Before and After Sand

Sand is the most exploited resource in the world after water, and its consumption is growing at an unprecedented pace. Worldwide, over 50 billion tonnes of sand and gravel are used each year in the construction industry – enough to build a wall 27 metres high and 27 metres wide right round the Equator.
Sand is also an important raw material for ceramics, glass and microchips, as well as being used in processing techniques such as sand casting, waterjet cutting and sandblasting.

“Before and After Sand” sheds light on questions about the value of sand, its formation over time, the impact of its extraction on ecosystems and the potential for a sustainable future through mineral, synthetic or organic alternatives. The exhibition is a collaboration with the Werkstoffarchiv of the Sitterwerk in St. Gallen and the London architecture practice Material Cultures.