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On the metaphysics of exposed concrete
- Despite the fact that exposed concrete is designed and developed according to rational and technical arguments, seemingly irrational construction abound.
- Exposed concrete represents the outcome of various transformation processes and metamorphoses that have left their mark (a kind of “memory” of or former states).
- A precarious congruency exists between outer form and “inner life”. The thin surface layer of exposed concrete seldom plays the role of the iconographic mediator.
- The quality of concrete surface characterises the building as a whole within architectural theme. It tends towards either the archaic or the abstract.
- Form is defined as the pre-effected synthesis of various influencing factors, with technological immanence rarely correlating with cultural permanence.
- The concrete form is relative to the internal flow of forces. The flow is interpreted either as a system in equilibrium based on constructional and spiritual factors, or as a stress model with foundations in natural science and reality.
- Every kind of concrete shows a face.
— Andrea Depiazes, On the metaphysics of exposed concrete