“A new approach to production of complex geometric shapes that overcomes the dilemma of high materials use to achieve a sculptural dialog” – Holcim Innovation Prize Jury
This project received the special interest of the jury for a variety of reasons. Students of the Architectural Association (AA) in London presented an approach to a fundamental problem of contemporary architecture: while designing complex geometric shapes has become increasingly easier, it is their construction that is the tricky bit. With its plasticity and flexible molding, concrete is actually a material that lends itself well to a sculptural language.
Last updated: September 10, 2012 Zurich, Switzerland
However, as the production of the necessary formwork is typically made by hand, the cost of building often exceeds regular budgets. It was the consensus of the jury that this project opens new productive opportunities to overcome this dilemma. The project’s essential proposal is to produce modular elements of concrete and use one element, once cast, as formwork for the next element to be cast.
Even if the project does not indicate how the upper surface of the element would be cast and also ignoring the fact that to cast the very first element, there has to be some kind of formwork, the project holds the vision of concrete fabrication without conventional molds. A prospect which would doubtlessly make a big difference in terms of the material processing of building, given that so much formwork is disposed after use. In addition, the elements cast through this process would be easily transportable; their self-similar form allowing for space-saving stacking. Despite some unsolved problems, the project does present a fresh new perspective on the production of concrete that has the capacity to accommodate some of the formal interests of contemporary architecture – an achievement for which the jury considered this project of the “Next Generation” category deserves commendation.