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Stone masons in front of the Main Quad

May 13 | Architectural Conservation Workshops: Artisanship in Masonry, Glass, Concrete and Terracotta [Past Event]

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Friday, May 13, 2022  |  8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
The Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center, Stanford University
*Historical preservation tours and demonstrations were held at various campus locations.
**AIA 4.5 Continuing Education Units Approved

Detailed Conference Program

The day began with a brief historical presentation highlighting the unique works in sandstone masonry, stained glass, glass mosaics, dual-tone concrete flooring and terracotta roof tiles that characterize Stanford’s historic campus and the untold stories of the artisans who created them. This overview was followed by three in-depth architectural conservation workshops led by preservation experts. Participants had the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with the presenters to discuss lessons learned, best practices for monitoring, planning, implementing, and documenting conservation projects. By sharing the heritage and legacy of the past in the present, the workshops benefitted future generations of architectural conservationists.

Each workshop will feature a demonstration of preservation techniques, a tour of a recent project site, and commentary on the connection between Stanford’s historic architecture and the Bay Area’s increasing technological innovation. For a personalized engagement, attendees will be assigned to smaller groups and will rotate through all three conservation workshops during the course of the day.

 

Overview: Connecting the Past, Present and Future

This overview will trace the history of Stanford’s sandstone, stained glass, glass mosaics, dual-tone concrete flooring, and terracotta roof tiles from the original construction of the Main Quad and Memorial Church to the current practices of preserving these materials.

Sapna Marfatia, Director of Architecture, Stanford University

Memorial Church: Glass Tiles and Stained Glass during the American Renaissance

This session will feature the work of Italian mosaicists of the Salviati & Co. and the stained-glass artists of the Frederick Lamb Studios during what is known as the American Renaissance. Millions of glass pieces combine to create the extraordinary decorative exterior of Memorial Church. The presentation will also feature current restoration practices, as well as monitoring programs and processes pioneered by current experts in the preservation of these arts.

Lesley Bone, Objects Conservator, Lesley Bone Restoration

Main Quadrangle: Restoring Structural and Aesthetic Integrity of Sandstone Masonry

This session will highlight the original quarrymen of the local Greystone Quarry in the Almaden hills and the McGilvray masons who carved the quintessential buff sandstone to create the Richardsonian-Romanesque quadrangle at Stanford. The presentation will also feature current local masonry specialists who have studied the sandstone deterioration processes and provided restoration techniques that help preserve the original stone.

Oleg Lobykin, Masonry restoration expert and sculptor, Stonesculpt

Main Quadrangle: Adaptation of Historic Clay and Concrete Materials from Floors to Roofs

This session will focus on the local manufacturers of Gladding McBean terracotta roof tiles and Goodman Company cast-in-place concrete floors, both materials of distinctive color, made possible only due to the unique raw building materials in the local area. The presentation will demonstrate the processes and many challenges encountered in matching historic colored concrete. It will describe the materials and finishing techniques required to match a patina created by a hundred years of shoe leather. It will also discuss the various aspects of reroofing the historic buildings and how the University is ensuring that all historic roofing is rigorously documented.

David Wessel, Principal, Architectural Resources Group

Workshop recording