200 years have now passed since the introduction of artificial Portland cement in 1824. No other building material since the Industrial Revolution has so transformed the built environment, ushering in the modern age. As the main ingredient in concrete, cement is the most widely used substance on Earth after water. It is also recognized as the third largest carbon dioxide emitter in the world.

The technology and use of concrete in engineering and architecture have evolved greatly from its introduction in the 3rd century BCE by Roman engineers to its reemergence in the 19th century and prominence as the signature material of modern architecture and the development of 20th century cities. With over a century of building, modern concrete ‘heritage’ is now a critical topic of interest for design and preservation professionals alike.

Cement Age/Concrete Nation will offer an in-depth study of the origins of modern concrete heritage, its conservation issues and methods, and current demands for sustainability and ecological transition. Philadelphia, by virtue of its rich collection of concrete architecture by influential architects and engineers spanning the 20th century, and its proximity to the Lehigh Valley, birthplace of American artificial cement in 1871, provides a unique setting for the celebration of this milestone in building technology.

The conference will be relevant to those interested in technical and construction history, 19th and 20th century architecture and engineering, and the conservation of concrete and related cementitious construction materials.

Co-Organizers: