The Form and Function of Decorative Concrete (Print Course)

Decorative concrete encompasses everything from overlays, inlays, mosaics, stamped concrete, and cast-in-place concrete amongst others. It can be used for swimming pool decks, as highly durable polished floors, and in a variety of vertical applications. Board-formed cast-in-place concrete can function both structurally and aesthetically, and masters such as Ando, Calatrava, and Kahn have mastered its use.

By understanding and analyzing the form and function of decorative concrete, as well as its benefits, limitations, and legacy, architects and other specifiers, will be better equipped to make innovative design decisions.