The project ‘‘Brick-topia’’ was based on a combination of the latest structural analysis and form-finding computational tools with traditional, cheap and effective construction techniques.\ud It is the result of innovation to fight against budget and time. The initial budget was 3000 euros and only seven weeks was the time to look for sponsors, design the pavilion, plan the construction phases and build it.\ud The whole process of designing, decision on the materials, structural analysis and construction is presented in the paper, including exploration on new form-finding methods to redesign a project in situ and research on a new formwork system using scaffolding, cardboard, wire and steel rods and having a cutter as main toolPostprint (published version

Los nuevos métodos interactivos de equilibrio para diseñar y analizar estructuras de fábrica han facilitado la construcción de este tipo de estructuras con un lenguaje formal normalmente no asociado a las estructuras a compresión. Estos avances también han reavivado el interés por la bóveda tabicada, y han dado lugar a un redescubrimiento de esta técnica constructiva tradicional. Los procesos constructivos han sido adaptados para garantizar que las nuevas bóvedas tabicadas de formas complejas puedan continuar materializándose de una manera económica. Por ejemplo, se han introducido sistemas de cimbrado más baratos y sencillos. Así mismo, se ha experimentado con una gran variedad de materiales que permitan construir estructuras abovedadas más sostenibles con recursos locales. Este artículo presenta una revisión de las últimas innovaciones en técnica tabicada basándose en las obras más representativas de los últimos años con respecto a la forma, el método constructivo y el uso de materiales.

Tile vaults are unreinforced masonry structures made of thin bricks (tiles) and fast-setting mortar that can be constructed needing only formwork along their boundaries, making them inherently economic. Their slenderness and finishing make them also efficient and expressive. These qualities of tile vaulting can be enhanced by combining it with concrete and/or reinforcement. A top layer of concrete reduces time and labour, whereas reinforcement can reduce the thickness, allows the construction in seismic areas and opens the formal possibilities of tile-vaulted construction beyond compression only. A few architects and engineers, such as Guastavino, Gaudí, Le Corbusier, and Torroja, among others, envisioned some of these qualities and used these combinations in their buildings. This article reviews the unique examples of tile vaulting combined with concrete and/or reinforcement in the past, showing their successful results and giving an overview of how their authors faced the structural analysis and design.

This article introduces a methodology for a novel data-driven computational model aimed at aiding public administrations in managing and evaluating the adaptative reuse of buildings while tackling ecological and digital challenges. Drawing from the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the study underscores the significance of innovative approaches in harnessing the economic potential of data. Focusing on Barcelona’s Ciutat Vella district, the research selects five historic public buildings for analysis, strategically positioned to spur local entrepreneurship and counteract tourism dominance. Through an extensive literature review, the article identifies a gap in computational models for building adaptative reuse and proposes a methodological framework that integrates data collection, processing, and computational modelling, underscored by GIS technology and open data sources. The proposed methodology for a computational algorithm aims to systematise spatial characteristics, assess programmatic needs, and optimise building usage, while addressing challenges such as data integration and quality assurance. Ultimately, the research presents a pioneering approach to building adaptative reuse, aimed at fostering sustainable urban development and offering replicable insights applicable to similar challenges in other cities.