Tesselle is excited to participate in the upcoming Cement Age / Concrete Nation Conference, taking place from Friday, October 4, to Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Kleinman Energy Forum in Philadelphia, PA. This conference marks a significant milestone, celebrating 200 years since the introduction of artificial Portland cement and its transformative impact on the built environment. Tesselle’s involvement underscores the company's dedication to exploring and advancing the architectural potential of concrete, particularly through its innovative breeze block designs.
As part of the conference, Tesselle will feature prominently in the exhibit Concrete on Paper, which examines the architectural, technological, and cultural evolution of concrete. Curated by Frank Matero and Irene Matteini, along with graduate assistants Daniel Alonso Saldaña Ayala and Kate Gunn Whitney-Schubb, the exhibit will be on view at the Fisher Fine Arts Library from September 24 to May 1, 2025, and is open to the public weekdays 9-5.
A highlight of this exhibit is a decorative concrete structure built using Tesselle’s diverse range of breeze blocks, showcasing how these functional, yet artful, blocks contribute to both the aesthetics and functionality of modern architectural designs. This wall will be built by the architecture students at The University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design.
This conference offers an in-depth exploration of modern concrete heritage, focusing on its conservation, sustainability, and ecological transition. By participating in this event, Tesselle not only highlights the versatility and beauty of its products but also contributes to the broader discussion on the role of concrete in shaping our built environment. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and explore how concrete continues to influence architecture and design.
Featured Speakers:
Amy Slaton, Drexel University: "Accounting for Concrete: Social and Labor Relations in US Construction History" Amy Slaton will address the social and labor dynamics surrounding concrete use in U.S. construction history. She will emphasize that concrete's appeal lies not only in its economic efficiency and aesthetic versatility but also in the social relations it fosters. Slaton will argue that the widespread adoption of concrete in the 20th century reflects broader patterns of capitalism and labor, including the prioritization of cost-saving measures by firms and the racial and gender ideologies that influence occupational opportunities and knowledge. Her talk will challenge the audience to consider how the history of concrete is intertwined with the timelines of wealth, power, and social influence.
Sarah Nichols, EPFL: "Constructing Concrete: The Power of Discourse across the 19th and 20th Centuries" Sarah Nichols will explore the evolving discourse around concrete from its industrialization in the 19th century to its mass deployment in the postwar period. She will trace how concrete is not a static material but one that is continually redesigned and reimagined, with architects playing a crucial role in shaping its development. Nichols will highlight that the power of discourse often drives the visions of what concrete could become, even when these ideas do not fully align with the material's existing properties. Her presentation will underscore the dynamic relationship between materiality and architectural design, revealing how concrete's identity is as much a product of societal concerns as it is of technological innovation.
John J. Walsh, Highbridge Materials Consulting: "A Microscopic View of Portland Cement: Its Evolution and Diversity of Uses in the United States During the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries" John J. Walsh will provide a detailed examination of the evolution of Portland cement, focusing on its microscopic properties and the diverse ways it has been utilized in the United States. He will explain how early American engineers initially relied on British cement to create artificial stone and how subsequent innovations, such as Rafael Gaustavino's sound-absorbing tiles, leveraged the unique qualities of Portland cement. Walsh will also discuss the ongoing advancements in cement chemistry that have enabled the creation of more durable and water-resistant concrete, crucial for major infrastructure projects. His talk will illustrate the continual evolution of Portland cement as a material essential to modern construction.
Richard Pieper, Columbia University: "The Evolution of Historic 'Cast Stone'" Richard Pieper will delve into the history of "cast stone," a precast concrete material designed to imitate natural stone, which became popular in the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century. He will trace the material's development from its early days, when it was made using various cementing systems before the widespread availability of Portland cement, to its later iterations that more closely resemble fine-grained natural stones. Pieper will highlight the technological advancements in casting methods, such as sand casting, which significantly increased production efficiency and enhanced the realism of cast stone. His talk will provide insights into how changing architectural tastes drive innovations in cast stone production.
Jack Pyburn, Lord Aeck Sargent Planning and Design & Wido Quist, Delft University of Technology: "Schokbeton: From Dutch Innovation to Architectural Impact in the USA" Jack Pyburn and Wido Quist will examine the impact of Schokbeton, a Dutch system for prefabricating reinforced concrete building components, on American architecture. The system, patented in 1934, will revolutionize concrete precasting by compacting concrete during pouring, resulting in highly durable and dense concrete. They will trace Schokbeton’s journey to the U.S., where it will become widely adopted by mid-century architects for its ability to produce high-quality, weather-resistant concrete components efficiently. The duo will highlight Schokbeton’s role in shaping modern American architecture and its legacy in precast concrete construction.
Tyler Sprague, University of Washington: "Thin-Shell Concrete in the Pacific Northwest: Material of Innovation" Tyler Sprague will explore the innovative use of thin-shell concrete in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on the contributions of architect-engineer Jack Christiansen. Sprague will detail how Christiansen's designs, such as the Seattle Kingdome, utilize geometrically precise formwork to create thin, efficient concrete shells that are both structurally sound and architecturally expressive. He will discuss the challenges of thin-shell construction, including issues with waterproofing and insulation, but also celebrate the material's versatility and its significant impact on the region's architectural landscape.
Beatriz del Cueto, Pantel del Cueto & Associates: "The Genesis of Cement Use in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic" Beatriz del Cueto will present on the early adoption of cement in the Spanish Caribbean, particularly in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. She will describe how imported Portland cement and prefabricated elements revolutionize construction in the region, leading to the development of buildings that are resistant to fire, water, and vermin. Del Cueto will highlight the establishment of regional cement factories and the widespread use of cement in creating modular architectural elements that maintain traditional designs while embracing modern materials. Her talk will emphasize the durability and adaptability of cement in these tropical environments, where it becomes a key material in architectural innovation.
Bhawna Dandona, Meaningful Design Labs: "Concrete in India" Bhawna Dandona will explore the evolution of concrete architecture in India, particularly after the country's independence in 1947. She will discuss how Indian architects and engineers begin to experiment with concrete to create unique architectural forms and finishes, leading to the development of brutalist architecture in cities like Chandigarh and Ahmedabad. Dandona will highlight the challenges of working with concrete in the Indian context, including the tropical climate and the need for specialized techniques. She will also address the current state of concrete conservation in India, noting that many significant buildings are now at risk due to a lack of recognition and preservation efforts.
Greta Bruschi, Università Iuav di Venezia: "Exposed Concrete at the Brion Memorial" Greta Bruschi will discuss the Brion Memorial by Carlo Scarpa, focusing on the preservation challenges of its exposed reinforced concrete. Scarpa’s innovative techniques and the complex degradation patterns they create will be central to the discussion. The restoration project will apply a detailed methodology of surveying, documenting, and testing interventions, which will lead to the successful preservation of the Memorial, to be completed in 2020.
Bob Armbruster, The Armbruster Company: "John J. Earley and the Baha’i Temple" Bob Armbruster will explore John J. Earley's pioneering work with exposed aggregate concrete, particularly the Baha’i House of Worship. Earley’s innovative methods in precast concrete will be groundbreaking, and the Temple's restoration between 1987 and 2010 will require rediscovery and adaptation of Earley's original techniques. The talk will highlight the technical challenges and solutions that preserve the Temple’s iconic architectural finish.
Gunny Harboe & Blake Rago: "Restoring the Exterior Concrete of Unity Temple" This presentation will cover the extensive restoration of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Unity Temple. The restoration will face significant challenges, especially in matching the original concrete surfaces altered by previous repairs. The restoration, completed with a $25M budget, will successfully revitalize the Temple, which is now listed as a World Heritage site.
Tyler Sprague, University of Washington: "The US Science Pavilion at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair" Tyler Sprague will discuss the US Science Pavilion, designed by Minoru Yamasaki, as a showcase of prestressed concrete. The Pavilion’s innovative use of concrete, including precast panels and post-tensioned structures, will represent the cutting edge of 1960s technology. The Pavilion, now the Pacific Science Center, will largely retain its original design, with minimal need for restoration.
Case Study Presentations Eight brief case studies will be presented, highlighting various projects and research related to concrete preservation and restoration.
Ana Paula Arato Gonçalves, Getty Conservation Institute: "Advancing the Concrete Conservation Field" Ana Paula will discuss the Getty Conservation Institute's efforts to advance concrete conservation. This will include the development of methodologies, training, and international collaborations aimed at improving practices and preserving culturally significant concrete structures.
Alexander (Pete) Kohl, International Masonry Institute National Training Center: "Technical Expertise for Historic Concrete Repair" Pete Kohl will outline the training and certification programs provided by the International Masonry Institute, focusing on historic concrete repair. The presentation will emphasize the importance of educating craftworkers on condition assessment, repair methods, and materials, ensuring high standards in restoration work.
Irene Matteini, University of Pennsylvania: "CONCRETO Academy" Irene Matteini will introduce the CONCRETO Academy, focusing on advanced training and research in concrete technology and conservation.
James Farny, Portland Cement Association: "Cements of the U.S. in the 21st Century" James Farny will discuss the shift towards sustainable cement production, emphasizing the growing use of blended cements. He will explore the challenges and adjustments required for the industry to meet environmental goals while maintaining concrete performance.
Randolph Kirchain, MIT & Mija Hubler, University of Colorado Boulder: "The Future of Concrete/Cement" Randolph Kirchain and Mija Hubler will examine the future of cement and concrete, including innovative materials like biologically derived binders. They will discuss the potential of these materials to meet durability and sustainability goals, opening up new design possibilities in architecture.