Inside Marmomacc & Abitare il Tempo: STEREOTOMIC DESIGN

September 04, 2014

curated by Giuseppe Fallacara-DICAR Bari Polytechnic University Talking about stereotomic design means embracing a theoretical/practical paradigmas a point of reference for architectural projects designed in accordance with the use of vaulted architectonic systems and/or elements having resistant forms comprising separate and dry-jointed units. This paradigm can be attributed to traditional building techniques, specifically in stone and wood, where the concept of bonding the parts making up a building is the distinctive feature of its character and architectural expressiveness. Stereotomy today is unfortunately absent from both building practice and education, appearing merely in as the object of partial and isolated research into the history of building. This event asks fundamental questions about the possibility of resuming this topic interrupted by research into construction using dimension stone following the broken links in stereotomic culture in order to regain its in-born creative thrust for contemporary architectural design. The topics discussed demonstrate the solute vitality of the stereotomic lesson projected, hopefully, into a new future. The exhibition comprises three parts: 1. Lithic design_Visions (G. Fallacara, V. Minenna) Company: PI.MAR s.r.l. The set-up envisages the creation of a stone cube in Lecce Stone comprising very large blocks with a series of negatively sculptured human faces invite observers to look inside the stone in order to discover its specific application features. Inside the cube, through the holes drilled like eyes in the sculptures, observes will see a sequence of 3D Anaglyph images and videos. These images represent complex vaulted spaces made with stereotomic equipment using parametric modellers and CNC machine tools. These images will scroll to a sound track coming from inside the cube. 2. Structural Stone design (G. Fallacara, Marco Stigliano) Company: Atelier de la Pierre d’Angle Picardie The set-up envisages the creation of graphic plates and scale models (rapid rototype development) for experimental structures in dimension stone developed during a number of university "stages". Prototypes are tools for study and morphological-structural analysis designed to obtain more in-depth knowledge of stone material in relation to new construction languages. These prototypes are the result of a collaborative research project between the DICAR Department of Bari Polytechnic University and L’Atelier de la Pierre d’Angle Brignoles e Picardie. 3. Robostereotomic design (G. Fallacara, Brandon Clifford, Jelle Feringa) Company: MGI Sicilmarmi, T&D Robotics This set-up envisages the creation of a structure in Carrara white marble taking the shape of an overhead sail in accordance with hyperbolic paraboloid geometry. Parabolithic is a demo installation focusing on the formal potential of natural stone and machine tools which will be located in the Cultural Hall at Marmomacc 2014. Footprint: 4 x 6 m, h max 2.80 m. The sculpture is the result of a collaboration and research project between the DICAR Department at Bari Polytechnic University and two leaders in the stone industry: MGI Sicilmarmi and T&D Robotics.

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