Interested in testing the structural potential of terra cotta outside common façade applications, Studio Gang designed a large-scale prototype that investigates the material’s compressive capability. Influenced by historic assembly methods as well as new fabrication technologies, the pointed-arch prototype (nicknamed “Archey”) demonstrates the spanning potential of this carbon-efficient building material by tensioning individual, extruded terra cotta units into a single, monolithic construction. Loosening the high-strength tensioning cables allows the entire prototype to be easily disassembled and reinstalled without waste. By reintroducing large-scale, structural terra cotta applications into production and use, the design demonstrates the environmental and functional possibilities of a modular, reusable, and low-carbon construction system.
Now in its fifth year, ACAW aims to bring together manufacturers, designers, and facade engineers to further the industry’s understanding of the architectural applications of ceramics.
As part of the fifth annual Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop (ACAW), Studio Gang will present research on the materiality, large-scale production, and assembly of architectural terracotta.
August 12, 2020 – August 13, 2020
Virtual Exhibition and Zoom Webinar