This creative project responds to the lack of information currently available to the laypeople who own terra cotta buildings. Lafayette investors own several grand, white glazed terra cotta buildings downtown. Much of this building stock suffers from poor repairs and patches using inappropriate materials that have worsened the problems.The current condition of these important buildings indicates a lack of appreciation for these historic resources, a misunderstanding of the building envelope and its component failures, a misunderstanding of the terra cotta material, a confusion between the treatment of terra cotta and other types of masonry, the inability to diagnose causes of terra cotta failures, misguidance on restoration methods, financial limitations and confusion about where to even begin with the restoration project.This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for owners of terra cotta buildings. Providing the history of terra cotta, this guide asserts the value of maintaining this precious material. An explanation of the complete building envelope explains why theterra cotta building requires both interior and exterior maintenance. A survey of the terra cotta manufacturing process demonstrates why terra cotta behaves as it does and why it requires specific repair methods and materials. An overview of evaluation methods demonstrates the importance of hiring professionals to work on the project. A list of recommended professionals will get the building owner started on getting quotes for bidding the project out. An overview of potential funding sources and grants may supplement funding the project. An explanation of local requirements clarifies how to comply with local ordinances and finally, a comprehensive glossary provides a reference for terms used in this text and relative to planning, construction, engineering and preservation projects. / Department of Architecture

There is a general lack of documentation which has been done on terra cotta production. Trends over the last several decades have shown that this industry is declining to the point where it could disappear completely. This project documents, through written descriptions and graphic illustrations, the process of terra cotta production in order to leave a record of what has been and what could be. Should the industry have a substantial resurgence to the extent that it is no longer in danger of extinction, or should general interest in the material develop further, this project will serve the purpose of an educational resource for the architect, preservationist, production industry and general public.It briefly covers the material and how it is formed, and how the way it is formed affects its limitations and durability. The project includes a history of the material from its most likely earliest applications to its current use. The history includes some of the major technological advances which have affected the material's production. A step-by-step guide to the production method involved in current terra cotta manufacture is included along with explanation of various related materials or processes which may not be commonly understood. Also included in this study is a look at the detection and correction of failures within terra cotta which is then outlined in a quick-reference tool for the preservation of terra cotta. The conclusion of the paper covers the outlook for the industry and the material along with ways for advancing both the knowledge of and desired use for terra cotta in new construction. / Department of Architecture