ABSTRACT
In ancient times, metalwork belonged to the arts of tectonics and was primarily used for warlike and decorative purposes, while its architectonic potentials remained almost unexplored. As opposed to Gottfried Semper, who understood metal tectonics in analogy to carpentry and textile work, we argue that tectonics is neither restricted to “carpentry” nor does it have to be monumental to display its architectonic potential. The work of Jean Prouvé, particularly his extensive use of sheet metal, is central in assessing how the advancements within consumer industry has influenced architecture. The described theoretical body of knowledge of metal tectonics constitutes together with a focused case study of the works of Prouvé the basis for the development of a digital fabricated, stressed-skin construction building principle. The principle suggest that metalwork can become a design strategy in a contemporary context.
