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Families learn about quality building design
Larry Novak of the Portland Cement Association controls an earthquake simulator during "From Sidewalks to Skyscrapers" at The CTL Group in Skokie. | Joel Lerner~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: July 29, 2012 6:36AM
Families this month learned about the importance of quality design and using the right materials for safe, sustainable buildings during an innovative sold-out course in Skokie.
The program, presented by the Museum of Science and Industry, with assistance from Skokie’s Portland Cement Assn. and CTLGroup, was part of a continuing community outreach effort to promote science, math and sustainability to school-aged children.
“From Sidewalks to Skyscrapers” explained how buildings are designed to be energy efficient and resist the devastating forces of wind, fire, and earthquakes. Sustainable building design considerations such as thermal mass, durability, storm water management, and minimizing heat island effect were discussed during the program.
The highlight, though, was when students demonstrated what they had learned by constructing and testing their own Lego buildings on a shake table.
The Portland Cement Assn., based in Skokie, represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education and public affairs programs.
