A concrete masonry block concept with angled face treatment on one of two cavities earned a team from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, first place recognition in the Unit Design Competition. The NCMA Foundation-backed program was staged last month during the National Concrete Masonry Association’s Midyear Virtual Event.
Under the tutelage of Professor Vincent Petrarca, students Joshua Albert and Clayton Johnson crafted “Chock Block,” along with “Point” and “Valley” companions in the Angle Face series, each unit shaped for efficient molding, shipping and placing. By organizing the angled faces, a textured finish that plays with shadows is achieved, integral coloring amplifying the effect.
In lieu of traditional presentations that would accompany an in-person NCMA Midyear gathering, Unit Design Competition teams produced videos to feed into the virtual program streaming. Joining the N.C. State team were counterparts from Mississippi State University, Starkville; Iowa State University, Ames; and Ball State University, Muncie, Ind.—finishing with respective second place, third place and honorable mention recognition.