Research Project for (Im)material Matters Lab, UC Berkeley

Academic, 2025
Collaborate with David Lin
Instructor: Liz Gálvez

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Sandstone, wood frame, rope.

Constructed with a wooden frame inspired by modern wood framing techniques, the column is infilled with carefully arranged, dry-stacked stones, held in place by nylon rope. This method not only achieves a high thermal mass but also allows for increased surface area and natural ventilation between the stones. These properties enable the sculpture to absorb, store, and release thermal energy through convection, demonstrating the dynamic interplay between material, energy, and air. Envisioned as part of a larger system, the column’s aggregation creates a hypostyle hall—a dense array of columns forming a shaded and cooling environment. The sculpture serves as a prototype for a shaded thermal mass system, inviting viewers to consider its potential as an architectural solution for mitigating heat in extreme climates. 
This artifact, standing 8 feet tall and spaning 4 feet in width, explores the intersection of contemporary construction techniques, environmental responsiveness, and sculptural form. Viewed in plan, the column takes the shape of a cross, further subdividing the stone massing,while increasing it's surface area.