Masonry Magazine April 2003 Page. 49
DURATEX
Masonry Competition
Masonry
Coming soon! The fourth annual "Masonry: It Makes A Village" design/build competition sponsored by the Masonry Institute of Washington (MIW), the Bricklayers and Allied Craftsworker Local #1 (the BAC), and the International Masonry Institute (IMI). The event will be held from May 21s to May 28th, with construction on the 22 and 23, and judging on the 24th.
The purpose of this event is two-fold. First, to have the masons achieve a greater understanding of the architectural community by assisting them in the design and creation of a structure which can be found in a village; and secondly, have the architects achieve a greater understanding of the workings of the brick mason and see how their one-dimensional plan becomes a three-dimensional structure. This event allows both professionals, the architect and the mason, to develop a greater understanding of the roles of the other in the design/construction process.
Working together, architects appreciate the input from the masons regarding the correct design of the masonry units, the masons enjoy working side-by-side with their design team, showing each architect that it simply is not "as easy as it looks".
The camaraderie of the teams is evident and, at times, it is difficult to determine which is the architect and which is the mason. This event is unique to the masonry industry. The mason works behind the scenes to help the architect design their structure. Once the final design is determined, the teams then move to the floor of the competition arena, where the architects pick up trowels, levels and follow the masons' leads to create their three-dimensional project.
The rules of the competition are few but very specific: 1) Each team is given the same amount of materials - one pallet of bricks; 30 CMU blocks; an assortment of glass blocks; and an assortment of cultured stone; 2) They are supplied with a building pad and enough mortar to complete their project; 3) There is a two-day construction time, during which each structure must be completed, cleaned and ready for judging on the third day; 4) Teams must consist of a minimum of two architects and two masons; and 5) A story board showing the architectural blueprint and/or project information must accompany each project.
A team of judges view each project on the third day of the competition, using such criteria as "creative use of materials," "variety of materials used and showcased," "workmanship" and "incorporating a variety of masonry elements, including corbelling, herringbone, running bond, and stack bond." Other criteria include the incorporation of all the available materials into the structure.
Projects from previous years (www.masonryinstitute.com) are many and varied in theme and creativity, and range from an 18' lighthouse to a touching tribute to 9/11. The projects show a steady progression from small, easy to construct projects to the larger, more elaborate designs seen on the website.
MIW's goal is to have these design-build contests throughout the Northern Hemisphere, promoting and glorifying the uses of masonry. Currently there is a Village competition in Arizona, with other states also making inquiries about holding their own Village competition. For further information about conducting a Village in your area, please contact Barbara Headrick, Executive Director, Masonry Institute of Washington, (425) 803-0627.
Textured Construction Sealant
* Moisture Cure
* Fast Setting
* Non-Shrinking
* High Adhesion
* 500% Elongation
* Paintable
CONTRACTORS HOT LINE
800-826-1681
Fax 269-344-3339
CHEM LINK
Advanced Architectural Products
www.chemlinkinc.com
Kalamazoo, Michigan
April 2003
Masonry 47