TFG Events & Workshops

Patrick Moore

The Professional School of Practical Stereotomy, Founder

Patrick M. Moore, a highly skilled Canadian carpenter and construction manager, has risen to prominence in his profession as a program manager overseeing the development of multiple multibillion-dollar mega structures at Amor Construction, a reputed construction company. Beyond his primary role, outside his regular working hours, he has garnered international acclaim for his expertise in stereotomy, particularly in the traditional French craft of L'Art du Trait. With over a decade of accredited schooling worldwide, he achieved the notable distinction of being the first person from the English-speaking world to be accepted as a "Compagnon Passant Charpentier" in France. He completed his Master’s with the esteemed La Grande École des Hommes de Métiers en Compagnonnage, an elite academic institution in France often likened to an elite Ivy League school. Additionally, Moore holds a degree in construction management, complemented by two diplomas in heritage carpentry and masonry.

Moore's credentials include two Red Seal Certificates in carpentry and cabinetmaking, two Gold Seal Certificates as a Construction Site Superintendent and Foreman, certification as a Construction Professional from the Project Management Institute, and designation as a National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO). He is a member of several professional associations, including the Association Ouvrière des Compagnons du Devoir de Tour de France, Fellow of The Institute of Carpenters, The Chartered Institute of Building in the United Kingdom, The Association for Preservation Technology International, The International Association of World Heritage Professionals, and The Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals.

His works and pieces are displayed in museums around the world, including the Musée du Compagnonnage in Tours, France, the Musée des Maîtres et Artisans du Québec in Montreal, Canada, and the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum in Kobe, Japan.

He specializes in historic joinery and carpentry practices and has worked around the world on nationally and internationally classified historical sites. He has an extensive portfolio, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and numerous nationally classified historical monuments in Europe and North America. He has authored articles in journals such as Timber Framing, Scantlings, The Woodworker’s Journal, Australian Wood Review, and the Archives of New Traditional Architecture, and his contributions to academic discourse have been recognized and cited by other leading publications.

In 2014, Moore founded The Professional School of Practical Stereotomy in Ottawa, Canada, a unique institution offering education and training in practical stereotomy, where students have the opportunity to obtain up to a Master’s certificate in Stereotomy. Moore's commitment to advancing the field of carpentry is evident through his role as an instructor in carpentry programs worldwide, where he has significantly elevated the standard of carpentry

schoolofstereotomy.com

Presentation

The Art and Science of Stereotomy: An Organic Holistic Technology
The presentation will delve into the ancient practice of stereotomy, which involves manually representing three-dimensional volumes through geometric construction drawings. Originating over a millennium ago and utilized across cultures like France, Germany, and Japan, stereotomy has persisted as a vital architectural technique, despite being largely overshadowed by technological advancements. Through apprenticeship and hands-on experience, practitioners have honed their skills, transforming not only their abilities but also their perspectives. Stereotomy's significance extends to iconic structures worldwide, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites in France, Germany, and Japan. By simplifying complex architectural designs into concrete visual representations, stereotomy empowers craftsmen to construct intricate architectural designs without relying on modern technology. The presentation aims to illustrate stereotomy's historical importance, cultural nuances, and practical applications, showcasing its transformative impact on both architecture and the individuals who practice it.

Preserving Craftsmanship in a Technological Age: The Transformative Experience of Learning Stereotomy Manually
In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and automation, the preservation of traditional craftsmanship has become increasingly vital. This presentation explores the transformative experience of learning stereotomy techniques manually, without the use of modern technologies, within the context of profound insights from seminal works such as "The Real World of Technology" by Dr. Ursula Franklin, "The Glass Cage: Automation and Us" by Nicholas G. Carr, "The Technological Society" by Jacques Ellul, and "The Hand" by Frank Wilson.

Drawing from these foundational texts, the presentation delves into the social, ethical, and existential implications of technology's pervasive influence on society. It highlights the disconnect between humans and the physical world brought about by automation and emphasizes the importance of reclaiming agency through hands-on learning experiences. Key points include the preservation of traditional skills, enhanced understanding and appreciation of materials and processes, fostering creativity and innovation, and the promotion of human-centered design principles. By learning stereotomy techniques by hand, individuals not only safeguard traditional craftsmanship but also cultivate a deeper connection with their work and surroundings. This presentation advocates for the integration of manual craftsmanship into educational curricula and professional training programs as a means of preserving cultural heritage, fostering resilience, and promoting sustainable approaches to technology and design. Through hands-on learning, we can bridge the gap between past and future, ensuring that valuable skills and knowledge are passed down to future generations in an increasingly automated world.