IMI, National Geographic and the Great Cathedral Mystery

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

The International Masonry Institute (IMI) National Training Director Robert Arnold, along with other IMI staff, were sponsored by National Geographic to help construct a scaled down version of Brunelleschi's Dome in Florence, Italy for a program on the engineering of the world's largest brick dome. "NOVA's Great Cathedral Mystery," produced by National Geographic Television in association with Camera One Productions, premieres on PBS Feb. 12, 2014. See a preview of the program below.

The Importance of Eye Protection in Masonry
January 2026

There are few stereotypes more iconic than the image of a construction worker wearing a hard hat and safety glasses. Protective glasses are among the most common items worn by workers in the masonry field, second only to the hard hat. According to OSHA, w

2026 Skills Challenge and Fastest Trowel on the Block Winners
January 2026

Holding History Together: The Art of Lateral Restraint in Masonry Restoration
January 2026

The first thing you notice about an old masonry building isn’t always its beauty. Sometimes it’s the bow in a wall or the way time and the elements have tugged at the mortar joints. Every century-old structure carries its story in cracks, tilts, bows, and

Stone Savvy: Helping Clients Choose Stone with Intent
January 2026

In today’s design environment, clients are surrounded by inspiration, endless images, samples, and styles that make choosing materials feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. Within that sea of options, stone carries weight. It defines first impressio