Rael San Fratello: Experiencing New Forms
The architectural duo behind Rael San Fratello fashions itself as an atelier that is engaged in a conversation with the practice of its field. By asking fundamental questions about material, shape, place and intent, designers Ronald Rael and Virginia San Fratello push the boundaries of what’s possible within dwellings, businesses, institutions and much more. Their “Emerging Objects” project from 2019 explored the southwestern tradition of mud-based construction and combined it with the latest in 3D printing technology to envision a future of locale- and planet-friendly structures and daily wares in situ.
Assignment Idea: Lowering the Total Cost
Description
Planet-friendly structures are resource-efficient throughout their life-cycle, from design to construction, operation, maintenance, renovation – and eventually demolition. A paradigm shift in the field of architecture and landscape design, these types of buildings are a more sustainable way to secure the future of business and residential buildings in urban areas.
After reviewing the various examples that were shown in the “Emerging Objects” example, reflect on your surroundings: What process(es) have you seen that change the natural landscape in your area or an area that you may visit? What effects have there been on wildlife, water, air, the community, etc?
How could the focus of Rael San Fratello’s work be transferred to the process that you have identified in order to lower environmental impacts?
Subject Areas
Engineering, Sustainability, Technical Writing
Deliverables
- a labeled sketch of the process/modification
- a short essay describing the process that would be used to lower the environmental impact
- a 3D print of the process/modification (in miniature version) that would be used to lower the environmental impacts (optional)
- presentation of the process to lower the impact using PowerPoint, Google Slides, or a video