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Scholarships Available to Architects for the Tenth Edition of Veronafiere’s Continuing Education Course “Designing with Natural Stone”

April 14, 2008

(Washington, DC – April 14, 2008) -- The tenth edition of “Designing with Natural Stone” will run from October 2-6, 2008 in Verona, Italy, in conjunction with MARMOMACC, the world’s most important stone trade fair. Over 150 AIA architects from all over the U.S. have participated in previous editions of the course. Applications for this year’s course are now being reviewed. Veronafiere offers this course, which is co-sponsored by Stone World magazine, to help architects learn advanced techniques in the use of marble, granite and other stone materials. The program is a unique combination of classroom lectures, guided architectural tours, and field trips to nearby quarries – this year, in addition to visiting a local quarry, participants will travel to Carrara and visit the quarries used by Michelangelo -- as well as to natural stone processing facilities. This comprehensive approach helps architects to better understand the full cycle, including how marble is quarried, cut, processed, finished, selected for specific jobs and installed, using the latest technologies and products. In addition, the course provides time to explore MARMOMACC, with its 1,300 exhibitors of stone and stone-related products and services from around the world. “Designing with Natural Stone” has been recognized by the AIA as a “Best Practices and Trends” program. Comments from recent participants support this judgment: • "I am very glad I was able to attend the course. The friends and introductions I made are valuable, and the exposure to the Italian stone industry and learning experiences are appreciated and of good value." Brian O'Neill, Architect, Fulton County General Services Department (Atlanta, GA) • "The opportunity to visit the quarries, meet the people, and learn about the products will be extremely useful to me and my firm. No matter how many years of experience you may have, one of the things you learn while attending a course like this is how much you don't know and how much more you need to learn." Ron Hobbs, Ron Hobbs Architects (Garland, TX) • “The week was a beautifully choreographed symphony of learning and stone, food, wine, friendship and inspiration. May we all return to Italy with projects to build in stone!" Naomi Darling, Studio ABK Architects (New Haven, CT) Participants earn about 20 AIA/CES learning-unit hours. Many classes also count as HSW credits and two will focus on stone and sustainable design. The class is limited to 30 architects, 16 from the U.S., and the others from Canada, the U.K., South Africa, India and Australia. Scholarships – covering tuition, hotels and meals – are awarded on a competitive basis, based on a candidate’s demonstrated interest in the field, responsibilities within their firm, and experience with stone. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to Verona as well as a $420 registration fee. Those interested should fax or e-mail to the address below a curriculum vitae and a cover letter specifying why they wish to participate in the course. The deadline for submitting applications is July 15th. Please send applications to: The Consultants International Group: 1616 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20006, fax: (202) 393-4655, e-mail: ejanoschka@cig-dc.com
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Provide a Complete Drainage System with MEL-DRAIN™ from W. R. MEADOWS

April 08, 2008

Hampshire, IL – MEL-DRAIN is a dimple-raised, molded polystyrene sheet bonded to high strength polypropylene fabric. This geocomposite allows the passage of moisture through the fabric while preventing fine soils from entering the drainage channel. Various drain designs are available, depending on soil pressure and flow specifications. (An optional polyester backing film is available when used in conjunction with flexible waterproofing material.) The family of MEL-DRAIN products provides excellent protection in vertical, horizontal and site applications. Used in conjunction with a total W. R. MEADOWS moisture protection system, MEL-DRAIN is the ideal choice for enhanced waterproofing protection of basement walls, plaza decks, earth sheltered homes, commercial buildings, retaining walls, underground parking, site drainage, etc. For more information, call (847) 214-2100, e-mail wrmil@wrmeadows.com or visit www.wrmeadows.com.
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