Learning from Guastavino: A look at the past and future of tile vault construction

Please join the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, Southeast Chapter for a lecture and hands-on demonstration of tile vaulting. The ancient construction technique originates from the Mediterranean region and was famously introduced in American construction by Rafael Guastavino, who immigrated from Spain in 1880. Guastavino and his son went on to build tile vaults in over one thousand buildings across the United States, including two churches in Atlanta, GA. The last decade has seen a major revival of Guastavino-inspired, free-form vault structures, enabled by an expanding menu of advanced three-dimensional form-finding software. In constructing masonry shell structures, tile vaulting is advantageous because of its formal flexibility, material efficiency, and reduction of formwork, compared to other historic vaulting techniques.

This event is hosted by an ICAA Chapter. Please check the Chapter website, or contact the Chapter directly, for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, and pricing.