After successful completion of the course, students are able to build selected dome and vault constructions in clay and brick and to evaluate the static processes.
In the context of climate change, the ability to build large structures with little more than a nail and a ball of string and the readily available building materials of clay and earth can fundamentally change the way we look at things.
This course is led by Prof. Dr. techn. Eisa Esfanjary (Art University of Isfahan, Iran)http://baugeschichte.tuwien.ac.at/website/workshop-boegen-kuppeln-und-gewoelbe/
In a three-day workshop, geometry and simple techniques for marking out and constructing arches, vaults and domes are explained using practical examples. A compass, nail, string and chalk are used.The course begins with an introduction to the subject. The first step is to draw on paper with a ruler and compass. Then, using a nail, string and chalk, everything is recreated in full size on the floor. After the geometry for the required dimensions has been determined, it is discussed how the formwork and the arches of the vaults or domes have to be made. During the workshop, the participants each practise a specific type of vault and its geometric pattern. No complete vault will be built, but the whole process for its construction will be simulated from start to finish.
Documentation and project paper
