Conference looks at Seattle's construction history
The University of Washington's Departments of Construction Management, Architecture and the College of Built Environments are hosting the three-day Construction History Society of America 2017 members' meeting -- "Construction History on the Frontier" -- that promises to be an informative and thought-provoking event, as well as an excellent industry networking opportunity, The event will be held from July 20-22, 2017 on the University of Washington campus.
Presenters from both academic and professional arenas are encouraged to submit presentation proposals related to construction history on the frontier. Presentations are not required to directly address Seattle, but should broadly explore the above subjects through the lens of construction innovation. See below for additional Call for Presenters' information.
The conference will explore construction history in the American West, with particular focus on building in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. As the frontier of western expansion, Seattle has fostered unique innovation in construction since the early 20th century. Within a setting of towering mountains and expansive waterways, civic development has continually demanded new construction solutions. In addressing this topic, essential subjects include resource extraction and refinement into building materials (timber, stone, concrete, etc.), transportation infrastructure (railroads, canals, bridges, roads, etc.), modern architecture of the 20th century, advancements in structural engineering, and the adoption of new technological processes in the building industry. As the city continues to grow, new projects continue this legacy of innovation while raising issues of equitable urban development and historic preservation.
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
Presenters, from both academic and professional arenas, are encouraged to submit presentation proposals related to construction history on the frontier. Presentations are not required to directly address Seattle, but should broadly explore the above subjects through the lens of construction innovation.
Please send a paragraph describing your presentation to melaniefeerst@gmail.com by January 15, 2017.
Themed sessions on construction history – invited speakers and research submitted by our members.
Keynotes exploring architectural history of the region, structural engineering innovation, Boeing, and urban history.
We Built Seattle – sponsored by AGC Washington. Roundtable with notable business leaders that pioneered the growth of building construction in the Northwest.
Tours under consideration include the Boeing plant in Everett, Seattle Center (the 1962 World’s Fair site), Seattle Public Library, Pike Place Market, Waterfront Re-development Project, and Amazon Spheres.
Please visit ConstructionHistorySociey.org for more information on the CHSA.