their ingenuity. The very fact that so many of us strive to mimic the appearance of natural products is the evidence enough what people really want. Memories are etched when looking at something beautiful. So designers create something beautiful using “fake” materials which triggers ‘real’ emotions and feelings associated with the actual material. In the end it is a benefit to everybody. Imitation does seem to be a good idea when bound with project constraints such as budget and time but the desire to deliver is strong. Why limit oneself with the orthodox views when the option to achieve the same is available using technology? Natural looks are not just limited to the elite. Imitation rather helps in the overall health of the building as manufacturing materials for them are focused towards sustainability. ‘Real’ and ‘fake’ don’t matter when the intended purpose is met in a building.