The theme of this issue of Tilt-Up Today is architecture. This is entirely appropriate since we have introduced a totally revamped edition of The Architecture of Tilt-Up with a new layout, new photos, and an entirely new look. Just off the printing press, this publication provides an excellent tool for members to “sell” architects and owners on the limitless possibilities of Tilt-Up. Concrete has been a favorite material of builders and architects for centuries and that preference is still applicable today.

The book emphasizes what I have always felt are two divergent paths Tilt-Up has taken as a construction medium. First is the replication of historic styles, motifs, and materials using products such as thin brick, EIFS and form liners. The look and feel using these products is popular with developers and some architects. and has allowed Tilt-Up to be used in historic areas and other locations where masonry or smaller scale buildings are desirable such as schools, shopping centers and small office complexes. The manual has many examples of this approach to design.

The true legacy of Tilt-Up, from an architect’s perspective, is the use of Tilt-Up concrete to construct shapes, forms, and textures that simply cannot be done (at least economically) with any other building medium. I marvel when traveling around the country to see a truly unique building that is obviously Tilt-Up, not because of the size of the panel or building, but because of the form, texture or construction methodology that was employed. Forms such as circular or irregular openings; shapes such as curved panels walls with curved caps; walls that are interlocking or overlapping; unusually jointed panels; textures imparted from logos, unusual materials; overlapping and varied height panels; sloping and projecting panels; the list goes on and on and is added to each year.