Architecture Students Experience Natural Stone Firsthand at StonExpo 2025
Contact:
Natural Stone Institute
(440) 250-9222
networking@naturalstoneinstitute.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oberlin, OH, March 17, 2025 —Through the generous support of the Natural Stone Foundation (NSF) Grant Committee, five architecture students from the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) had the unique opportunity to attend the StonExpo 2025 A&D Program. This initiative, spearheaded by architect and Natural Stone Institute (NSI) member Earl Jackson, provided an immersive educational experience designed to inspire future architects to incorporate natural stone into their designs.
A Transformative Quarry Experience
The students began with a tour of a working quarry and stone fabrication facility at Las Vegas Rock. Witnessing natural stone in its raw environment was a pivotal moment, allowing them to see the extraction process firsthand and follow its transformation into architectural elements. For many, the quarry visit was the highlight of the trip, reinforcing classroom lessons on stone geology and the
formation of igneous and metamorphic rock.
At the expo, students explored the show floor, meeting exhibitors from quarries, fabrication companies, and technology providers. They were particularly captivated by advanced Italian machinery, which demonstrated innovative techniques that push the boundaries of stone applications, encouraging them not to limit their creative vision.
Hands-On Learning Assignments
Earl guided the students through two engaging assignments during their time at the expo:
- Stone Sketching Exercise: Each student selected a piece of stone they admired, obtained a sample, and sketched it at two different scales. This exercise helped them appreciate the intricate details and natural beauty of the material.
- Understanding the Stone Life Cycle: The students explored the trade show floor to gain insights into the full life cycle of natural stone—from quarrying and production to installation and maintenance. To document their findings, each student created a cartoon illustrating their experience, including the process of establishing quarries, reclamation planning, and site prospecting.
A Lasting Impact
Earl Jackson reflected on the program’s success, stating, "The StonExpo A&D Program offers an unparalleled opportunity for these students to engage with industry experts, explore innovative applications of natural stone, and gain practical insights that will influence their architectural vision for years to come. I'm thrilled to help facilitate this transformative experience."
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About the Natural Stone Institute
The Natural Stone Institute is a trade association representing every aspect of the natural stone industry. The current membership exceeds 2,000 members in over 50 nations. The association offers a wide array of technical and training resources, professional development opportunities, regulatory advocacy, and networking events. Two prominent publications—the Dimension Stone Design Manual and Building Stone Magazine—raise awareness within the natural stone industry and in the design community for best practices and uses of natural stone. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org.
About the Natural Stone Foundation
The Natural Stone Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Natural Stone Institute. Its mission is to serve the natural stone industry by financially supporting initiatives and services important to industry stakeholders. Funding received from the Foundation allows the Natural Stone Institute to produce educational programming, scholarships, and advocacy for the use of natural stone. Learn more at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/foundation.
