The classification proposed in this website stems from the PhD thesis “Reconstruction of a Stereotomy – for a multi-semantic stereotomic approach”, a work which strives to connect classic and contemporary stereotomy providing tools for the current sustained development of this discipline. Taken from the thesis abstract:
This thesis investigates the gap between classic and contemporary practices in order to examine the place and role of stereotomy today. By investigating those questions, the research departs from previous classification systems and develops a new proposal encompassing the various dimensions which stereotomy presents today. The semantic dimension of stereotomy is explored, allowing for understanding this construction method under varied lenses which differ from the classic stone cutting. These lenses, called signifiers, are grouped in three main categories: Tomotechny, Equilibrium and Voussoir. This new system of classification based in multiple signifiers fosters a clear identification of various building experiments which, although may seem to diverge from the classic art of stonecutting, are are argued to belong within that enlarged concept of stereotomy. This continuity from classic to contemporary stereotomy is demonstrated through an analysis which uses the proposed semantic classification. As in the past the treatises demonstrated the practical know how of stereotomic materialisation, it is also important now to inquire and demonstrate how current digital design and manufacturing technologies are supporting the conditions that are prompting a renewed and expanded interest on stereotomy today.
Azambuja Varela, Pedro. ‘Reconstrução de uma Estereotomia – para uma abordagem estereotómica multi-semântica’. PhD, 2020. https://repositorio-aberto.up.pt/handle/10216/129891.
The original work can be found in Universidade do Porto’s open repository website at https://repositorio-aberto.up.pt/handle/10216/129891 and openly downloaded.