2024 Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop

Boston Valley is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2024 Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop (ACAW). Celebrating its ninth year, this unique workshop invites professionals from the architectural industry to explore innovative building solutions and further their understanding of architectural terra cotta for large-scale assemblies.

Discover What’s Possible

ACAW was established in 2016 with a vision to foster innovation in architectural design, focusing on the versatile and dynamic medium of architectural terra cotta. Over the years, ACAW has enabled teams to delve into diverse areas of study, ranging from bioclimatic and biophilic design to exploring surface and rainscreen system solutions.

Participating teams in ACAW 2024 will have the exceptional opportunity to collaborate closely with Boston Valley Terra Cotta’s experts to conceptualize and design an assembly mockup utilizing architectural terra cotta. Teams should be prepared with a project brief. This intensive and immersive process spans the course of eight months, allowing teams to gain in-depth insights into the capabilities, strengths, and limitations of this resilient material.

Workshop Timeline

The ACAW experience begins in January 2024, as teams embark on a series of weekly Design Charette Meetings. Through pre-design and prototype research and development, teams will have the opportunity to explore innovative digital tools in the production of terra cotta assemblies, and how the variable materiality of terra cotta (through-body color, finish, and glaze) can inform and enhance a façade’s performance.

By the end of March 2024, participating teams will have honed their designs for the proposed assemblies to be prepared for fabrication.

The culminating event of ACAW will take place during the week of August 12-15, 2024, in the architecturally rich city of Buffalo, New York. Boston Valley Terra Cotta will graciously host the 4-day conference, providing a dynamic environment for teams to assemble their mockups and present their research findings to a distinguished audience of architects, designers, and industry leaders.

Applications for ACAW 2024 are now being accepted on the event website, and interested professionals are encouraged to apply by November 3, 2023. A jury selection committee comprised of representatives from Boston Valley will review the applicants’ submissions. Eight teams will receive notification of their acceptance in late November 2023.