The Pyramids. The Parthenon. Petra. Only a few of the structures one might recall when thinking of stone in architecture. Even in the realm of art, one would be hard pressed to conjure visions of stone that do not include Michelangelo’s David or the Venus de Milo. Take these connotations of regality and power and add the additional heft of metal and an undeniable sense of gravitas is perceived whenever one imagines structures of stone. 

But, what if there didn’t have to be? What if stone could float? What if it could be lighthearted, fun, and whimsical? What if all it takes to bring wonder and reverence to the world is not vast castles or lofty cathedrals but a simple, unexpected moment of finding beauty, delight, and intrigue where you weren’t expecting to?

Composed of bolted steel frames that hold stone in both compression and tension against each other, Serendipity is a canopy system designed and fabricated by myself and a partner. A hands on learning experience in materiality, tolerances, and detail development, I came up with the design and cut all of the stone while my partner handled the structure and fabrication of the steel frame.