Our engagement with material memory involves a rigorous selection process of reclaimed materials. In collaboration with a recycling facility in New York, we source construction debris such as masonry rubble and mixed mortar. These materials are selected randomly, prioritizing a good fit to ensure that our structures maintain a human-like instinct for building walls. As the structure starts to layer, we recognize that each piece placed in the assembly acts as a guide for the next, directing the material to follow an instinctive and intuitive gradient of growth. This process involves a deep understanding of the materia’s’ lifecycle, which helps in preserving their narrative and intrinsic values as advocated by Greg Lynn. The application of material gradients is a methodological choice that involves categorizing materials based on density, volume, and structural integrity. This systematic categorization allows for the strategic placement of materials, transitioning from robust, structural elements at lower levels to lighter, decorative materials at higher elevations. This gradient not only enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal but also its structural efficiency.
