AIA Webinar: The Aesthetics of Terra Cotta
Date/Time
Date(s) - March 26, 2025
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Categories
Register for the webinar here. >
This webinar is worth 1 LU AIA credit.
(Credit will not be available after live viewing)
Explore the diverse aesthetics of architectural terra cotta in this in-depth course. Participants will gain insight into terra cotta’s qualities as a natural, sustainable material, including through-body color options, glaze development, and texture variations. The course will examine how forming methods influence profiles and enable the creation of distinctive designs that enhance both the visual appeal and functionality of façades. A variety of profiles will be reviewed, emphasizing their sustainable benefits and design versatility.
“The Aesthetics of Terra Cotta” will be presented by Casey Pritchard and Jared Engle, Sales Associates at Boston Valley Terra Cotta.
HSW Justification
Learning Objective 1 will focus on the sustainable and environmental benefits of terra cotta as a natural material. Learning Objectives 2 and 3 will focus on materials and methods. Finishes and form will be reviewed, evaluating the versatility of terra cotta as a material and the various benefits of applying different aesthetics. Learning Objective 4 will delve further into the environmental and sustainable benefits of various terra cotta applications based on form, assembly, and aesthetics.
Learning Objective 1
Gain a comprehensive understanding of terra cotta as an architectural material by exploring its composition, structural properties, and environmental benefits, emphasizing its role in sustainable design.
Learning Objective 2
Explore the range of through-body color and texture options available for architectural terra cotta, highlighting the diverse choices and their applications in façade design. Analyze how these options impact the visual aesthetics, durability, and functionality of architectural designs, supported by real-world examples to demonstrate the transformative effects of different textures and color variations.
Learning Objective 3
Examine the qualities of glazes used in terra cotta, focusing on their aesthetic impact and how different glaze finishes enhance architectural design. Investigate the technical process of glaze development, including formulation, application and firing techniques, while exploring the visual and textural effects of various glazes.
Learning Objective 4
Assess the design possibilities and production techniques for creating custom terra cotta profiles, exploring the range of forming methods available. Examine the impact of different fabrication techniques on both aesthetic outcomes and functional performance, while analyzing how custom profiles are tailored to meet specific architectural needs.
