Porphyry Cubes used in Modern Roman Paving
Porphyry cubes were used in a large urban project in Rome. The Piazza dei Navigatori is a Roman square located along Via Cristoforo Colombo, one of the main roads in the city of Rome because of its size, its role as a link between the city center and the sea and its importance to the […]
GftK Paving Mortars Save Time and Money
The scheduled opening in March 2009 was fast approaching, and the February weather was cold and wet – totally unsuitable for pointing with cement based materials. However the contractor solved the problem by using GftK Epoxy Resin Pavement Jointing Mortars that enabled the work to continue whatever the weather, plus the majority of the joints […]
The Economic Value of Porphyry Paving
Unique and beautiful material like Porphyry paving can have a major benefit to a project. Remarkable materials and incredible designs create a high economic value and return on investment and return on perception. A recent report clarifies the extent that this has happened for Chicago’s Millennium Park. This report is based on the book Urban […]
Porphyry Paving and Toronto Woonerf Design Innovations
Stone paving like Porphyry is an element of hardscape used in a woonerf. The first of many opportunities to use the concept of a woonerf is happening in one of the multi faceted areas under the influence of Waterfront Toronto. This area is called the West Dons Land, one of the six main areas of […]
Porphyry and Widemarsh Street
Granite curbs and porphyry setts have been used to establish a low-speed, pedestrian and bicycle-friendly environment intended to boost the attractiveness and economic prosperity of this key shopping street. Widemarsh Street in Hereford, England has been rebuilt to designs by Hamilton-Baillie Associates, working with Powell Dobson Urbanists, Anthony Jellard Associates and Amey. The project involved […]
Porphyry and the value of distinctive paving materials
Stone pavers like porphyry and its more expensive granite cousin are being designed into numerous places in Toronto. This blog has previously highlighted the wonderful designs and work by WaterFront Toronto, now the nearby entertainment district is re-imagining one of their main streets. Distinctive paving materials and patterns are a necessary part of the project […]
Porphyry and Living Streets
Porphyry stone surfaces on sidewalks, streets and plazas create memorable and enchanting environments. Stone is prominent in our most cherished streets worldwide. They were developed before the age of the automobile. These historic and human scaled streets invite people to spend time there. Today, society is moving toward a more sustainable way of life, with […]
Porphyry and Curbless Streets – Part 2
Porphyry stone pavers can be used on pedestrian surfaces, vehicle surfaces, as well as transition areas. This beautiful and sturdy stone will make any of these memorable. Special paving treatments can enhance the aesthetics of public spaces in a city, give circulation areas a stronger sense of place, and enhance the hierarchy of public spaces. […]
Porphyry and Curbless Streets – Part 1
This first in a series of three blogs about paved streets, public spaces and sidewalks where the street design incorporates curbless streets. This discussion explores the concept first created in the Netherlands, a woonerf. Porphyry and other stone pavers figure prominently in these designs. So what is a woonerf exactly? Picture a regular street, but narrow, minus […]
Resurgence in the use of paving stones
Porphyry paving stones and cobblestones have been used globally for millennia in streets and roadways because of their durable nature. In theUnited States stone paving represented growth and stability as great cities developed at ocean and river ports through out the country and were used as a stable foundation for commerce. Cobblestone streets, used for […]
