Amorphous Stacks: A Low-tech Construction Method for Jointless Cast Structure

A significant amount of research were done after Philibert de l’Orme’s theory on stereotomy (stonemasonry) in the 16th century to reinterpret the masonry tradition by means of innovative materials and advanced technology. A few of the most recent advanced technology include digital and robotic fabrication methods adopted in the project Cyclopean Cannibalism, led by Brandon Clifford and Wes McGee (2017), and The Sean Collier Memorial designed by Höweler + Yoon (2015). However, although these projects suggest the great potential of technology and digital computation in contemporary masonry construction, they inevitably traded in the traditional value of craftsmanship. How can we rethink the value of making to challenge mass production and high-tech oriented construction in contemporary architecture? Utilizing the liquid-cast material’s fluid property, this paper explores a low-tech and hand-crafted fabrication method that returns to the value of craftsmanship and suggests the opportunities in fabrication to challenge accessible means of construction.

https://doi.org/10.35483/ACSA.AM.109.10

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ISBN
978-1-944214-37-1