Art in Concrete
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The aesthetic flexibility of concrete affords a great degree of creativity, and during the last quarter century, its inherent versatility has been increasingly appreciated for allowing functionality, while significantly contributing to the creation of very pleasing environments in residential, commercial and public settings. Along with this increased demand for durable, low-maintenance yet attractive and unique interior and exterior spaces, there has been a commensurate growth of artisans who specialize in the myriad of colors, methods, textures and finishes offered by this sector of the concrete industry. Below are just a sampling of the results that specialized contractors are able to achieve. Please check out the links below to explore the vast variety of options as well as to locate specialty concrete contractors in your area.
Variations in the color and texture of concrete surfaces are limited only by the imagination of the designer and the skill of the concrete craftsman. With basic pre-planning, pleasing decorative finishes can be integrated during construction to durably enhance the beauty of any project, inside and out. Color may be added to the concrete through the use of white cement and pigments, and by the exposure of colorful aggregates. Textured finishes can be varied as desired, from a smooth polish to the roughness of a salt finish, and 3-dimensional patterns can be scored, stamped, rolled or inlaid into the concrete to resemble stone, brick, cobblestone or tile paving. Other interesting patterns are obtained by using divider strips to form panels of various sizes and shapes - rectangular, square, circular or diamond. Special techniques are available to make concrete slip-resistant and sparkling. The possibilities are unlimited. These surface treatments are just as pleasing in the interior as they are on the exterior of a home or business. Colored and imprinted ready mixed concrete is an excellent flooring material combining economy, durability as well as the decorative and strength qualities of concrete with the thermal mass needed for passive solar buildings. From a real estate marketing standpoint, these special concrete finishes - interior or exterior - enhance the prestige and value of any property. Architectural Concrete With technological advances that allow concrete to take on virtually any shape, color or texture, this material has redefined and refined its role in the building industry. Concrete’s flexibility has made it a leading player in a design process that puts increasing emphasis on outdoor space. The only material with the ability to give a coordinated look to all of a building site’s elements, concrete has become a powerful design tool in a demanding market. That, combined with its sustainability, affordability, and top-level performance in any climate, make it a powerful tool designers can’t ignore.
Limitless Design Possibilities: Design out of the box. Above the ordinary. Beyond the expected. Concrete allows your best ideas to take innovative shape with boundless architectural options.
Timeless Integrity Beauty is only one of its strengths. Architecturally sound, concrete stands up to severe climates and conditions. When you can’t afford to compromise durability for appearance, structures designed with concrete deliver long-life integrity in both form and function.
From clean vertical lines to intricate ornamentation. From glassy smooth surfaces to textures coarse with character. From mind’s eye to monumental achievement. Conceive. Color. Shape. Finish. All to dazzling effect.
CATHEDRAL OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS, Los Angeles
Located in a high seismic area, the church and bell tower are at risk of structural damage from earthquakes. Heavily reinforced concrete allowed designers and builders to place long-lasting structures to accommodate ground acceleration, preventing cracking and structural damage. The design life of 500 years was achieved by specifying mix designs and reinforcement cover that will protect the steel from corrosion. The white cement chosen for the concrete mix provides a consistent neutral color base to which pigment can be added to achieve a light rose color for the exposed architectural concrete. Concrete art is not a new thing. Most people are unaware of the use of concrete in art they often see in their daily routine. From park benches to the more sophisticated statuary that adorns many buildings, concrete’s durability and texture are only two of the reasons sculptures use this dynamic product. One of the most obvious uses of concrete as art are the sculptures we see in gardens and neighborhood yards. Concrete is poured into molds to form a desired configuration. Ponds and statuary are available in limitless choices. Color is often added to produce an additional aesthetic for the finished product. While many of us are aware of the choices in garden art we can get at our local garden center, there are those who mold and sculpt custom and extremely artistic pieces for museums and public and private buildings. One of the more noted of these artisans is David Hertz, AIA in Santa Monica. Some of his pieces are shown below. Other concrete art pieces can be found on the internet under “concrete sculpture” and “concrete as art”. The Great Wall of Carmichael.
Another durable yet flexible use of concrete is found in an effort to make public art out of public works projects in Carmichael, CA. The “Great Wall of Carmichael” mural which measures 100-feet long and is six and a half feet high, was designed and painted by artist/muralist Hugh Gorman. As can be seen on the enlarged photo, this creative-historical depiction of the last 10,000 years on the Carmichael waterfront of the American River pictorially represents a timeline that begins (at the far right) when the region was underwater with salmon being the predominate life force. Next, moving to the left, Native Americans are illustrated as the first human inhabitants followed by the early pioneers. The eventual advent of technology enters the picture with steamboats and the discovery of gold. At the mid to far left the timeline approaches more modern times culminating in the activities the river supports in the twenty-first century.
Links Decorative Concrete |
