Digital Stereotomy—The Rejuvenation of Stone Masonry

Abstract

This paper explores four factors contributing to the revival of stone masonry; aesthetics, externalities, representational tools and cutting technologies. The ongoing desirability of stone for architects and designers for aesthetic reasons; sustainability benefits of stone due to its potentially reducing hidden externalities of production and transportation; the development of representational tools in terms of advances in computer aided design, simulation, analysis and manufacturing; and advances in production technologies. This paper focuses on how digital technologies are making stone a viable material for architects and designers.

Publication
Proceedings of the 16th International Conference CAAD Futures 2015, Sao Paulo, Brazil