Cast-in-cracks is a fabrication technique that uses crack dynamics in clay soil as a locally self-computable formwork for casting intricate porous formations that could be used in architecture. The crack pattern is a phenomenon that is a result of various environmental conditions and their emergence is controlled only by controlling the physical conditions under which the phenomenon takes place. Because of those ingredients mud crack morphology poses a high degree of heterogeneity influenced by the local conditions. Hence the desirability to instrumentalize this phenomenon of cracking as novel fabrication technique that poses the capacity to produce with each cast unique artefacts.
In order to initiate the fabrication process some conditions needs to be met. Firstly the existing soil needs to be cracked assuming that the environmental condition and geological composition allows the cracking phenomenon to occur. Once the cracks unfold to a desired morphology, the interstitial space can be field with a material suitable to stand and support the weight of the structure. A second layer of clay can be added to ensure a better structural integrity later on. Finally, the last step is the removal of the form work , process which will be undertaken by the elements through weathering, erosion, eventually washed by rain.
Cast-in-cracks
