Bostik, Inc., a world leader in specialty adhesives and installation systems for building construction, and Artaic Innovative Mosaic, creator of architectural mosaics using its patented American robotic production, co-hosted a state-of-the-art interactive workshop for key members of Boston’s A&D Community on October 6.
Back Bay guests included 20 top architects and designers interested in learning about creating mosaic murals using the new Microsoft Surface Pro 4. After updates on Artaic’s robotic production process — driven by the firm’s patented Tessera software — and learning about Bostik’s state-of-the-art Dimension Rapidcure glass-filled grout, each of the attendees were given an assignment: Working with a Surface Pro 4 pre-downloaded with Tessera software, they were tasked to create their vision of a mosaic mural apropos for a Microsoft Store. They also had to specify complementary Dimension grout for their respective designs.
“This was an exhilarating experience,” beamed Scott Banda, director of marketing and business development for Bostik. “To sweeten the pie and get our guests really ‘into it,’ we held a small competition. Each designer’s creation was to be judged not only by the Artaic/Bostik team, but also by event attendees. The winner would receive a brand new Microsoft Surface Pro 4 courtesy of Bostik. Needless to say, these designers were all focused!”
Samantha Clarke, Senior Associate at Miller Dyer Spears, Boston-based architecture, planning and interior design firm, won with her whimsical mosaic mural rendition of a 1970s Bill Gates photo. She stated via email the following day, “Great night! Thanks for hosting a wonderfully educational and fun event last night, and I’m enjoying my new tablet as I write.”
According to Dr. Ted Acworth president and founder of Artaic the workshop was only one step in a joint mission between the company and its partner Bostik. And he noted the high-energy event would not have been possible without the partnership of Eliza Mulcahy, community development specialist at the Microsoft Prudential Plaza Store.
“We want to resurrect the ancient art of mosaic mural design, for which the demand has greatly diminished over the years. That is a major reason why we developed our computer-driven, robotic production process,” Acworth said. “To see how thrilled our guests were designing on Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4, using our software and incorporating Bostik’s Dimension was absolutely awesome! Bostik and Artaic want our ‘mosaic mission’ to be a meaningful and fun experience for all involved. Our workshop was an indication of that, and much more.”
Boston’s Scott Banda agreed that together the companies want to engage the design community in learning about futuristic, efficient and one-of-a-kind solutions. “With Artaic, we plan to bring back mosaic design, which for a myriad of reasons is seldom specified anymore,” he said. “Already we’re seeing positive results, and our Microsoft workshop event was a perfect example of that re-vitalized interest.”
