Architectural Perspectives in the Use of Block Masonry

Research project 2005 - 2008 by Assistant Professor, M.Arch., Industrial PhD Nini Leimand

This research project seeks to give block masonry new meaning and a new architectonic application by raising its position from being a mere pragmatic construction system to becoming an architectonic terminology.

An essential hypothesis within the project is that by carefully studying buildings mainly build in solid blocks, including natural stone-, concrete-, leca-, clay blocks etc. one will be able to deduce an architectonic and phenomenological relationshipbetween these buildings. This in order to qualify the design and the use of solid blocks in the future.

The research project focuses at the large clay block, Porotherm. The assumption is that masonry made of blocks implies the opportunity of a much more ’elastic’ and dynamic creation of space compared to predominant building systems.

The hypothesis of this research project is an allegation that the clay block besides the obvious economic, indoor climate and the execution advantages posses an architectural, aesthetic and spatial potential. If further improved this would offer various prospects.

Companies:
Wienerberger
Maxit Group