Omar Khan

Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop: Bioclimatic Ceramic Assemblies II Omar Khan

ACAW: Bioclimatic Ceramic Assemblies II chronicles the research and prototypes developed by four teams for the second Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop in 2017. A collaboration between Boston Valley Terra Cotta, the preeminent terracotta manufacturer in the United States and the School of Architecture and Planning at the University at Buffalo (SUNY), the workshop's aim is to explore the bioclimatic potential of terracotta in contemporary architecture. Projects by AECOM/Alfred University, Morphosis, University at Buffalo/Alfred University and Walter P Moore, explore the structural and environmental potential of the material and the opportunities for new expression and building performance this can bring to architecture. The teams are composed of practicing architects, engineers and ceramic artists. Team AECOM/Alfred University developed a counter current heat exchanger as a façade system, while Team Morphosis explored the formal and fabrication potential of extruded rainscreens. The University at Buffalo/Alfred University explored the performative potential of ornamental systems while Team Walter P Moore developed a post tensioned ceramic screen. A conversation with material scientist Krishna Rajan concludes the volume.