Brick: A Story of Construction

ABSTRACT by Samantha Oswald

Brick. A simple object, but one that has been a base unit of architecture for over 6000 years. It carries connotations of labour, of energy, of the fundamental desire of humanity to give form to the substance of the Earth. However, current tendencies in manufacturing and construction are challenging the prevalence of the traditional brick-and-mortar system. Automated manufacturing, large-scale prefabrication, and digital simulation are becoming standard practices. This thesis posits that although brick must adapt to a changing architectural climate, contemporary construction should also learn from the versatility and poetics of this timeless material. Starting from clay, I make and inhabit a shelter of brick. My interaction with the material serves as grounding for a wider discussion of its role in architecture today.

Supervisor:
Anne Bordeleau, University of Waterloo

Committee Members:
John Straube, University of Waterloo
Guan Lee, Grymsdyke Farm

External Reader:
Barry Sampson, Sampson Neuert Architects

The Defence Examination will take place: Friday, August 9, 2013 2:00 PM Main Lecture Hall