From Grime to Sublime: Standards for Cleaning Masonry Buildings October 10-11, plus special workshop on October 12, 2014 Sponsored by the AIA Historic Resources Committee, the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, and the Architectural Specialty Group of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works The maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation of existing buildings often include cleaning the exterior surfaces of stone, brick, terra cotta, and concrete. There are philosophical, aesthetic, technical, scientific, and economic factors that should be considered when specifying materials and methods for cleaning. What is the masonry material, and what is the cause and composition of soil? Is the soiling damaging the masonry material? What are the owner’s expectations? What is an appropriate aesthetic target for the character of the building? Is the patina character defining? Will a particular cleaning approach result in short term appeal and long term damage? Is the masonry best left alone? What is an optimum cycle for recleaning that balances the applicable factors? In summary, how do we characterize soiling, how should one clean a building, and ought one to clean a building, and what is the meaning of “clean?” The program will open with an outdoor desert terrace reception followed by the keynote lecture on Friday evening, October 10, 2014, and an evening tour of Taliesin West by staff, faculty, and students. The core of the program consists of presentations and discussion with the speakers on Saturday October 11, 2014 plus an optional advanced workshop on Sunday, October 12th. Principal speakers are Richard Wolbers, Mary Oehrlein, FAIA, Judy Jacob, and Joshua Freedland. #HRC #HistoricResourcesCommittee #TALIESINCOLLOQUIUM