2018 Best of Design Award for New Materials: Cyclopean Cannibalism
Designer: Matter Design
Location: Seoul, South Korea
By translating an ancient method of masonry into a digital procedure, Matter Design developed Cyclopean Cannibalism as a sustainable alternative to the standard practice of landfilling demolition debris. This project illustrates how the carcasses of previous buildings could be reused as a new material. To do this, rubble is scanned and input into a digital algorithm that sorts random shapes. Each stonelike component is carved by a robotic arm and recomposed into a new construction. In today’s urban context, we generate unprecedented quantities of waste. In order to more intelligently reconsider existing building stock, the profession could learn from cyclopean construction. Can our future cities digest themselves?
Honorable Mentions
Project Name: One Thousand Museum
Designers: Zaha Hadid Architects and ODP Architects
Location: Miami
Project Name: Clastic Order
Designer: T+E+A+M
Location: San Francisco