Tilt Lab, the philanthropic partner of the Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA), is deepening its commitment to innovation in tilt-up concrete construction through its sponsorship of the Tilt-Up Concrete Option Studio SP25 at Washington University in St. Louis. The studio, led by Assistant Professor Pablo Moyano Fernández, is designed to inspire and challenge architecture students to explore the architectural, environmental, and structural potential of tilt-up concrete technology. The studio’s work will culminate in an exhibition at the 2025 Tilt-Up Convention and Expo in Nashville, Tennessee. This studio presents an excellent opportunity for students to explore creative and practical applications of tilt-up construction while addressing real-world challenges. “The construction industry in the United States has long relied on materials that are not designed for long-term durability and are typically inadequate to withstand extreme weather conditions,” emphasizes Pablo Moyano Fernández. “Tilt-up concrete provides a more durable and robust alternative for constructing buildings enclosures with minimal maintenance.” 

An Industry-Backed Educational Partnership

Tilt Lab’s sponsorship extends beyond financial support, with its board members Jeffrey Brown (founding principal/CEO of Powers Brown Architecture and president of Tilt Lab) and David Tomasula (director of design integration for Alberici Constructors Inc.) actively participating in student design reviews. Additionally, Mitch Bloomquist, executive director of Tilt Lab and an alumnus of Washington University, will play a hands-on role in the studio. Having earned his master of architecture from Washington University in 2008, Bloomquist brings both professional expertise and a personal connection to the campus. His participation in desk critiques and reviews ensures that students benefit from his deep understanding of tilt-up construction and its broader architectural potential.

“This partnership underscores Tilt Lab’s commitment to fostering a new generation of architects who can push the boundaries of what tilt-up construction can achieve,” says Bloomquist. “As a Washington University graduate, I’m thrilled to contribute to a program that blends rigorous design exploration with real-world construction methodologies.”

Studio Objectives: Resilience, Innovation, and Craftsmanship

Set in Tornado Alley, the studio focuses on the design of a small building in rural Missouri, where tornadic winds can exceed 250 mph. Students are challenged to explore tilt-up concrete as a means to create resilient, visually compelling enclosures that balance protection with environmental interaction. Through hands-on experimentation and critical design thinking, the studio explores the boundaries of tilt-up construction methodologies.

Model making is central to the studio’s process. Students will begin with facade studies to explore how tilt-up techniques can address architectural themes while pushing their creative potential. The studio consists of three interconnected assignments:

• Assignment 1: Building Envelope Design
  Students will analyze architectural precedents and design a 12’ x 12’ x 12’ enclosure system that balances environmental performance, spatial interaction, and protection. This exercise emphasizes iterative exploration through drawings and physical models, laying the groundwork for their future studies.
• Assignment 2: Translating Designs to Tilt-Up
  Students will translate their envelope designs into tilt-up concrete solutions, developing molds and casting models using tilt-up techniques. This hands-on phase emphasizes learning through making, with an emphasis on understanding the technical and material aspects of tilt-up construction.
• Assignment 3: Full Building Design
  Building on their facade studies, students will expand their work into comprehensive building designs. This final phase challenges them to integrate their knowledge of tilt-up methodologies into complete architectural proposals. The students are challenged to design a 10,000 square foot Multipurpose Community Hub, considering resilience, environmental impact, and functional requirements.

Deliverables and Exhibition

Students will present scaled physical models, detailed drawings, and photographic documentation of their work, reflecting the precision and craft demanded by the studio. The final projects will be exhibited at the 2025 Tilt-Up Convention and Expo in Nashville, Tennessee, October 1–3, 2025. This showcase offers students a national platform to share their innovations with leading professionals in the tilt-up industry.

Tilt Lab’s Mission in Action

Tilt Lab’s involvement in this studio aligns with its mission to cultivate emerging techniques, technologies, and ideas that expand the possibilities of tilt-up concrete construction. By partnering with Washington University, Tilt Lab is not only supporting academic innovation but also fostering deeper connections between academia and the construction industry.

“This studio reflects everything Tilt Lab stands for,” says Jeffrey Brown, president of Tilt Lab. “It’s about exploring the untapped potential of tilt-up concrete while inspiring students to think critically about resilience, environmental impact, and architectural possibilities.”

A Foundation for Innovation

As climate change challenges conventional building practices, the work being done in the Tilt-Up Concrete Option Studio is more important than ever. By providing students with hands-on experience and access to industry experts, Tilt Lab and Washington University are equipping future architects with the tools they need to redefine what tilt-up construction can achieve in modern architecture.