Oversaw the construction of thousands of spectacular tile vaults across the united states between the 1880s and the 1950s.
The art of structural tile.
A new book from john ochsendorf a new book from sa p s john ochsendorf traces the development of the rafael guastavino family a father son team of immigrants whose ingenious tile arch system enabled architects to create dramatic domed ceilings in such major landmarks as grand central terminal carnegie hall the biltmore estate the cathedral of st.
These versatile strong and fireproof vaults were built by guastavino in more than.
However the pictures give the wonderful feel of architectural spaces defined in free flowing tile and there is a long list of existing structures mostly in new york but scattered through the united states that define an architectural tour for timbrel vaulting groupies who can t make it to barcelona to see gaudi s wonderful buildings.
The lucid text is beautifully complemented by new photography that captures the amazing spatial quality of the vaulted spaces.
Indeed i imagine even today most structural engineers would find the task daunting.
The art of structural tile by john ochsendorf paperback barnes noble the first monograph to celebrate the architectural legacy of the guastavino family is now available in paperback.
The art of structural tile.
Spanish immigrants rafael guastavino and his son rafael jr.