Stonework in the modern era: an architect¿s perspective
photo copyright Craig Blackmon, AIA
The stone industry has had to live up to these principles because, like other areas of commerce at the end of the 20th century, it came under the influence of the global marketplace. To contend with these conditions, it had to specialize, to continue replacing muscle with machines, and to renew investment in operations. The latest improvements in stone-processing equipment whittle away at production costs and reduce material waste with little impact on the quality of the final product. As equipment becomes ever more sophisticated, less finishing work is accomplished by hand. Today, many fabricators, instead of working as craftsmen, are now dealers in the material, marketing wares from an increasing number of sources. A greater variety of stone from locations around the world is now available, though the selection of affordable sizes and shapes is more limited. Thin-cut stone is today¿s common product; it is readily obtainable, reasonably priced and it can be delivered quickly almost anywhere.