History of Metalwork

By the time World War II ended in 1945, the United States had established itself as a global force on many fronts, including the metalwork industry. That surge of momentum spilled over into a new decade, as the midway point of the 20th century saw the introduction of new machinery and applications.  Below, we’ll dive […]

Take a gander at any World War II movie, documentary, book, or magazine article, and you’ll be reminded of the sheer scope. More than 50 countries participated in an expansive battle that featured more than 100 million soldiers. In total, it was the most expensive war in United States history. WWII’s historical relevance makes for

Next time you’re in Manhattan, head to Midtown and look up to the monstrosity that is the Empire State Building. For nearly four decades, this mass of metal, brick and limestone reigned supreme as the tallest building in the United States. Still an iconic structure, the Empire State Building was one of the most notable

Metalworking has certainly witnessed lots of changes over time, with plenty of advancements in technology since the early days of merely shaping metal sheets by banging them with hammers.   Today’s metalworking and fabrication industries now rely more on technology and science instead of hard labor. Although innovations and advancements have always been a part

The parquet perforated grille pattern (CA815) is a popular choice for historic renovations hearkening back to the 17th century, as well as contemporary spaces with geometric themes. Parquet (pronounced pahr-kay) is French for “flooring”, a term derived from the French word parc, translated to “an enclosure”. Parquet encompasses a variety of patterns and ornamentations to create

Here at Coco Architectural, bronze and brass are a part of our family’s legacy–we know the history because we have helped shape many of the significant metal crafting trends through the 20th and 21st Centuries. While the overall history of metal and how it has helped shape the rise and fall of civilizations throughout history is quite

Today’s metal crafting is one that has not truly evolved like other crafts. It’s true that techniques have been perfected and artistic limits may have been exceeded by present day craftsmen compared to those of old, but the techniques themselves are generally the same and have been for almost a hundred years. However, metal craft

“The long path from material through purpose to creative work has only a single goal: to create order out of the desperate confusion of our time”-Ludwig Mies van der Rohe Simply known as Mies, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was one of the prominent forces behind modern architecture. Mies was raised by a master stonemason