" Although fair-faced concrete is a building material, the simple and serene spatial vibe it creates is remarkably unique. Fair-faced concrete requires the craftsmanship of high accuracy; the formwork determines whether success or failure will occur. Thus, the production process demands a cautious attitude, reminding oneself, 'There’s only one chance; if it’s not done right, it must be demolished and started from scratch.' This fosters a careful and prudent approach to work. "
About Shih Ao
Established in 1998, Shih Ao has inherited the fair-faced concrete construction techniques from OBAYASHI CORPORATION and Takenaka Corporation. The founder, Mr. Mao Shen-Chiang, and his team have dedicated over 30 years to this field, establishing a mature process for the interface and construction details of fair-faced concrete.
Fair-Faced Concrete in Practice
The construction process of fair-faced concrete architecture is exceptionally rigorous, embodying the essence of meticulous craftsmanship. Assuming the construction involves a thousand procedures, each must be executed with absolute precision, leaving no room for error, or the entire effort could be compromised.
From the subdivision plan, formwork design, concrete mix ratio, and pour grouting to the final finishing, every step must be perfect, ensuring that there are no pockmarks, rust stains, exposed rebar, or inclusions on the wall surface after formwork removal. If any issues arise, the structure often must be demolished and rebuilt without compromise.
Thus, the preliminary planning for fair-faced concrete architecture is time-consuming, requiring close coordination among various professionals, repeated testing, and careful adjustments to achieve a perfect output. When people admire a fair-faced concrete building, we are witnessing the collective dedication of engineers and crafters, each fulfilling their role with a professional commitment to excellence, ensuring even the smallest details are perfected to create an outstanding work.
Future & Innovation
Hand-making，Machine-making，Digital-making
People no longer view architectural development solely through the lens of aesthetic styles or trends. Instead, they explore whether architectural evolution, like advancements in clothing, food, housing, and transportation, is driven by scientific and technological progress. Is the emergence of new aesthetics a matter of chance, or is it inextricably linked to technological advancements?
How will the future of architecture unfold?
