In the daily work of accomplishing our projects, we often don’t consider the long-term impact of our work
or the legacy we will leave. Yet, it’s inevitable that the buildings we participate in creating leave a lasting impact upon both the environment in which they exist and the people who come in contact with them. At the Awards Banquet and our last edition of Tilt-Up Today we saw many outstanding Tilt-Up projects which continue to slowly-but-surely raise the bar on Tilt-Up quality and the subsequent legacy we will collectively leave.

LEAVING A LEGACY

This issue of our magazine focuses upon technology: certainly, the many technological innovations
and advances over the years, such as the laser screed, larger cranes, in-laid brick and the like have all changed the manner in which Tilt-Up is designed and constructed. These advances, for me, are not an end but a means to an end, affording greater achievements as evidenced in our awards program.

When considering the impact of technology on Tilt-Up, I think back to other times in history when concrete technology advanced architecture. The Ancient Roman’s development and sophisticated use of concrete led to the arch, vault and dome which were so prevalent in Roman architecture and are still impacting buildings today. In the 20th century, thin-shell concrete technology led to buildings unique in history.

Looking at Tilt-Up, just since the inception of TCA in 1986, the progress is remarkable. As I write this president’s message I am wearing a T-shirt (for a little inspiration) from the 2002 Tilt-Up Charette, entitled “Evolving Beyond the Box, Tilt-Up in the New Millennium” whose title implies a desire to break from the simple boxes of Tilt-Up’s past and look to the future. This year’s Convention in Phoenix, October 1-4, is themed “Rising to the Challenge” suggesting an industry that is working hard to meet new and future challenges with an ever broadening use of Tilt-Up bolstered by advances in technology.

In historical terms, Tilt-Up is really in its infancy. Looking at what has happened in the last two decades, it is hard to imagine what Tilt-Up will look like in 50-100 years. One thing we do know is that technology will continue to support design innovation including efforts toward a more sustainable world and building industry. Among other advances, developing a greater understanding of the sustainable issues and advantages of Tilt-Up will be increasingly important for the continued success and growth of Tilt-Up.

In Phoenix, we will be examining how Tilt-Up professionals are “Rising to the Challenge” to continue to further advance the Tilt-Up industry. Be on the lookout for Convention information and how this and other TCA events and information can help you in the quest of furthering your Tilt-Up knowledge and capability, and contribution to the evolution of our industry.

You may even make a little history in the process…

Alan Wilson, President

TCA Board of Directors