Cambridge-based firm Matter Design has unveiled research on seemingly ‘weightless’ concrete forms that can be easily moved. Realised in collaboration with construction-research company CEMEX global R&D, the pair have discovered a way of rotating mammoth stones that would otherwise rely on cranes or heavy equipment.
Walking Assembly from matter design on Vimeo.
The design lab’s principal Brandon Clifford detailed their findings during a talk at TED’s 2019 conference which is being held in Vancouver. Video documentation of their research illustrates the possibility of moving large concrete forms and assembling them into multi-level platforms, walls, and even staircases. using rounded edges and handle points the components can be easily rocked, tilted, and rolled into place.
Source – https://www.designboom.com/architecture/mit-matter-design-walking-assembly-brandon-clifford-ted-04-17-2019/