Lafarge Group of Paris is convening architects and engineers from around the world to discuss concrete's role in green construction and innovative design. The Oct. 1 event will take place at New York City's Museum of Arts and Design, and coincide with a Columbia University conference, “Solid States: Changing Times for Concrete,” expected to draw design professionals and scholars from 30-plus countries.

“Thanks to significant research and enormous advances in manufacturing, concrete is no longer heavy, cold, or even always grey,” says Lafarge Group CEO Bruno Lafont “Concrete enables architectural feats that until now were inconceivable. It is a durable, highly resistant, and aesthetic material that can be ‘made to measure.’”

“Concrete is essential to economic development taking place across the globe, particularly in emerging markets, where the needs for new housing and infrastructure are immense. We believe it is vital that this construction limit its impact on the environment, and have made great strides in developing innovative solutions to reduce concrete's environmental footprint.”

Inquiries on conference participation can be directed to Lafarge North America's Louise Muth, (+1) 703-989-8406; or Diana Postemsky, Kekst and Co., (+1) 212-521-4805.