Brick

Bricks its a constructive element that are made of a ceramic material, usually laid using various kinds of mortar. Bricks are made for the construction of walls, different kinds of roofs and for the paving, making the construction easier because bricks consist in many blocks laids one to each other. It is very usefull to create arches, vaults and domes. There are many kinds of bricks which depend on the material used for the creation of the blocks. You can find many types of colors also. In primitive times, bricks was the primer material for the construction of castles and churches because, with a correct frame wood, it was possible to create many kinds of arches, vaults and domes. The laying techniques consist in a bed of mortar in where the bricks are going to be laid. It is possible to create originals design depending on the person and hisher likes.

These are three different types of laying techniques:



... but also it is possible to create amazing design in walls, roofs, and paving. Here are some pictures:



Brick have many advantages once you want to construct with this material. It is easy to transport and quarry, it is possible to cut in various shapes to adapt it to the design or the construction, it is possible to create lots of differents design in walls and paving, and also, it the best material for the structure and construction of vaults, arches and domes.

"COMEDOWN ON SOMEBODY LIKE A TON OF BRICKS" Domino Effect



............. How has brick been used in Piazza del Campo? .... .....

The heart of Siena, Piazza del Campo, is all made of brick. It is a square surrounding by buildings and houses from Middle Age. Here is where the people of Siena held their market in ages past, therefore it is a very important place since the first one who lived in this city.

 Brick was the primer material used for the construction at that time, as a covering for the facades of the buildings, for making walls and as structure. It is very usefull for making arches and vaults. In Piazza del Campo, brick was also use for the paving, making the most amazing square design by lots of red bricks blocks intersected with nine white lines which represents the Government of Nine, Siena´s medieval rulers.

The special motif created in the paving of the square has a shell-shaped form, perfectly laid to each other to create various sensations. This sensations are also possible thanks to the inclinate floor that gives an effect that makes you fell like in an amphitheatre.

Nowadays, Piazza del campo its renowned worldwide for its beauty and architectural integrity. Its the most important public space of Sienas´s historic center and is used twice a year to held horse races, for ceremonies, turism and for street theatre and entertainment.



"It is amazing to see how it was possible for the italians to reconstruct the square with lots of bricks. It seems that brick was the right option for the construction of this place because it looks beautiful and perfectly done. It was also clever because brick is a longlast material. The use of the brick goes beyond the structure. The walls, the facades and even the paving is covered by lots of bricks. These bricks have different red tones that makes a unique and splendid design"