Metalwork, Craftsmanship & Design In Architecture With Louis Beltran & Valentina Beltran

Exhibit, Lecture & Demonstrations with Cocktail Reception

1.5 credits towards the Certificate in Classical Architecture (Building CRAFt) | 1.5 AIA CES Learning Units | ELECTIVE

January 19, 2024
5:30 – 7:30 pm

Gil Walsh Interiors
5505 S Dixie Hwy, Unit 2
West Palm Beach, FL 33405

The experiential course delves deeply into the technical and creative processes that defines the industry, craft, and artistry of metal working with Louis Beltran and Valentina Beltran.

This immersive session offers an exploration of the intersection between architectural design and craft of metalwork. Through case studies and crafting demonstrations, the course material will serve to encapsulate the design approach, the artisanal imprint, technical expertise, and collaboration with architects, designers, and builders.

The course will address the practical and aesthetic merits of using various wrought, forged, cast, or milled metalworks in an architectural setting. Participants will explore the collaborative design process – via concept sketches, samples, and mockups – that is needed in the onset of a project to manage both vision and expectations. Craftsmen, artisans, and project managers will then be on hand to describe, demonstrate and exhibit the methods and skills needed in the successful delivery of a given installation, product, or functional element.

What you Will Learn

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe and identify the various metal manufacturing techniques, the properties of various metals and their alloys that can be selected, and the stages of manual manipulation needed to deliver an installation, product, or functional element for a project.
2. Evaluate the specific materials and techniques appropriate to given programmatic needs, project constraints and opportunities, and code requirements.
3. Discuss and address the practical fabrication, installation, or delivery demands of each project with the design team at large and the craftsman and artisan in particular.
4. Recognize the intrinsic value of metal craftsmanship, where the craftsman’s hand becomes a distinctive contribution to not only a unique visual quality but also an emotional and social narrative in a given project, as evident in enduring works that are conserved and preserved across a spectrum of architectural styles and epochs.

Instructors

LOUIS BELTRAN stands out as a multifaceted artist, sculptor, architect, designer, and entrepreneur, leading the creative vision of BELT. Born in Armenia, Colombia, Louis comes from a family of dreamers and artists, which nurtured his creativity from an early age. Immersed in the lush Colombian landscapes, his artistic journey began with a deep connection to nature and evolved into the exploration of history, spirituality, and science. Louis holds a Master’s in Architecture from L’École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées and a Sculpture and Art Studies from L’Ècole des Beaux-Arts, both in Paris. Louis’s diverse cultural experiences and creative spirit have shaped his identity as ‘The Maestro.’ His architectural ventures, alongside his wife Luz Angela, reflect their commitment to design. As co-founders of BELT, they have led over 180 professionals, bringing more than 2,000 projects to life globally, emphasizing excellence in craftsmanship & design.

VALENTINA BELTRAN has a rich background shaped by her family’s involvement in metalwork, art and architecture. Her deep love for art, design, nature, and the exploration of different cultures through travel cultivated an innate creativity that remains at the heart of her pursuits. She has a dual degree in architecture and industrial design from the Universidad de Los Andes and a Master’s in Business Design and Strategy from Parsons School of Design. As a partner at BELT, Valentina has been a catalyst for the company’s evolution of staying committed to creating inspiring pieces while also preserving the metal craft, honoring artisans, and fostering innovation and sustainable growth.