Natural Stone: Sustainable Architecture Enriched by Ancient Practices

This lecture explores the sustainable nature of natural stone, a material with a material cycle that spans occurrence, extraction, design, implementation, processing, deconstruction, and re-use. The incredible range of textures, colors, and patterns of natural stone, along with its physical properties, has made it a fundamental building material. The lecture delves into how natural stone, deeply rooted in its territory, has culturally defined our built environment and offers diverse design possibilities. It discusses how the strength, massiveness, and stability of natural stone embody cultural values like reliability, durability, and continuity, making it a valuable asset for future constructions. By inviting international experts to discuss at the CRITICAL MASS conference, the lecture aims to showcase how natural stone, with its ancient building knowledge, can contribute to a more sustainable architecture by addressing contemporary challenges such as material resources, cultural values, and circular economy.