brick by brick

Architectural explorations in crafting and laying bricks are seeing this humble building material being used in incredible new ways

brick s a re one of the oldest building materials in the world – there’s evidence from archaeological digs of bricks being used to create structures as early as 7,000BC. You might think, then, that bricks are things that have been explored to their full potential, used in every possible way – and the amazing buildings built with bricks around the world seem to be evidence that supports that.

However, as ancient as the idea of a brick may be, it ’s not immune to the technological revolution happening in design, and architects have begun to explore the connection between this physical building block and modern technology in order to build new, decorative forms that proves brick still has relevance in construction today.

‘The brick is a well-established material that has proven to embody a timeless appeal – manifesting a sense of character, permanency and design integrity in the architecture that utilises it, whether it be traditional or contemporary styles,’ Billy Mavropoulos, director of London-based architecture practice Bureau de Change, tells us. ‘The brick’s inherent qualities also justify its relevance today. It’s sustainable, durable and resilient, improving with innovative fabrication methods and technologies. It’s a flexible and versatile material that, when implemented in the right way, has the potential to bridge functionality and form.’