The weave

Wall Craft Seminar

Fall 2021

Rhino, Illustrator, Photoshop

The precedent project behind the Weave was Chokkura Plaza by Kengo Kuma, which aims to create a relationship between existing and new structures by pushing the Oya stone to a new definition through an integrated structural system and formal expression. Through Kuma's innovative construction technique, the monolithic stone becomes softer and lighter in appearance while simultaneously connecting to the existing building. The goal of this prototype was to explore and further understand the construction technique of the wall along with pushing the material and formal expression of the design. To create the number of units in time and more accurately, the block units were cast from fabricated molds rather than cut from stone. In addition, a slight progressive undulation to the units was added to increase the flexibility and movement to their lighter appearance. Overall, the 3' x 3' wall consisted of 23 plaster bricks connected by 20 gauge bent steel plates, utilizing the compressional strength of the plaster units and the tensile strength of the steel to hold the wall in form.