2018 was our third workshop event. Here is a look at 2018’s topic, speakers, and sponsors.
2018 ARCHITECTURAL CERAMIC ASSEMBLIES WORKSHOP:
Bioclimatic Funtion of Terra Cotta
The workshop’s objective focused on introducing and considering the properties of terra cotta earlier in the architect’s design process and to develop research and design models between manufacturing and architectural industries useful to the efficient production of facade solutions.
Methods of study vary from research and experimentation to modeling, rapid prototyping and construction of terra cotta units. With access to Boston Valley’s 3D CAD/CAM technology including RHINO software, CNC machining, and 5-axis routing, as well as their forming capabilities of architectural terra cotta – slip cast, hand press, RAM press and extrusion – participants had a unique opportunity to produce physical prototypes to theoretical studies.
Through pre-design and prototype development, teams’ explorations included the use of new digital tools in the production of terra cotta assemblies, the development of unitized façade systems, and how the variable materiality of terra cotta (through-body color, finish and glaze) can inform and enhance a façade’s bioclimatic performance.
ACAW 2018 Links
2018 TEAMS
2018 SPEAKERS
Keynote Speaker
Christopher Sharples, AIA
Principal, SHoP Architects
Christopher Sharples is a Principal of SHoP with a focus on cultural projects and master planning. He has earned a reputation as a thoughtful leader of his generation of innovative architects and a powerful advocate for design quality and community values in contemporary city-building.
At the final presentation of the ACAWorkshop, Chris Sharples showcased a selection of the firm’s extensive list of projects, illustrating the use of the model as an iterative, organic tool in the design process. Sharples discussed technology and software’s capacity to further the innovation of the manufacturing and construction industries.
Craig Copeland, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Associate Partner, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects
In Craig Copeland’s lecture, he spoke about his personal work as an artist working with ceramics and stone and how it balances and influences his work as an architect. Additionally, he detailed some of his Rome Fulbright studies, learning about Etruscan funerary hut urns and various medium that are Italian by nature, and the cyclical process he takes between sketching, modeling, and sculpting.
Matthew Krissel, AIA, LEED AP
Partner, KieranTimberlake
Matthew Krissel spoke about the collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach to design taken at KieranTimberlake. Their firm stresses the importance of research in the initial stages of design and the value of collective intelligence in the design process.
Gerd Hoenicke
Director of Pre-Construction Services, Schüco
Gerd Hoenicke gave a lecture on, “The Design Principals of Unitized Façades,” where he outlined the differences between American and European unitized façade systems, detailing his reasons behind his preference for the latter over the former.
Christine Jetten
Glaze Artist, Owner, Studio Christine Jetten
The ceramic glaze artist, who participated alongside Team University at Buffalo to create the iridescent glazes for their prototype, discussed her international work creating custom glazes for architectural facades. Jetten has worked with Boston Valley Terra Cotta in the past to formulate different unique glazes for various projects.
William M. Carty
Ph.D., Alfred University
Dr. Carty’s lecture was entitled, “Limitation Considerations for Clay & Glaze.” He informed the attendees about the relationship between ceramic clay bodies and the surface coating of glaze, going into technical detail about the strength and failure of these materials.
Anne Currier
Studio Artist
Anne Currier is a renowned ceramic artist and professor emerita of the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Anne’s relationship and work with Boston Valley Terra Cotta has lead to the creation of various custom ceramic tile walls, such as the Miller Theatre at Alfred University, the Boston Valley conference room, and at One Great Jones Alley in New York City. Anne talked about her past and present projects with Boston Valley, specifically the design and manufacturing of terra cotta tiles for her upcoming solo exhibition at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, entitled Display.
