The Museum of the City of New York is hosting what looks to be an incredible exhibition, opening March 26th, 2014. It is called Palaces for the People: Guastavino and the Art of Structural Tile, and it is dedicated to experiencing the famous work of Rafael Guastavino Sr. (1842-1908) through exhibitions of his amazing patterned, tile-arch construction.
Rafael Guastavino Moreno was a Spanish architect and builder, famous and world-renowned for his “Guastavino tile” style of building. Guastavino’s style of masonry was unique for creating beautiful patterned arch structures, combined with lightweight, fireproof, and most importantly, durable characteristics. The work of the Guastavino Fireproof Construction Company (1889-1962) can be found in in hundreds of locations throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
Even today, very few understand the methods and techniques of the Guastavino Company. How the original builders were able to construct these magnificent structures without using any guides or framework is truly remarkable. A group of International Masonry Institute professionals and MIT architecture and engineering students tried to recreate models of the extravagant Guastavino vaults. They documented their challenges and experiences here.
Listen to an NPR recording about the Guastavinos!
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