A note on Guastavino ceilings

Rafael Guastavino immigrated from Spain to the U.S. in 1881, bringing with him a building system based on the vault, an ancient way of building found all over the Mediterranean. Using layers of thin ceramic tiles cemented with thick mortar, Guastavino added his own innovations, such as using Portland cement instead of traditional lime mortar. His innovative techniques wedded to the traditional arch resulted in vaults that were strong, lightweight and fireproof. These thinner structures were also much faster and easier to build. Together with his son, Rafael Jr., Guastavino built more than 1,000 significant interiors (including more than 300 in New York City alone).

Queensboro Marketplace in the space under the Queensboro Bridge.

The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Terminal.