• Start location:  At the Benjamin Franklin Statue, University of Pennsylvania, near the Stuart Weitzman School of Design building
• End location: The Study at University City, 20 S 33rd Street, Philadelphia, PA
• Total walking distance:  roughly 1 mile, stopping at 10 locations in university city

Philadelphia has a rich history incorporating precast, prestressed concrete in a diverse array of transportation structures, institutional buildings, parking garages, and many more applications. In fact, the first prestressed concrete bridge built in the United States, the Walnut Lane Memorial Bridge in Philadelphia, Pa., was completed in 1950.

This program provides participants with a unique opportunity to explore the application of precast concrete in real-life projects in University City Philadelphia.  Participants will gain insights into the urban context and architectural trends that have shaped the area. Throughout the tour, participants will visit a curated selection of completed projects where precast concrete has played a prominent role. These projects will demonstrate the diverse range of applications and design possibilities offered by precast concrete prefabrication techniques, from facades and cladding to structural elements.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the principles and benefits of prefabricated precast concrete in terms of durability, versatility, and aesthetic potential across many building typologies and in context of the specific building location in Philadelphia.
2. Identify applications and design considerations for architectural precast concrete, structural precast concrete, and all-precast concrete building systems, including facades, cladding and total precast structures. Design considerations such as efficiency, sound insulation, and occupant comfort.
3. Explore manufacturing processes and quality control, learn about industry standards and best practices for ensuring the quality and consistency of precast concrete products.
4. Participants will develop the ability to apply their knowledge of precast concrete to real world projects. They will learn to make informed decisions about material selection, design and system integration, and construction techniques to maximize the benefits and overcome potential challenges associated with precast concrete applications.

Credits: 1.5 AIA LUs (HSW) I 1.5 PDH

Presenters:

Will Quam is an architecture historian and photographer based in Chicago. He has spent a decade researching the history, technology, and design of brick and masonry architecture in the United States and has collaborated with the International Masonry Institute, Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, IUBAC, and other leading industry groups to educate architects, engineers, and everyday people on the history of the built world. His photographic project, Brick of Chicago, has received widespread praise and his public architecture tours have consistently been named some of the best in Chicago by the Chicago Reader. Will's upcoming book on the history of brick architecture in Chicago will be published by the University of Chicago Press in 2025.

Bill Hydock, Universal Concrete Products. Bill is a Preconstruction Manager at Universal Concrete Products located in Stowe, Pennsylvania. Universal Concrete Products was founded in 1967 and has over 55 years of architectural precast experience with many award-winning buildings constructed across numerous building applications including institutional projects, K-12 schools, multifamily structures, and office buildings. Bill has a degree in Architectural Engineering from Penn State University and 38 years’ experience in the precast industry. He assists architects, owners, and contractors in developing cost effective precast solutions to meet project needs. This includes development of details, finishes, and cost analysis. He also assists in design/build projects from concept through finalization of design.

Dawn Decker, Executive Director, PCI Mid-Atlantic.  Dawn delivers educational programs to professionals and professors in NYC, NJ, PA, MD, DE, Washington DC, and VA.  There are 29 PCI-certified precast, prestressed concrete plants located in the Mid-Atlantic Chapter. Fabricator companies deliver design assistance, budget development, schedule planning, value engineering and other services to design and construction professionals.  www.pci.org/pcimidatlantic