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PRESTRESSED CONCRETE INSTITUTE

TECTU RA~ R U C T U A C

Religious structures

Published Monthly by thePRESTRESSED CONCRETE INSTITUTEEditor: Edward D. Dionne

Vol.13, No.12December, 1967

‘... _v~.” 4141

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The house of worshipIt is interesting to note that members ofChicago’s oldest church worship in theworld’s tallest church building—locatedsome 400 ft. above the Loop. First Methodist Church is to be found in the towerof the 22-story Chicago Temple Building.Stained glass windows encompass thechapel; a carved wood altar is the focalpoint. The parsonage is located on thefloor immediately below. The building’sspire is surmounted with a great goldcross 568 ft. above the street.

It is also interesting to note that whenthe church was organized in 1831, thefirst chapel was a log cabin, built on thenorth side of the Chicago River. In 1839the rough structure was floated intactacross the river to the present site ofthe Chicago Temple Building. Today, thechurch serves a congregation of 1,170.

Recalling the history of this métropolitan church illustrates how man has copedwith what often has been termed themost challenging of all his talents: Ecclesiastical architecture. The historicalsketch also demonstrates how man hasutilized available building materials tocreate structures to satisfy his spiritualneeds.

A few weeks ago a unique meetingwas held in New York when representatives of every major world faith met to

discuss religion’s place in architectureand the visual arts. Thirty-five nationalarchitectural and religious organizationsfrom 20 countries sponsored the FirstInternational Congress on Religion, Architecture and the Visual Arts. Speakersincluded R. Buckminster Fuller; RobertT.Durham, FAIA, president of the American Institute of Architects; and MorrisKetchum, Jr., FAIA, past president of AlA.

The many discussions concluded thatthrough continuing advances in construction technology today’s architects andengineers can design imaginative structures capable of satisfying modern society’s changing religious requirements.

The basic needs of the religious structure have not changed greatly over theyears. Like all buildings, ecclesiasticalstructures must first be designed to satisfy the needs of the occupants. But aplace of worship must also embody tradition as well as individuality; it mustbe monumental, yet ever new; it must bebuilt to accommodate large congregations, and still remain inviting to thosewho wish to pray in solitude.

One of the prime considerations thatfaces the church designer is that of focusing attention on the altar, withoutinterference by colunms within the seating area. Long-spanning prestressed con-

crete beams offer such an advantagethrough use of standard or flared tees,folded plates, barrel shells or other components which the designer may select.

Last year church fire losses in theUnited States exceeded $25 million. Prestressed concrete well meets the need fora fire-resistant church structure; labelservice of two and three hours is offeredon virtually all prestressed concrete structu res.

A further consideration—as in any typeof structure—is economy of construction.With precast, prestressed concrete, initialcosts are minimized through speed oferection; elimination of scaffolding andjob-site formwork; and the avoidance ofstockpiling and repeated handling of materials. Precast components enable thecontractor to put the material directlyinto place from delivery trucks, thusmeeting programmed building procedures. Future maintenance is minimizedwhen the components are left exposed orpainted as desired.

In today’s changing society the challenge of church architecture presents itself more boldly than ever before. Thisissue of PCITEMS illustrates how architects and congregations have selectedprecast, prestressed concrete to solvetheir ecclesiastical design problems.

Dramatic use of precast, prestressed concrete double-teesis evidenced in Christ the King Lutheran Church at Moorhead, Minn., as depicted on the Cover and in the two adjacent scenes. The architect selected 4-ft-wide tees 14 in.deep to capture the desired aesthetic expression. The teessimultaneously form the walls and roof of the 6,000-sq.-ft.church, focusing attention toward the altar and creating asense of spiritual uplifting. Seating capacity is 590, including the balcony and area at the back of the nave.

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Arch.~Eng.: Foss, Engeistad & Foss; Prestressed concrete by Wells ConcreteProducts Co.

Precast, prestressed single-tees werecombined with precast concrete wallpanels in the Parish Center at BlessedSacrament Church in Syracuse, N.Y. Thearchitect states that the tees, 8 ft. wideand 3 ft. deep, “have provided an efficient, economical and aesthetic answerto the need for long-span framing” inthe multi-purpose building. 1

Arch.: Pederson, Hueber, Hares & c3!avin; Eng.: Stuart Snyder & Assoc.; Prestressed and precast concrete by Winkrete Precast Co., Inc.

Economy of construction was especially required in thissmall structure designed for First Covenant Church inWinnipeg, Manitoba. Precast, prestressed concrete foldedplates were selected for the church, which serves a congregation of 200 persons. The architect reports, “The system provided the chapel with a clear-span vaulted ceiling,creating a strong and appropriate character within whichthe simple sanctuary was developed.” The 4-ft. overhangsat each end provide for attractive sunshades and interesting window treatment. The facing panels at the upper partof the walls are of precast concrete.

Arch.-Eng.: Moody, Moore & Partners; Prestressed concrete by Preco Div. of B.A.CM., Ltd.

In designing this church for 650 parishioners, the architect faced the problem ofsiting the building on a narrow corner lotin the downtown area. To reduce thewidth of the walls of Immaculate Conception Church in Everett, Wash. (above),the architect utilized extremely thin precast concrete wall panels for the exteriorframing. The components were combinedwith precast, prestressed concrete teesused as floor and roof elements. Tosatisfy a further requirement that thestructure reflect the character of thecommunity, local aggregate was exposedin the precast panels. Total erection timewas scheduled at 21 days, compared with90 to 100 days using other systems.

In designing Zion Lutheran Church inAbilene, Texas, the architect utilized 9-ft.-wide single-tees to create a simple butoverwhelming effect. Flanges of two teeswere joined to create a structural element 18 ft. wide. These units, in. turn,were placed in staggered positions, withstained glass set between the overlappingareas, as illustrated. Inside, the stems ofthe tees serve as light reflecting baffles. Afinished plaster coating was placed onthe inside surfaces of the tees; The basicstructure above ground was erected inless than two weeks, resulting in a fire-resistant building with savings in insurance premiums. The architect states, “Toduplicate this same design using something other than prestressed concretewould have increased the cost at least30 per cent.”

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Arch.: Harry E. Botesch, F.ARA; Eng.: Peter Hostmark & Assoc.; Precast and prestressed concrete byAssociated Sand & Gravel Co.

Arch.: James H. Shelton; Eng.: T. V. Un & Assoc.; Prestressed concrete by Texcrete Co.~ subsidiary of Texasindustries, Inc.

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The Chinese Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, is located inan aging neighborhood dominated by frame structures;hence, fire-resistance was a vital requirement when thenew church was planned. The small area available for thebuilding was 54 X 90 ft.; the new structure occupies 48 X90 ft. of this area. Prestressed tees are utilized in the framing of the church (above and right), designed for 400 persons. Windows are omitted on three sides; the interiorconcrete surface was painted, and light is obtained throughskylights over the choir area. The architect states, “Prestressed tees were chosen for economy, resistance to fire,permanence, and the beauty obtainable in a repetitivepattern. It is felt that the desired coherence of design andstructure has been achieved.”

The massive reredos behind the altar of St. Ann’s Churchin Butte, Montana, is formed of precast concrete panels4 ft. square, cast at the plant and shipped to the job sitefor erection. Designed with a Genesis theme, the 40-ft.-taIlreredos depicts the seven days of creation. On the exterior, precast concrete wall panels highlighted by brilliantwhite quartzite stone are utilized as structural elements.The interior of the church features circular seating for 850parishioners, conforming to the new liturgy.

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Arch.: Ralph M. Ruffington, AlA; Eng.: Joe T. Strother

Arch.: Campeau & Crennen; Eng.: Lyerla & Peden; Precast concrete byCentral Pre-Mix Concrete Co.

“Schools of prestressed concrete” now available

Among the more than 200 illustrations in the Institute’s newestpublication, “Schools of Prestressed Concrete,” is this scene ofthe Illinois Street Residence Halls at the University of Illinois inUrbana. Because economy and speed of erection were vital factors, extensive use of precast concrete panels featuring milkyquartz aggregate was utilized. Precast concrete slabs are also usedin an adjacent circular court area. The dormitory complex fea

tures separate high-rise housing units for men and women students, with common-use dining, recreational, social and studyfacilities. A total of 550 women reside in 12-story Wardall Halland 650 men live in 5-story Townsend Hall, a U-shaped building.Both structures are linked to the Social Activities Building andthe Food Service Building, where the dining room accommodates860 students. Total cost of the complex is $6,112,000.

“An encyclopedia of prestressed concrete construction” is the term one reviewer has used to describe the Institute’snew publication, “Schools of PrestressedConcrete.” The 148-page book, subtitled“Planning, design and construction ofeducational facilities for schools and colleges,” features more than 150 schoolsfrom throughout the United States andCanada. Over 200 photographs and 75line drawings illustrate the many subjects.

The publication, designed especially

for the architect, engineer, contractorand member of the community schoolboard, also serves as a comprehensivereference manual, with application to alltypes of structures utilizing precast andprestressed concrete construction techniques. Virtually every type of precast,prestressed concrete component is depicted in the book.

Included are requirements for classrooms, libraries, auditoriums and cafeterias. A section is devoted to athletic

facilities, including gymnasiums, natatoriums, field houses, stadiums and grandstands. Appendices trace the developmentof the industry and list organizations andpublications pertaining to educationalconstruction.

Readers of PCITEMS interested in purchasing a copy of “Schools of PrestressedConcrete” may use the Order Formbelow. Check or money order payableto the Institute should accompany theorder.

ORDER

FORM

$10 per copycu. 5. Funds)

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Arch.: Mitlelbusher & Tourtelot; and Richardson, Severns, Scheeler & Assoc.

“Schools of prestressed concrete”—Order now

PRESTRESSED CONCRETE INSTITUTE

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Please send me copies of “Schools of Prestressed Concrete”

Officers, directors elected by PCI membership

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New officers and directors of the Prestressed Concrete Instituteinclude (front, left): Felix Kulka of T. Y. Lin, Kulka, Yang & Assoc.,PCI director; Charles W. Wilson of Wilson Concrete Co., PCIsecretary-treasurer; Charles L. Scott, Jr., Southern PrestressedConcrete, Inc., PCI president; Robert H. Singer of Ben C.Gerwick, Inc., PCI vice president; Brian Whitfield of SupercreteLtd., president of the Canadian Prestressed Concrete Institute,also serving as an ex-officio member of the PCI board. OtherPCI directors are (rear, left): Joseph F. Guide of Crowe-GuldePrestressed Concrete Co.; Jack R. Janney of Wiss, Janney, Elstner

“Speed Graphs,” intended for use byarchitects and engineers in designingwith standard prestressed concrete members, has been published by PrestressedConcrete of Colorado, Inc. The subjectwas presented at the 1967 PCI Conven

PRESTRESSED CONCRETE INSTITUTE

ARCHITECTURAL

205 W. WACKER DRIVECHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606

(312) 346-4071Return Requested—Printed in u.S.A.

PCI

STRUCTURAL

A& Assoc.; James D. Piper, Portland Cement Assoc.; CarrollStrohm, Jr., Breeko Industries; J. F. Hassell, Jr., Pre-Stress Concrete Co.; B. Mallory Long of Joseph T. Ryerson & Son, Inc.;A. L. Patterson, CF&l Steel Corp.; Charles H. Bennett, Jr., ofF. Huribut Co.; and Thomas W. Moore, Jr., Prestressed Concrete,Inc. Also serving as directors are John F. Downing, Midwest Concrete Industries, and Adelard A. Roy, San-Vel Concrete Corp.James H. Gilbert of C. W. Blakeslee & Sons, and Jack Streblow,Basalt Rock Co., both past presidents of PCI, serve as ex-officiomembers of the board.

Paper by Charles H. RathsWinner of Korn Award“Production and Design of ArchitecturalPrecast Concrete,” by Charles H. Raths,has been selected as the 1966-67 winnerof the Institute’s Martin P. Korn Award.The selection is made annually for theoutstanding article published in The Journal of the Prestressed Concrete Institute.

Copies of the 28-page report are available for 25 cents each.

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Graphic design charts availableFor standard prestressed members

tion by the author, Francis J. Jacques,chief engineer of the firm.

Inquiries about the publication, itsavailability and price should be directedto Mr. Jacques’ firm at P.O. Box 21070,Perlmack Station, Denver, Cob. 80221.

BULK RATEU. S. POSTAGE

PAIDChicago, Illinois

PERMIT NO. 6374

December, 1967