Micah is the founder of Monumental Labs, one of the most exciting companies in the architecture and construction industry right now.  It blends humanistic values with tech – much like Apple did to revolutionize the computer industry in the 80’s.


His company is building robotic stone carving factories to unleash a renaissance in art and architecture, using robots to create sculptures, architectural pieces, and more. The goal is to bring costs down, unleash creativity, empower people, and to once again build great architecture that will be standing in 500 years.


You can see why I’m so excited to talk to him!  We at Building Culture will absolutely be partnering with him on upcoming projects.


The use of robots and AI in stone carving raises philosophical and ethical implications, which we discuss.  It’s worth noting the company is working with artists, architects, and stone masons to create these works of art, and is actually bringing people, that is, humans, INTO the trade of stone carving, and creating entirely new forms of artwork not possible before. Enjoy!


Takeaways

• Monumental Labs is using robots and AI to revolutionize the art and architecture industry by automating the stone carving process.


• The use of robots allows for the creation of highly ornate buildings and sculptures that would be too labor-intensive to create by hand.


• The company works with artists, architects, and stone carvers, offering new possibilities for creativity and innovation.


• While the use of robots and AI raises philosophical and ethical questions, it also opens up new avenues for artistic expression and pushes the boundaries of what is possible. Technology can help preserve traditional craftsmanship and keep the knowledge and skills of handcrafting alive.


• Stone carving can provide more job opportunities for artists and allow them to develop their own art while making a living.


• There is a debate between copying great works of art and creating original pieces, but both have their place in the art world.


• Architecture gains meaning and value when it is thoughtful about its viewers and users, and when it gives back to the community.


• The future of architecture may involve a return to building with stone, using AI and robotics to manufacture custom details and reduce costs.



Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Monumental Labs and the Use of Robots in Stone Carving
03:48 Automating the Stone Carving Process for Highly Ornate Buildings
06:14 Scaling Up and Making Stone Carving More Efficient
11:28 The Role of Hand Carving in Art and Architecture
23:13 Balancing Craftsmanship and Automation in Stone Carving
29:03 The Role of Artists as Inventors and Innovators
33:23 The Future of AI in Art and Architecture
35:16 Preserving Traditional Craftsmanship
38:09 The Debate: Copying vs Creating
41:23 The Meaning and Value of Architecture
56:12 The Future of Architecture: Building with Stone and AI


CONNECT WITH MICAH
Twitter: https://x.com/mspringut
Twitter: https://x.com/Monumental_Labs
Website: https://www.monumentallabs.co/


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CONNECT WITH AUSTIN TUNNELL
https://www.instagram.com/austintunnell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/
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