ACAWorkshop 2017, Boston Valley, UB, Morphosis, Walter P Moore, Alfred

Boston Valley Terra Cotta and the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning wrapped up the 2nd annual Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop on August 17, 2017. A collection of interdisciplinary professionals made up 4 teams – Team AECOM, Team Morphosis, Team Walter P Moore and Team UB/Alfred – worked collaboratively with industry experts and educators exploring innovative ceramic façade solutions to a variety of architectural challenges.

A significant component of the ACAWorkshop was experimentation with new technologies as they impact the production and performance of large-scale ceramic applications. This year’s workshop continued focus on the theme of the previous year’s workshop with a deeper exploration into the design of – in new construction and the retrofitting buildings nearing the end of their façade life.

The week-long workshop was hosted at the Boston Valley facility as well as the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning; events included a series of speakers and lectures by industry experts from Schuco International, Alfred University and the University at Buffalo. Trips to some of Buffalo, NY’s most significant architectural landmarks emphasized the region’s relevance in the future of ceramic design. A final presentation of the teams’ findings was capped off with a reception that included members of the architectural community.

ACAWorkshop, Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop, Boston Valley Terra Cotta, University of Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning

Team Walter P. Moore put pen to paper developing of a post-tensioning structure for modular ceramic units.

Eric Verboon of Walter P. Moore and Graham Clegg of STUDIOS Architecture work on modifications.

Alexander Kellum of Evergreene explores patterning options for Team UB/Alfred.

Barry Grinder of Granum, A/I, puts finishing details on a slide-lock shingle developed by Team UB/Alfred.

Brett Laureys of Wiss, Janney, Elstner, Associates Inc. and Joshua Stein of Dataclay talk in front of Team UB/Alfred’s screen system and prototypes of Team AECOM’s counter-current heat exchanger.