In this episode of the Architects for Change Podcast, Jay sits down with Pierre Bidaud, a master stonemason and creative director of the Stone Masonry Company. With a deep passion for sustainable building practices, Pierre shares his journey from joining a journeyman guild to mastering the art of working with natural stone. Together, they explore why stone should be seen as a commodity rather than a luxury and how the disconnect between architects, engineers, and the materials they use has impacted the industry.
Pierre delves into the challenges facing the construction world today, including the invisibility of craftsmen in the building process, the importance of respecting raw materials, and how stone, despite being centuries old, can be a sustainable, low-carbon alternative to modern materials. They also discuss innovative ways to reintroduce stone as a structural material in affordable housing projects and rethink its role in the broader construction industry.
This episode is a must-listen for architects, builders, and anyone interested in the future of sustainable architecture and the role of traditional materials in modern design.
#stone #architecture #politics
Useful links :
15 clerkenwell close Amin Taha: https://www.architecture.com/awards-and-competitions-landing-page/awards/riba-regional-awards/riba-london-award-winners/2018/15-clerkenwell-close?srsltid=AfmBOor6N7Z6X-yY08XqZkMGZHIvqhITay6Fj8A8mLwWye5g32fU0rDC
The stone masonry company : https://www.thestonemasonrycompany.co.uk