Compressive vaults
The Logic of Compression: Understanding Vaults
Vaults are one of the oldest and most enduring structural systems, relying on pure compression rather than bending forces. Unlike modern beam-and-column construction, vaults channel loads efficiently through their geometry, distributing weight to the ground through their form. From Roman aqueducts to Guastavino’s tile vaults, these structures have demonstrated that strength does not always require mass—only the correct transfer of forces.
From Tradition to Innovation: Evolving Vault Techniques
While historically associated with masonry and stone, vaults have evolved through innovative materials and digital fabrication techniques. Modern interpretations incorporate thin-shell concrete, lightweight earthen materials, and computationally generated geometries. My work explores how these methods redefine traditional compression structures, blending historic wisdom with contemporary efficiency.
Low-Tech, High-Efficiency: Vaults in Sustainable Architecture
Vaults offer an energy-efficient alternative to contemporary structural systems. They reduce material use by eliminating unnecessary supports, provide natural climate control by regulating heat and airflow, and enable low-cost, locally sourced construction. Whether in earth-based housing or prefabricated shell structures, their potential for sustainable, carbon-conscious architecture is immense.
Compressive Structures in Informal and Vernacular Architecture
Many informal and vernacular architectures—from adobe domes to Nubian vaults—have long relied on compression rather than industrialized construction. These self-built environments show how architecture can function without steel reinforcement, large machinery, or industrialized materials. My research in informal economies connects with this idea: how can compressive vaults provide affordable, scalable solutions for emerging urban conditions?
Research and Experiments: Building for the Future
I have explored vaults through research, prototyping, and project applications, from studying Guastavino’s thin-tile techniques to testing earth-based and parametric forms. My interest lies in pushing the limits of compression, integrating traditional craftsmanship with digital fabrication to create high-performance, site-responsive vaults that are both structurally and socially impactful.
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