From Brickyards to Industrial Production and the Development of Masonry Structures in Residential Buildings in Barcelona During the 19th and 20th Centuries
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Brick masonry has played a key role in shaping the built environment throughout human history. Until the industrial revolution, brick manufacturing methods did not undergo significant changes. However, from the 19th century onwards, a whole series of innovations in brick manufacturing took place, which were spread throughout Europe with the help of world exhibitions. This paper proposes to study the evolution of these techniques which coincides in time with a great need for housing construction at a European level, which had to accommodate a growing urban population. A chronology of the improvements in brick manufacturing in this vibrant period is elaborated, identifying the main milestones in the improvement in brick moulding and firing techniques. Next, the case of Barcelona is presented, where this application of brick to residential construction is key to understand the type of construction and heritage environment characteristic of the city. Significant case studies are selected, which exemplify and provide precise knowledge of the evolution of brick masonry structural systems and building typologies. This enables us to understand the relationship between manufacturing techniques and construction techniques, in a structural system that is developing and growing in height.
Authors: Albert Cabané, Còssima Cornadó
Language: English
Subfield: History
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G4366895790, G8540295035, G8920660035
OpenAlex ID: W4409151135