LOS ANGELES--With green building initiatives growing in communities nationwide, many architects are scrambling for reliable, insightful resources to develop sustainable building designs. In fact, a recent survey of architects by the Portland Cement Association (PCA) revealed that 90 percent of architects look online for green building solutions — yet many find it difficult to locate in-depth sustainable design data on the Web.

Recognizing the unmet need for information on green building, PCA is launching a new online resource —ConcreteThinker.com — for forward-thinking architects in search of concrete solutions. ConcreteThinker.com is a unique clearinghouse of case studies, energy models, and other tools to help design professionals make sustainable development a reality. A first in the industry, the new Web site offers solutions for energy efficiency, disaster resistance, indoor air quality, and more.

“To really advance green building, PCA is working to properly equip architects — on the job and in the classroom — with the right tools and creative license to put their sustainable design ideas into practice,” said David Shepherd, PCA director of sustainable development. “ConcreteThinker.com is a virtual think tank for architectural thought leaders.”

The green building trend is not only driving the industry but is permeating the classroom as well, and PCA hopes to fuel innovative concrete thinking among aspiring architects. The association recently partnered with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) to sponsor an international student design competition. “Concrete Thinking for a Sustainable World” was one of the first ACSA-administered contests to focus on sustainability and was open to all designs, exemplifying the versatility available when building with concrete. At the AIA 2006 National Convention and Design Exposition, PCA will release the winning project of the contest — Concrete and Straw: Fusion — which exhibits sustainable strengths of two of the world’s oldest building materials.

View ConcreteThinker.com and learn more about the PCA student competition winners
at Booth #520 at the AIA show.


About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs.