Building Rings

Abstract

Building Rings is a series of six rings sculpted from a variety of clay blocks. Clay blocks or non-decorative bricks [snelbouwstenen] are perforated bricks used in structural work. They have many advantages (less raw material, simpler manufacturing process, better thermal resistance), but they are not frost-resistant. As a result, they cannot be used for exterior walls and are thus normally never visible, although they occupy a significant place in the (Belgian and Dutch) built environment. Exploiting the ornamental potential hidden in this building material, I grind and sand the clay blocks with finger holes, making them more manageable for masons, into archetypal signet rings whose design and size are determined by the initial clay blocks.