Design Perspective Q&A: The Use of Brick in Contemporary Architecture and Urban Design

Featuring The Goergen Institute for Data Science
and Architect Frano Violich, FAIA

Every brick tells a story. The use of brick and concrete blocks in contemporary architecture lends itself to a range of styles that can be used to tell the story of a structure. The materiality of brick expresses more than just the function of the material, but also the experience of the material within a structure, from concept to construction and process to use.

The Goergen Institute for Data Science at Wegmans Hall was a signature focus of the University of Rochester’s Strategic Plan to leverage information technology in a new educational model for cross-disciplinary research and innovation. The story the brick tells exemplifies the culmination of the building combining science, IT and humanity studies.

The use of brickwork to exemplify materiality in this structure is masterful. A unique pattern inspired by computer coding matrices forms the building’s masonic envelope, which projects from the main building mass to create a dynamic and ever-changing play of light and texture on the façade. The window patterning and ornamental exterior brickwork are inspired by punch cards and computer coding matrices to provide a signature façade that reflects the research conducted within the building. The projecting bricks create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow across the façades that change throughout the day and the seasons.

In this Q&A, architect Frano Violich, FAIA of Kennedy & Violich Architecture, Ltd. discusses the goals, challenges, successes and use of brick in the design of his award-winning architectural project with The Goergen Institute. Violich explores brick as one of the materials that designers and builders in the project used as conceptual elements to bring the language of code to life.

Q. What were the goals of the project?

A. There were three primary goals. The first was to make the School of Engineering and Applied Science a destination that would attract students from the Sciences, Arts, and Humanities in a place that was welcoming and collaborative in spirit. The second was to create a program that was multidisciplinary, where these same students could work together on project-based research in spaces that were open 24/7, were reconfigurable and filled with natural light. The third was to create a building that, by design, through its spaces and materials would express all of this both inside and out.

Q. What story is being told with this building?

A. We wanted the building to, in a way, tell the story itself. This was one of the first ground-up buildings dedicated to Data Science and as a new curriculum major with its own Institute we felt it was important for the building to express what data science is, which is basically how you make sense of all the data that’s out there floating in the ether. The ways in which this data can be used to research science, art, and languages is why it’s become such a popular major and career path today.  How could we use, or “mis-use,” a brick the same way, like a pixel, and take that pixel and push it in and pull it out to play with light, shadows and so it begins to look like a language — like a streaming binary-coded language?

Q. What were the challenges, and why?

A. Probably the biggest was siting the building. The challenge was that while a typical quad is created by four buildings that form an outdoor “room,” this quad only had three, with an active campus road on the fourth side. The only solution to making this perform like a quad was to site the new building on the street which is not usually recommended. Under each street are all sorts of connected systems to other buildings — sewer, electricity and water. But in the end it solved a lot of problems creating an open space that is car-free, welcoming to pedestrians, and is a campus destination. 

Q. What were the successes, and what do you want to celebrate about this project?

A. I like how this project has contributed to the campus by providing a safe zone away from cars and noise where anybody can go. I like the way the project uses the topography. The site slopes gently toward the Genesee River so we followed it with an interior street-like space and just let the spaces get higher and higher along the way. At the very end we tucked in a large auditorium and bleacher seating that overlook the river.  Also, how the light plays across the masonry. In winter or late afternoons, you can get 8-foot shadows from protruding bricks cast horizontally from the sun. But at noon on a winter day, the shadow of the brick could be just 8 inches. It’s like a sundial that tells time!

Q. Tell us about the bricks used in this project.

A. We used a sand mold brick (Glen-Gery 53-DD) which was specified by the University standards. Sand mold bricks are unique since, unlike the majority of the bricks manufactured in the US, they are individually set in molds and fired and cool differently depending on where they are placed in the kiln. Some are darker, lighter, and spotty. No two bricks are alike! It gives them a velvety texture, a certain irregular character; each one is a little different. Historically, the selection of brick has always been important to architects.

In the words of Violich, “materiality is an opportunity where you can arrange and configure the materials to raise questions and to spark someone’s imagination.”

Goergen Institute for Data Science at Wegmans Hall is featured within the North American debut issue of Materiality. The publication is a sharing of ideas and celebration of architecture and design that shares the commonality of brick. Request your complimentary copy here.

This unique project is known as the Professional Development and Administration Center School District 59 (CCSD 59). It replaced an underutilized District 59 asset (the site of a long-since demolished school) with a professional development center designed with spaces intended to model the teaching and learning practices expected within the District’s classrooms. Public, Private, and Back-of-House program zones were created to meet the District’s Professional Development Training, District Administration, and Facility Maintenance space needs. The design solution creates overlapping common (shared) spaces among the zones, fostering spontaneous interactions, small group meeting opportunities, hoteling, and flexible workspaces. Multiple flexible spaces accommodate training groups ranging in size from 1 to over 100, with many options in between. Several outdoor spaces are provided as an extension of the training, dining, and spontaneous interaction spaces.

Read more in the full case study. 

The La Clairiere residence is located in Princeton, New Jersey. La Clairiere features the Roman Maximus brick in black with wood accents that dissolve in the trees from a distance and appears when approaching the residence through the wooden landscape.

The house is designed as two solid masses carefully positioned on the landscape, each containing an assortment of private spaces; the void between these two shifted volumes allows the landscape to run through its core and encloses all the communal activities.

Two large brick façade sectors stand tall and attach to the glass core. These brick sectors have windows and balconies to provide uniformity from the exterior yet uniqueness for each interior space. These volumes are built out of Black Roman Maximus brick chosen for their highly textured, horizontal proportions and the varied lengths that break up any continuity in vertical joints on the façade. The individual unit of brick, which provides depth from close, becomes a part of a larger texture of subtle horizontal grain, forming the mass of the volumes.

With black sills and headers and deep brick returns, the window details emphasize the walls’ thickness and provide privacy for the spaces within. These two blocks contain seven bedrooms, the master suite, garage, office, mudroom, and laundry room. The custom windows are carefully calculated to provide natural light and views while maintaining a sense of privacy and protection.

In sharp contrast to the solid Black Roman Maximus brick, the wood-lined space is capped by large window walls at each end, providing views over the nearby lake. The large glass core of the home includes the kitchen, dining, living rooms, and mezzanine offering elevated views to the lake.

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of outdoor spaces, few materials offer the timeless charm and versatility of clay brick pavers. These durable and visually captivating elements not only provide structural integrity but also serve as a canvas for creative expression through various laying patterns. Explore four popular clay brick paving patterns – Running Bond, Herringbone, Single Basketweave, and Double Basketweave – each with its own distinct characteristics and visual impact.
 

Running Bond
The Running Bond pattern is one of the simplest and most commonly used brick laying techniques. In this pattern, each row of bricks is laid end to end, with each brick staggered halfway over the brick in the row below it. This creates a straightforward, linear appearance that's perfect for pathways, driveways, and patio surfaces. The simplicity of the Running Bond pattern allows for easy installation and minimal cutting of bricks, making it a cost-effective choice for projects of all sizes.

Characteristics:
- Clean and classic look
- Easy to install
- Requires minimal cutting of bricks
- Ideal for straight edges and large surfaces
- Provides good structural stability

Danish Paver

Herringbone
The Herringbone pattern is renowned for its intricate, interlocking design that adds visual interest and texture to any outdoor space. In this pattern, rectangular 4x8 bricks are laid at 45-degree angles to form a series of V-shaped patterns. This pattern can also be achieved using modular size pavers with mortar joints. The alternating orientation of the bricks creates a strong, stable surface that can withstand heavy foot traffic. Herringbone patterns are particularly well-suited for areas where slip resistance is important, such as pool decks and pedestrian walkways.

Characteristics:
- Eye-catching zigzag design
- Excellent for promoting drainage
- Offers superior slip resistance
- Suitable for both contemporary and traditional settings
- Requires precise cutting of bricks at edges and corners

Empire Blue Paver

Single Basketweave
The Single Basketweave pattern is a variation of the basic Running Bond pattern that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to outdoor spaces. In this pattern, pairs of bricks are laid side by side in a horizontal and vertical arrangement, creating a woven effect reminiscent of a traditional basket weave. The repeating pattern adds visual depth and dimension to patios, courtyards, and garden pathways, making it a popular choice for homeowners seeking a timeless yet distinctive look.

Characteristics:
- Classic and elegant appearance
- Adds texture and visual interest
- Requires moderate cutting of bricks for edge alignment
- Provides good traction and stability
- Ideal for both formal and informal settings

Liberty Copper Paver

Double Basketweave
Building upon the elegance of the Single Basketweave pattern, the Double Basketweave pattern offers a more intricate and dynamic aesthetic. In this pattern, pairs of bricks are arranged in a double-layered basket weave, creating a visually striking pattern that exudes sophistication and charm. The alternating layers of horizontal and vertical bricks add depth and complexity to outdoor surfaces, making them ideal for enhancing the visual appeal of patios, garden paths, and outdoor entertaining areas.

Characteristics:
- Intricate and visually appealing design
- Creates a sense of movement and texture
- Requires precise cutting and fitting of bricks
- Offers excellent stability and durability
- Adds a touch of luxury to outdoor living spaces

Red Rangle Modular Paver

Clay brick paving patterns offer endless possibilities for transforming outdoor spaces into inviting retreats that reflect your personal style and taste. Whether you prefer the timeless simplicity of the Running Bond pattern or the intricate elegance of the Double Basketweave pattern, there's a laying pattern to suit every aesthetic preference and functional need. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a captivating landscape that will be enjoyed for years to come.