Built in 1999, The Center for Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio is a masterpiece of precast technology, demonstrating what lengths a precaster can go to work with an architect and move the technology of precast design to the next level. The precaster worked closely with architect Arata Isozaki to form a new type of precast panel that took on new dimensions and heights in architectural precast. The 158 precast concrete panels that form the outer walls took about 33,000 hours to design, engineer, construct and erect.

The facility's facade consists of a clothoid curve shape with precast concrete panels shaped similar to the sections of a tangerine, curving both side-to-side and bottom-to-top. Because of the intricate shapes and the need for a smooth exterior face, innovative casting, hoisting and alignment equipment and procedures had to be devised.

In a project such as this, the architect uses his skills to think beyond the two-dimensional and create unique panels shapes unlike any that had been used before. Communication -- early and often -- with a skillful precaster can then translate the architects vision to form.

In looking at this last of my self-proclaimed "seven wonders" I am happy to report that the precaster on our final project is one of our own, High Concrete's plant in Springboro, OH was the precaster on this project. High's team worked closely with the architect's design team from start to finish to create this wonderful building that shows a most unique use of precast products.

On a complex project, working early with a precaster is a great advantage to producing the building as envisioned by the architect. Technology is continually emerging that allows the precast industry to create new shapes, colors and sizes, to communicate a vision into reality.