Last fall, I had the opportunity to accompany a group of architects from across the globe at an American Institute of Architects continuing education program in Verona, Italy. Held in conjunction with the Marmomacc trade/design fair, the event gives architects a first-hand look at the stone-production process -- from quarrying to fabrication to installation. This included a visit to a state-of-the-art stoneworking plant run by Ghirardi Marmi near Brescia, Italy, which was equipped with a range of the latest technology.
Although I have been at large-scale stoneworking plants around the world, it is somewhat rare that I get the opportunity to tour these facilities in the company of established architects. It was particularly interesting to me to hear the ideas that these design professionals shared with one another as they examined the various machines in use at the plant. Equipment on hand included Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) saws and routers as well as automated shaping machines and polishers, and the architects discussed specific design elements that could be achieved by using the various pieces of equipment. The imagination of these architects was also piqued as they viewed the finished pieces being prepared for shipment.