IMI and MIT teamed up recently to build a half-scale replica of a Guastavino vault as part of a dynamic new exhibit, “Palaces for the People,” at the Boston Public Library.  The exhibit showcases the work of Rafael Guastavino, Sr. and the architectural innovation that he helped bring about with the dramatic vaults in public spaces in the late 19th and early 20th century America. MIT Professor John Ochsendorf says, “By bringing together professional craftworkers, architects and engineers to work on this project, we are able to understand more about the techniques that were used and have the ability to create new vaults for the future.”  Craftworkers from the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) worked alongside MIT students to build the model.

The exhibit will move to the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. in early 2013 and afterwards to New York City.   All three cities have amazing examples of Guastavino vaults in various locations around the cities.  More information on the exhibit and Guastavino vaults can be found at www.palacesforthepeople.com, including a video on the construction of the vault replica.  For more information about the Guastavino exhibit, contact jcalambokidis@imiweb.org.

The International Masonry Institute’s national promotion of union masonry and masonry products plays out locally.

This year’s annual Masonry Day in Connecticut also included a New Products Expo on April 11, 2011 and had 250 attendees with 150 participating exhibitors.

The event promotes union masonry and masonry products to architects, engineers, CM’s, owners and other industry representatives, while giving them an education on designing with masonry products that can earn them continuing education credits.   Exhibits included information on brick, thin brick, CMU, anchors, ties, flashing, AAC, tile, stone, thin stone, Terra Cotta, concrete, plaster, terrazzo, restoration, PCC and all trowel trade related materials and accessories.  Presentations featured “new” products and system technologies for adhered veneers, air barrier transitions, designing with thin clad stone, flashing,  and cement polyacrylate terrazzo.  A presentation on feature projects that highlighted contemporary masonry,  included design parameters, details, specifications and energy efficient guidelines.  Stephanie Samulski of TCNA  covered the 2011 changes and updates to the Tile Council of North America’s (TCNA) Handbook – which has tripled in size – as well as important updates on ANSI Tile Standards.

The event was sponsored by The International Masonry Institute, the Connecticut Trowel Trades Alliance, the Mason Contractors Association of Connecticut and the Ceramic Tile Contractors Association of Connecticut along with other industry partners.

For more information about how IMI’s national programs are working in your area please contact your local IMI representative at 800-IMI-0988.