New PEPA Class Includes Valuable Insights from Architect and Urban Planner Andrés Duany
By Don Browne
There is an exciting new PEPA class created and produced by author and builder Fernando Pagés Ruiz that is an adventure in architectural plastics science and innovation. It describes in intricate detail the functionality, versatility and design opportunities that polymeric exteriors provide. But what pulls it all together is an intimate portrait of his own journey toward design success with polymers presented by architect Andrés Duany, the founder of New Urbanism.
It starts in the early 80’s when Andrés describes the code he wrote for a seaside community that prohibited vinyl siding for any home construction or renovation. Opting primarily for wood exteriors, Duany was proud of the design results but did not account for the constant maintenance that wood requires, especially in a coastal area. He elaborated that the work and detail of his architects were solid, but “the wood betrayed them.” The big joke in this town was that most residents were forced to share their paychecks with the painters.
After years of experimenting unsuccessfully with several types of wood, he turned to Fernando for a more durable and sustainable solution. When learning about the technological improvements in vinyl siding production that resulted in cleaner, exceptionally durable and more sustainable products, Andrés investigated further. After discovering the design benefits, he partnered with New Urbanist architect Steve Mouzon to detail the profiles of vinyl to better emulate wood.
In addition to being a natural material made from natural carbons, Andrés loves synthetic polymer in building design because:
Andrés questions, “Why are architects fighting the old battles of sticking to 19th Century materials” instead of acknowledging that vinyl has found its own artisanal expression?” He advocates that designers approach vinyl with the mindset of John Ruskin, the Victorian-era artist whose wide range of interests and achievements were staggering.
In short, Andrés argues that indispensable synthetic polymers like vinyl siding present a reinvention of design possibilities. His challenge for today’s artists: who will be the Ruskin of vinyl?
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The new PEPA class (2 VI), includes the following objectives:
Click here for the PEPA class!
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Don Browne is a writer, entrepreneur and local legislator who believes that the power of words can change the world. He provides unique writing services for clients in the construction, health care, IT and hospitality sectors. He has a passion for small business and start-ups, as well as writing about Irish history, family and corporate biographies. As a homeowner and father of four who is passionate about community development, Don looks forward to writing more about the exciting possibilities of creating traditional neighborhoods and more sustainable communities using modern materials.