2023 Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop Explores the Innovative Design Possibilities of Terra Cotta

The eighth annual Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop (ACAW) will commence on August 14, 2023, with an opening keynote speech by Eric Parry, RA – Principal & Founder of Eric Parry Architects with studios in London and Singapore.

ACAW is an industry-academic collaborative workshop hosted by Boston Valley Terra Cotta, with Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture and the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning. Its aim is to broaden industry professionals’ knowledge of the performance of terra cotta, encouraging a deeper understanding of manufacturing architectural ceramics that will inform next-generation building designs. Guided by terra cotta manufacturers and ceramicists, teams of architects, façade engineers, educators, and students work together over the course of the workshop to share knowledge and gain experience developing terra cotta wall assemblies.

ACAW 2023 has brought together preeminent members from architecture and engineering firms around the world. The eight professional teams presenting at this year’s Symposium include:

Eric Parry Architects + FMDC Ltd.
ZGF + LERA
Pickard Chilton + Magnusson Klemencic Associates
Rios + ARUP
HGA + Studio NYL
Henning Larsen + Thornton Tomasetti
CO Architects
Selldorf Architects + Socotec
Six student teams are also involved this year.

Visual prototypes – constructed by the teams on-site at Boston Valley – will be presented in-person at the Buffalo Marriott at LECOM HARBORCENTER and via a live virtual feed during the ACAW 2023 Symposium on Thursday, August 17, 2023.

The event will conclude with closing keynote speaker, Orel Samson, Senior Manager, Construction at Allied Properties REIT. Samson will speak about his experience with The Well, an ambitious seven-building “megaproject” near Toronto’s urban core. Boston Valley’s TerraClad® was used on the façade of The Well’s Building E.

The workshop incorporates knowledge about the fabrication and manufacture of architectural terra cotta early in the architect’s design process. This encourages the efficient production of high-performance terra cotta facade solutions. “We are thrilled to once again host the 2023 Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop, bringing together the brightest minds in architecture and design to explore the infinite possibilities of ceramic assemblies,” said John Krouse, CEO at Boston Valley Terra Cotta. “This event serves as a platform to exchange knowledge, foster creativity, and study what is possible in architectural terra cotta.”

Additional in-person speakers include John Krouse – CEO of Boston Valley Terra Cotta and Christine Jetten of Studio Christine Jetten in the Netherlands.

For more information, go to this year’s event page on this site.