Research Project: Complex Brick Assemblies
Principal Researcher: Defne Sunguroglu _ AA Dipl RIBA II
Research Period: 2005-2010
Research Status: ongoing

Expert Advisors and Collaborators:
General Michael Driver, Brick Development Association, London, England
Structure Prof. Jörg Schlaich, Schlaich und Bergermann, Stuttgart
Buro Happold, London
Environment Buro Happold, London
Material Prof. George Jeronimidis
Centre of Biomimetic Engineering, University of Reading, England
Dieste Remo Pedreschi, University of Edinburgh, Scotland
Ing. Gonzalo Larrambebere, Dieste y Montañez S.A., Montevideo, Uruguay
Osman Yalcin - Director of Makyal Insaat [Construction] A.S. and C.I.B.S Energy and Investment Company

This research aims at developing a pre-stressed structural brick surface. While brick is an abundant construction element in many countries innovative ways of constructing with brick and conceiving performance-oriented brick assemblies are relatively rare. Works like Eladio Dieste’s pre-stressed brick structures stand out as exceptional examples. This research project focuses on developing pre-stressed brick structures, which enables the generation of complex double curved brick surfaces, such that it is possible to eliminate the use of mortar, thus resulting in a porous surface. The intention is set up an integral design process for a system with synergetic structural, environmental and spatial potentials and performances, thus aiming to increase the repertoire of brick structures and introduce innovative ways of constructing with bricks. The construction of a first full-scale prototype is scheduled for July 2007.

The work is paralleled by a careful and detailed analysis of a number of Eladio Dieste’s projects.
A field trip is planned for mid-April 2007, during which key collaborators of Eladio Dieste will be interviewed, documentation will be collected and buildings will be analyzed in situ. This part of the research is supported by the Anthony Pott Memorial Award 2007.