Geneva—At the Fondation Pavillon Sicli, Davide Zampini, Vice President of Global Research and Development at CEMEX, introduced a striking approach to concrete construction through a project titled “Recreating Félix Candela.” The work revives the celebrated thin-shell methods of Mexican architect Félix Candela, emphasizing a creative fabrication technique rooted in folding concrete.
The project reframes reinforced concrete in thin-shell form, highlighting how material efficiency can be achieved through geometric folding. This process results in structures that are both lightweight and durable, echoing Candela’s legacy of combining structural strength with architectural elegance.
The exhibition presentation was streamlined and precise, focusing on materials, procedural detail, and the alignment of research with fabrication. The new method presented involves a material called Resilia, a fiber-reinforced high-performance concrete that allows for the realization of complex architectural forms. This technique employs a folding method using slats, which, combined with precise control over the concrete’s properties and timing, enables the rapid creation of these complex shapes.
Key Features of CEMEX’s Folding Concrete Technique
- Integration of folding steps with casting: Molds, formwork adjustments, and shell curvature was developed in a sequence that demonstrated clarity and precision.
- Transition from digital design to physical prototype: Conceptual diagrams directly linked to tangible folded shells, showing the connection between computational design and real-world construction.
- Polished technical delivery: The method was presented with an emphasis on clarity and rigor, reflecting both research discipline and industrial applicability.
By reinterpreting Candela’s structural philosophy, the project bridges ingenuity with modern fabrication strategies. The approach underscores how thin-shell construction can evolve through innovation while remaining true to its original ethos of efficiency and geometric elegance. The initiative stands as a contribution to academic and industrial dialogue alike, reaffirming the role of creative concrete techniques in advancing contemporary architecture.
Image and video source: CEMEX
