PCI Foundation Chairman Tom D'Arcy shares a message:

It has been an exciting year for the PCI Foundation as our work continues to expand and evolve. We will add our fifth studio program during the Spring 2012 semester at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.  We also helped sponsor students who showed us their research and how it impacts our industry during the poster sessions at the PCI convention.  In addition we provided scholarships to some very deserving students.

What has impressed me this year is how many PCI members – individuals as well as companies – have reached out to support the Foundation during the year. Groups – from the established Fellows and Titans to the younger set of Leadership PCI Alumni –made contributions to the work of our Foundation through the silent auction. This kind of support energizes me and all the Trustees to keep striving to find ways to support our four core initiatives. We feel strongly that all of these will help our industry grow and thrive in the long run.

We are also moving into a new world of technology. You can now follow the PCI Foundation on Twitter (pci_foundation) or join our group on facebook. (PCI Foundation).

The Trustee’s meeting at the convention was exciting and stimulating with each Studio Professor telling us of the exciting projects and activities the students are engaged in.  Some studios even have a waiting list of those wanting to attend.  Ken Lambla, Dean of the Architecture School at University of North Carolina Charlotte closed the meeting with enthusiastic support, stating “You do not even know how important and ground breaking the Studios are. Keep up the good work.”

We look forward to new supporters of the foundation.  With additional funds, we can continue to sustain our existing Design Studios and fund new studios and programs.

Thank you again for supporting the work of the Foundation or if not a member, please consider joining, it’s tax deductible and will help grow the industry.

Success!

The final numbers won't be in for a few more days, but I would definitely rank this year's PCI Foundation Auction as a success! The auction team pulled together almost 70 lots and there was something for everyone to bid on. Plus, it was a whole lot of fun.

The golf outing also had a beautiful day to play outside. Watch here for more information on the final numbers, but enjoy some pictures in the mean time. 

The "Prize" table at the back of the auction shows a wide variety of goodies.

From sports to kitties, everything in the auction had a sense of fun.

Chocolates were among the most heavily contested items.

A few unusual items, related to concrete, were included.

Jewelry was popular.

 

More on auction items

We have more than 70 items that will be up for bid at the PCI Auction. Everyone in attendance will have something that the would like to take home.  Here are a few other items from the catalog.

10 Days -- The Countdown begins

The PCI Foundation Auction Team is scrambling to take care of all the last-minute details for the auction. Major items -- like the Wii & Wii Fit Bundle, Mac Book Air, and iPads have been shipped to Salt Lake City and are now looking for a good home.

You probably know a little girl who likes Hello Kitty. Or, take it home and play with the plush yourself. We'll never tell!

Now it's time for you to prep for the auction, too. Take a look at the catalog on the auction website and you can start making plans. Or, show it to your spouse so she can start dropping hints! It's not too early to shop for Christmas.

Check out a few of the other packages below: See you on October 22 in Salt Lake City!  

Heating Up for the Auction

If you want to have an auction donation in the pre-auction catalog, time is a-wasting! The committee is looking to secure all donations by September 19 in order to have time to create artwork and listings for the auction.


It's already looking to be a great auction. In the sports category alone, we have tickets to many of the hottest teams in the NFL -- 

It is not too late to donate tickets or specific items to the auction. Contact  Marianne Methven or Marty McIntyre to make your donation.

Cowboys vs Giants Game		Two tickets and a parking pass to the Dallas Cowboys vs. NY Giants game,  in Arlington, TX (December 11 at 7:20 pm)		Hanson Building Products
Bears vs Seattle Seahawks		Four tickets to the  Bears vs. Seahawks game in Chicago, IL (December 18 at noon)		Fister Quarries & Dynamic Color Solutions
Ravens vs Cardinals		Four club level tickets to the Ravens  vs. Cardinals in Baltimore (October 30, 1 pm)		The Shockey Precast Group
Redskins vs Patriots		Two upper level tickets to the Redskins  vs. Patriots in Landover, MD  (December 11, 1 pm)		The Shockey Precast Group

Precast Studios Leading the Way from Concepts to Reality

The major program funding by the PCI Foundation is the Precast Studio program. Each of these programs at 7 schools around the nation manage to introduce the precast industry to students and have them interact. This unique program is on the forefront of architectural education -- and has created some incredibly popular programs at universities such a New Jersey Institute of Technology,  University of North Florida, University of Wisconsin, University of North Carolina, Illinois Institute of Technology, and others.

The PCI Foundation put together this video that gives an update on what is happening with the studios.

The foundation has worked with six schools to create these studios, either in the architecture department, engineering department, or as a comprehensive studio that melds the two departments together.

The six studios are as follows:

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee -- This is the "granddaddy" of the studios. It is an architectural program developed and sponsored by Spancrete that was the first of its kind. This year, the students combined their precast work with some urban planning to create many different projects all within one neighborhood -- so each of the projects related to others.

Illinois Institute of Technology -- This was the second studio created, with a model similar to the Spancrete Studio at UWM. Professor Tom Brock has used projects that ranged from a Charter School for the City of Chicago to artist work/live space to take senior level students through the design process in precast concrete. This studio has partnered with the PCI of Illinois & Wisconsin to bring in industry expertise.

University of North Carolina, Charlotte - Thomas Gentry has led this studio which includes both architecture and engineering students. The studio has been successful, having been offered several times now. PCI Georgia / Carolinas has worked closely with the students to ensure "real world" feedback on student projects.

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona -- has offered a PCI Foundation-sponsored studio in the architectural department. They have worked in conjunction with the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Manufacturers Associates of California

University of North Florida -- This is an engineering program that was created by professor Adel El-Safty working with Gate Precast. "This builds an intellectual connection between the industry and academia," says El-Safty. He stresses that students have been able to move beyond theory into "real world" design. The studio has worked in conjunction  the Florida Prestressed Concrete Association.

New Jersey Institute of Technology -- The newest studio in the PCI Foundation roster starts this fall at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. The architecture students in this program will work with local precasters who are part of the Mid-Atlantic Precast Association and PCI Northeast. 

New Donations Daily!

This is an exciting time to be part of the PCI Foundation Silent Auction Committee. Almost daily we are learning of new auction packages that members of PCI have donated. Start making your plans now to attend the convention and BID IT UP!

Travel

• Ponte Vedra Golf Package - Florida / Gate Precast
• Caribbean Cruise from Miami (7 nights) / PCI Fellows and Titans
• Two-day fly fishing school with Orvis / A. L. Patterson
•  Private Tour of Oahu w/ Breakfast and Lunch / GPRI
• Stay and Play Package at Arnold Palmer Resort / W. R. Grace

Sports and Events

• Indy 500 Tickets/Hotel/Dinner / Mi-Jack
• Hunters Package with hand-held GPS / Hamilton Form
• Tickets to a MN Twins Games / Gage Brothers
• Cowboys vs. Giants Game with Parking Passes / Hanson Building Products

Dining (out on the town or catered)

• Concrete Chefs / JVI
• The Capital Grille $250- plus $50 bonus gift card / BASF
• Shula's Steak House /   Hayes Industries
• Roy's Coupons / PCI Foundation Trustees

Food and Drinks

• Chocolate Lovers Gift Basket / Women of PCI
• Gourmet Olive Oils Basket / PCI-IW
• Hand-picked selection of fine wines / Spillman

 Services

•  Brett Drury Architectural Photography / Brett Drury
• 2012 Full Convention Registration for 2 / PCI

Electronics

• Bose SoundDock 10 / Spancrete 
• iPad 2 Package / Cresset Chemicals
• iPhone 4 Package / Easi-Set
• Shhhh TV (wireless TV Headphones, 19" TV)  / Richard and Judy Taylor
• Electronic Bookworm (Kindle and giftcard) / Oldcaste Precast Building Systems

 Fun and Games

• Xbox 360 250 GB / Bonnybrook Custom Steel Forms, Ltd.
•  Liebherr Equipment Model / Liebherr

Around the House

• Party on the Patio Package / Meadow Burke Products
• Birdwatchers Backpack Package / Marty and Steve McIntyre

Check out the foundation donation page to learn more about the types of packages the committee hopes to put together.

Ante Up for the Auction!

The Auction & Raffle committee had the unhappy realization that raffles are illegal in Utah. That means that we have kicked into high gear for the auction . . . and it is on!

There are some great packages that will be available including one from Hanson Building Products who donated two tickets and a parking pass to the Dallas Cowboys vs. NY Giants game, December 11th, 2011, in Arlington, Texas. Thank you to the folks at Hanson for donating such a generous package. 

If you haven't already received a call, you can contact either Marianne Methvan or Marty McIntyre to make a donation.

Poster Sessions Planned for Salt Lake City

Several precast engineering topics have been planned for a poster session at the PCI Convention in Salt Lake City. For many years, PCI has debated the best way to get serious students involved in our meetings. This year, the PCI Student Education Committee asked the PCI Foundation to fund selected students  to attend the convention to promote their research and development work.

Posters will be displayed in a prominent place in the Convention Hall and a specific time will designated for students to interact with Convention Attendees about their research projects. Students submitting selected Abstracts will receive a Travel Award.

Abstracts are invited on any topic directly related prestressed and/or precast concrete. Research on materials, methods or products used by the precast/prestressed concrete industry is also invited. The research should not promote specific products or commercial interests. Selected abstracts and posters will be included on the Conference Proceeding CD.

Up to 10 posters will be chosen. For one student per chosen poster, the PCI Foundation will provide airfare or mileage reimbursement of up to $500 and PCI will waive the Convention Registration Fee.
Students will be responsible for all additional costs. Students receiving the award are invited and encouraged to attend all aspects of the PCI Convention, including paper sessions and committee meetings.

The PCI poster session is just one example of how the PCI Foundation has made it possible for PCI and its members to promote prestressed concrete to schools and students. Make sure you stop by the PCI Foundation booth during the PCI Convention at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 22-26 , 2011 to learn more.

Producer Involvement in Studios

 

Dan Kolb of Prestress Engineering Company LLC in Prairie Grove, IL talks to students at the Precast Studio Final Presentation.

Because PCI of Illinois & Wisconsin was fortunate to be involved in the first PCI Education Foundation-sponsored Precast Studio at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), I am occasionally asked what makes a studio successful. To me, there are three key ingredients. 

The first part is the professor. We were fortunate in Tom Brock's involvement and excitement -- not only for the precast concrete materials, but also for teaching in a new way. If you know anything about IIT's history, you know it is distinct it the campus' use of glass and steel -- part of the modern vision architect and school professor Mies Van der Rohe. 

The second important ingredient is the local industry involvement. From the very beginning of the studio program, members of PCI-IW have stepped in to the work with students. Giving lectures, providing tours of plants and projects, and spending time in the classroom critiquing (and improving) projects designed by the students. 

The third ingredient is the funding. The PCI Foundation was a the key to getting the IIT and other studios off the ground. From the infancy of the program a few years ago, the Precast Studio program has grown to 7 programs around the US at various universities.

This third ingredient is the one that every member -- producer, professional or associate -- can supply. When a member of the PCI Foundation Raffle and Auction committee calls and asks for your help -- I hope you will heed that call. By donating a week at your vacation home, a Wii fit, or even a Hello Kitty basket -- you can help the foundation create a new generation of architects who not only like precast concrete -- but also know how to innovate with it. 

Spancrete Studio: The Granddaddy of Precast Studios

The Spancrete Studio,  was started by Spancrete Companies in Waukesha, WI, and the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Matt Jarosz and Gil Snyder, two professors at UW, have shaped and guided the studio over the last 7 years. They have been aided by the engineers and other professionals at Spancrete to help create a program that has been copied and repeated throughout the nation.

This year, the studio took on not just one precast project, but an entire city neighborhood, populated with precast buildings. Using  one Milwaukee neighborhood, the project started with urban planning. Once the parcels were assigned uses, students worked either individually or in groups to create buildings that worked in relation to the plan and to each other. Many of these projects will be be submitted to the PCI Design Competition this year.

Although the PCI Foundation did not start the Spancrete Studio, it has used it as a model to create unique and powerful learning experiences for architecture and engineering students. It's sole focus on precast, the intense work of the studio, and the partnership with the local industry have set it apart from other studios offered by the school.

To learn more about how you can become involved with the PCI Foundation, or to  donate a raffle prize or auction package, please check out the PCI Foundation Auction and Raffle website.

The Golf Outing Returns

The opportunities to raise money and do great things for precast concrete education will abound in Salt Lake City.

After a year’s hiatus, the PCI Foundation Golf Tournament has returned. Join your associates or put together a sponsored team to enjoy Stonebridge Golf Club. This scenic gem on the Wasatch Front is one of the best new courses in Utah. Stonebridge is located just minutes from the Salt Lake International Airport and downtown Salt Lake City, and offers a Scottish links style layout designed by US Open champion and renowned course designer Johnny Miller.

All tournament proceeds benefit the PCI Foundation and its industry programs. This will be a scramble format with shotgun start. Teams will be handicapped. Your $100 entry fee includes: tournament & greens fee, cart, range balls, and grilled lunch buffet. Proper golf attire and soft spikes are mandatory. [Rental golf clubs are available for $25 to be paid individually - call the golf club at (801) 957-9000 to reserve a set.] Mulligan and raffle tickets will be available at the course. Prizes will be awarded Saturday evening in the PCI Convention Exhibit Hall during the Foundation Silent Auction, for first, second and third place teams, plus close-to-the-pin and long drive competitions.

Check out the PCI Auction & Raffle website for the latest information on the golf outing -- and be sure to sign up when you get your convention registration materials

Student Design Competiton Aided by PCI Foundation Work

One of the programs that has been boosted by the work of the PCI Foundation is that of the student design competition. Although it is not necessary to be part of a PCI Foundation-sponsored Precast Studio to enter the competition, the past winners have often come from some of the programs scattered around the US. Students interested in the program, either for 2011 or beyond, can enter the compeition to learn more about designing in precast concrete.

The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute has issued a call for entries for its 2011 Student Architectural Design Competition. The project will address total-precast concrete design solutions for multi-unit housing, including concepts for duplex, apartment, senior and extended-care housing projects, as well as hotels, motels, dormitories and military barracks. 
Students will be evaluated on their ability to creatively design and technically integrate architectural and structural total-precast concrete systems. For their design, they may elect to use a selected site-specific location at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, Ill., or develop their own existing site.

Consideration for sustainable building practices will be a major element in the competition. Successful entries will be characterized by innovative use of precast/prestressed concrete as an agent in sustainable design. A minimum potential LEED silver rating is required to be integrated into the design.

The competition is open to students currently enrolled in any architecture-related program, such as architecture, landscape architecture, construction management, interior design or any program with an emphasis on the built environment. Competition entries may be the work of an individual student or can be submitted as a team from a school. Student organizations, such as AIAS, may enter the competition as a possible fund-raiser for the organization. Each entry must have a faculty advisor.

The entry due date for the 2011 competition is May 27, 2011. Design winners will be announced in July 2011 and awards will be presented at the PCI 2011 Annual Convention & Exhibition to be held October 22–25, 2011, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

For more information about the competition, submittal requirements and forms, visit www.pci.org. Click on Education, then click on Architectural Competition.

For questions or sponsorship opportunities, contact PCI’s managing director, research and development, Roger J. Becker, P.E., S.E., at 312-360-3213 or rbecker@pci.org.

The founding of the PCI Foundation . . .

The PCI Foundation has been growing and developing new programs since it's beginning in 2001. The primary focus is education. This video from the foundation tells the story about the beginning of the foundation, and also the PCI studio program. 

At the last PCI Convention, a silent auction raised about $40,000 toward funding the studios and other exciting programs from the foundation. When we meet in Salt Lake City in October, the goal is to increase that number and fund even more programs.

It is not too early to make your donation to the silent auction and raffle. If you have a vacation home, tickets to sporting events, or other items that people can bid on, contact the chairman of the event, Marianne Methvan at Hamilton Form at mdmethven@hamiltonform.com.

The Power of Precast Studios

One of the most exciting parts of being involved in the PCI Education Foundation is that it has given me a unique opportunity to interact with architecture students in new ways. That interactive has allowed me to get to know several students who have felt the impact of the Foundation.

Dan Kolb of Prestress Engineering Company LLC and Brian Bock of Dukane Precast participate with students at the IIT Studio.

One student, Christopher Chiu, who was graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology, had this to say about his experience:  

Upon my arrival into the advanced studio segment of my undergraduate studies, I was happy to see that Professor (Tom) Brock was teaching an advanced studio focused on the design of a charter school using precast concrete as the principal building material. The studio course was in fact, the pilot semester of a series of precast concrete studios headed by Professor Brock and sponsored by the Precast Concrete Institute (PCI). Although the course was in its infancy, it was, by far, the most comprehensive studio I've participated in a part of my undergraduate studies, and I feel that the results are clear indicators of the effective teaching methods implemented throughout the semester. In the spring of 2008, I and another student from the same studio course placed among the top three participants int he PCI Student Design Competition; the designs submitted were the ones developed during the precast concrete studio with Professor Brock.

These awards were a result of the innovative teaching method which the professor integrated into the course. A strong emphasis on collaboration between industry professionals (precast concrete producers and structural engineers) allowed the students to engage the 'real life' aspect of project design, which is lacking in most other studio courses. The accent on precast concrete fabrication methods, logistical issues and construction assemblies and sequences as they all relate to precast concrete construction played a significant role in the final resolutions. After seeing the effectiveness of the method, it is hard for me to comprehend why I had not been introduced to this design approach prior to this particular studio course.

Innovation is often hard work. With the Precast Studio at IIT, we were blessed with a triumvirate of support that made it much easier, the professor who advocates for industry involvement, the local PCI members who took a great interest in the school and students, and -- of course -- the PCI Education Foundation that made it possible in the first place.

That studio is what started my committed involvement in the PCI Foundation. The dollars raised through the raffle, auction, and other efforts go directly to make a difference in how architects understand and build with precast materials. And, as you can see from the comments of Christopher Chiu, the PCI Foundation is setting our industry apart as a leader in education.

If you want to participate in helping fund the PCI Auction and Raffle by donating a prize, contact Marianne Methvan of Hamilton Forms.

New Year . . . New Auction

During PCI Committee Days, planning started for the 2011 PCI Foundation Auction and Raffle that will take place as part of the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute's Convention in Salt Lake City.

During the last convention, prizes ranged from a spectacular week-end at the Indy500 race, to simple pleasures closer to home, like a Wii and an iPad. The time to think about your donation to the auction is now? Do you have access to a vacation home or time share? A skybox at a sporting event? Why not use it to make a personalized and special contribution?

All funds raised through the auction go to support PCI Foundation programs, such as the PCI Studios that are scattered all over the U.S., and other support for educational goals.

To learn more about the auction, or if you want to help with the committee, contact PCI Foundation Raffle and Auction chairman, Marianne Methvan of Hamilton Form Company.