Il mattone cuneiforme maiolicato. Procedure algoritmico-parametriche digitali come strumento di indagine e progettazione: dall'architettura storica all'innovazione del design

Abstract

The study focuses on the cuneiform in majolica brick that has been widespread in Sicily since the 16th century for the construction of spires and domes. A unifying element that has constituted a particular identity contribution to the island’s brick tradition; an original solution able to combine aesthetics with structural and durability. On the basis of more than a hundred examined cases, the different geometrical-formal peculiarities detected in relation to the characteristics of the shell are described. Some analyses and checks of the traditional geometrical composition patterns of the wall facade are reported. Through the definition of digital tools of algorithmic-parametric design, new configurations of masonry texture on surfaces with variable curvature are proposed for a contemporary re-proposition of the building component with last-generation materials and techniques.