Architectural studio SOM, along with Princeton University’s Form Finding Lab and the University of Bergamo, designed a brick vault construction that supports itself.

In their research, the team found that Renaissance dome of Florence Cathedral (also referred to as the Santa Maria del Fiore) by Filippo Brunelleschi, as well as 11th-century Venetian domes, may have been built using self-balancing mechanics without external supports during the construction process.

Called Angelus Novus Vault, the doubly-curved vault was constructed without temporary support or guide work. It was made a novel mixed-reality construction approach. The three-dimensional geometry of the vault was difficult to capture in 2D drawings. Therefore, the team used augmented reality (AR). The AR interface serves as an immersive and intuitive 3D construction document, showing the mason exactly where to place each brick. In addition, a digital model was accessible via twenty quick response (QR) codes placed around the site.

The project aims to show new possibilities for digital fabrication and efficient, sustainable construction methods. In total, the arch consists of 2000 handmade bricks, made of recycled materials.

Photos: Variante Artistica / Vittorio Paris / Federico Vespignani