Sebastian Rost

In this concise and practical presentation from the Norwegian Symposium on Beauty in Architecture 2025, Sebastian Rost, a craftsman, shares insights into "Beauty is My Craft: Making Ornaments Today." He introduces four main technologies used in plasterwork: pulling, molding, modeling, and "rabbits" (a technique involving metal mesh and hair mortar). Rost showcases his work on recreating ornate facades, particularly highlighting a project on a Berlin palace that had lost its original plasterwork after World War II.

He explains his process of planning from old pictures and existing remnants, and the application of various techniques to bring the intricate designs back to life. He emphasizes the importance of unpainted, textured surfaces for better aging and a more authentic historical appearance. The presentation also includes examples of interior plasterwork, demonstrating the versatility of these traditional methods in modern contexts. Rost's talk is a testament to the enduring skill and artistry involved in architectural ornamentation.

Recorded at the 3rd annual Beauty and Ugliness in Architecture conference in Oslo, May 2nd – 4th 2025.