Concrete, and more specifically reinforced concrete, has allowed humans to build huge structures, like bridges, tunnels and skyscrapers, which have revolutionised the urban landscape since the mid-20th century. But concrete has been overused. Cities have been defaced by ugly concrete buildings from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s in particular.
Another problem with concrete is that it starts to deteriorate after 50 years so that buildings and infrastructures often have to be demolished and replaced.
Another issue is that concrete is extremely carbon intensive to produce and usually goes hand in hand with steel which also generates huge amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
In contrast stone buildings last pretty much forever and cause much less emissions to build. Even when stone buildings are destroyed, the stones can be reused easily — unlike concrete.
Stone constructions also offer a better insulation than concrete. What's more stones are extremely abundant on Earth, so we are never going to run out of raw material.
This video explains why we should start to build with stone again.
This second video explains all the drawbacks of concrete buildings.
Another problem with concrete is that it starts to deteriorate after 50 years so that buildings and infrastructures often have to be demolished and replaced.
Another issue is that concrete is extremely carbon intensive to produce and usually goes hand in hand with steel which also generates huge amount of greenhouse gas emissions.
In contrast stone buildings last pretty much forever and cause much less emissions to build. Even when stone buildings are destroyed, the stones can be reused easily — unlike concrete.
Stone constructions also offer a better insulation than concrete. What's more stones are extremely abundant on Earth, so we are never going to run out of raw material.
This video explains why we should start to build with stone again.
This second video explains all the drawbacks of concrete buildings.
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