Masonry Magazine October 1996 Page. 24
Brick
Three libraries that prove brick stacks up in library design are recognized in the September issue of Brick in Architecture, published by the Brick Institute of America (BIA). Brick in Architecture is published four times a year and is inserted in Architecture magazine. Featured are the Huffington Library at The Madeira School in McLean, Virginia; the Opperman Hall & Law Library at the Drake University School of Law in Des Moines, lowa; and the Pitkin County Public Library in Aspen, Colorado.
LITERATURE REVIEW
While these three libraries are different in form, they all were created with brick to serve similar goals. In each case, the architects chose brick not only for its beauty and strength, but also so that each building would be compatible with its surroundings. The campuses of The Madeira School and Drake University are both brick, and the Pitkin Library sits between a landmark brick hotel and brick public buildings on the Aspen Civic Plaza. According to BIA Marketing Director Charles N. Farley, the use of brick works well for these three libraries because it lends a sense of permanence, timelessness and beauty to each respective community. "By using brick, the architect can create a building that harmonizes with its surroundings but also demands to be noticed," says Farley. BIA is a 60-year-old trade organization serving brick manufacturers through marketing programs, government relations, manpower development, engineering and research.
STEPPING UP
TO SUPERVISOR
Wil McKnight Associates introduces "Stepping Up To Supervisor, a self-study book for new construction supervisors and people who are potentially promotable to supervisor. It explains basic ideas, techniques, and skills every supervisor needs to know to be effective. Throughout the book, the focus is on quality, safety, and productivity. Unlike most books, which are simply written and published, Stepping Up To Supervisor was first printed in prototype form for a "beta test" involving twenty construction industry experts. After listening to their comments, pages and topics were added and many details were improved to create the most effective self-study book possible. Stepping Up To Supervisor is an active book, involving exercises, problems, and cases that invite creative thinking, problem solving, and decision making. A separate Instructor's Guide makes the book adaptable to a mini-course for group training. Readers who complete the book can obtain a recognition certificate. Each copy of Stepping Up To Supervisor includes a "Pocket Checklist" that highlights 19 key topics and presents checklists taken from ideas and skills covered in the book. This Pocket Checklist" is printed on a laminated, fold-up card that fits in a shirt pocket for quick jobsite reference. Stepping Up To Supervisor is published by Wil McKnight Associates, 207 West Jefferson Street, Bloomington, IL 61701; phone 309-829-5000 or fax 309-829-5329. Single copies are only $22 plus tax and shipping and include a 30 day money back guarantee. Quantity discounts apply to orders of 10 or more books.
Building With
BLOCK
"Building With Block" Showcases Masonry Homes. The National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) has published Building With Block, a residential handbook to showcase the quality and versatility of concrete masonry construction to make it easier for design professionals to specify masonry products. The book features 25 residential plans styled for markets across the country by architects Quincy Johnson Barruetta. "With the numerous types of architectural block available to builders, more and more people are interested in masonry homes," says Robb Jolly, NCMA Manager of Residential Programs. "The planbook makes it easy for builders and their customers to see the many options and styles available in homes constructed in solid masonry." Building with Block features innovative homes ranging from 1,550 square feet to 3,700 square feet. The planbook can be purchased through NCMA's publications department at $10.00 per copy. For more information on quantity discount pricing, call the publications department. NCMA is the national organization representing manufacturers of concrete block, pavers, segmental retaining walls and related products. The Assoction carries out a wide range of technical, research, marketing, government relations and other activities on behalf of its members.