The company Disset specializes in developing innovative systems to assist in the design and execution of external cladding of buildings. Disset has commissioned the Barcelona Ceramic Tile Studies Department, affiliated with the UIC's ESARQ School of Architecture, to study the technical feasibility of using Disset's Materia® CAB ceramic cladding system to cover the exterior of the Botín Centre in Santander, designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano. The commission is part of a research collaboration framework agreed between the two organizations.
Dr. Pere Alavedra, the Rector of the UIC, Dr. Vicenç Sarrablo, the Director of the Barcelona Ceramic Tile Studies Department, and Juli Febrero, the Director of Disset, were present at the signing of the agreement.
The agreement is evidence of Disset’s desire to collaborate with the University on research projects and take advantage of the growing R&D activity of the Barcelona Ceramic Tile Studies Department, which is fulfilling its mission to associate the use of ceramics with cutting-edge technologies and innovation. The Department was created in 2004-2005 with the specific goal of encouraging closer ties between the University and the construction industry.
Vicenç Sarrablo, the Director of the Department, will lead the research team that performs the feasibility study. The other team members will be Jordi Roviras and Cristina García Castelao, both researchers and lecturers at the University. The study will consist of three phases: preparation of a series of tests, performance of the tests, and the drafting of the technical report presenting findings and conclusions. The study will include testing for mechanical requirements (resistance and stability) as well as environmental durability and fatigue.
