HISTORICAL MEETS CONTEMPORARY THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES OF HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE November 19 th , 2015
HISTORICAL MEETS CONTEMPORARY
T H E C H A L L E N G E S A N D O P P O R T U N I T I E S O F H I S T O R I C A R C H I T E C T U R E
November 19th, 2015
About
Style Overview
Issues
Call to Action
Conclusions
AGENDA
ABOUT
M AT T E R A R C H I T E C T U R A L S T U D I O I N C .
Matter Architectural Studio Inc. (MAS) is a London, Ontario based group of Architects, Designers, and thinkers operating within the field of architecture and design. We pride ourselves on meeting challenges that produce unique architectural solutions for public wellness and interaction at every level.
M AT T E R A R C H I T E C T U R A L S T U D I O I N C .
Matter Architectural Studio Inc. (MAS) is a London, Ontario based group of Architects, Designers, and thinkers operating within the field of architecture and design. We pride ourselves on meeting challenges that produce unique architectural solutions for public wellness and interaction at every level.
S T E V E N C O O P E RM . A R C H . ( H O N S . ) , O A A , L E E D A P ( B D + C )
Steven is a licensed Architect whose work has been recognized most recently in the book Revealing Architectural Design: Methods, Frameworks, and Tools (2014). With over ten years’ experience Steven has been a part of projects ranging from small houses to complex healthcare facilities.
STYLE OVERVIEW
G E O R G I A N R E V I VA LC I R C A 1 7 5 0 - 1 8 5 0
- Variation on the Palladian style;- Balanced facades with minimal detail;- Design promotes simply dignity;- Sited to provide most pleasant view for
occupants.
- DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS:- Two storeys in height;- Stone, brick, or clapboard buildings;- Regularized windows;- Sturdy, simple door detailing. Walker House
I TA L I A N AT EC I R C A 1 8 5 0 - 1 9 0 0
- Eclectic style utilized in high density urban settings;
- Primary main street building design across Ontario in the 19th century;
- Derived from the Italian Renaissance style.
- DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS:- Classical elements in regularized patterns;- Cast iron elements;- Mass produced windows;- Exaggerated cornices, capitals, etc. Kincardine Old Town Hall / Creative Arts Centre
R E N A I S S A N C E R E V I VA LC I R C A 1 8 7 0 - 1 9 1 0
- Style utilized in commercial buildings, banks, offices, churches and urban centres;
- Most designed without column system;- Exterior columns are typically ornate;- Style linked closely to Italianate.
- DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS:- Three to four storeys in height;- Rusticated ground floor material;- Regularized understated windows;- Refined upper levels with cornice detail. Former Kincardine Post Office
B E A U X A R T SC I R C A 1 8 8 5 - 1 9 4 5
- This style is derived from classical elements and principles designed on a grand scale;
- Ontario Beaux Arts style is eclectic, mixing elements of Classical, Renaissance, and Baroque.
- DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS:- Temple-like façade;- Pedimented porticos;- Many capital styles;- Entablature announcing building purpose. Port Elgin Public Library
ADDITIONAL STYLES
1) Gothic Revival 1750-1900 | 804 Princes Street2) Moorish 1810-1930 | 756 Queen Street3) Regency Cottage 1820-1860 | 217 Harbour Street4) Classic Revival 1820-1860 | 315 Durham Market N.5) Romanesque Revival 1840-1900 | 737,743, 747
Queen Street
6) Second Empire 1860-1900 | 689 Princes Street7) Queen Anne 1870-1910 | 791 Princes Street 8) Art Deco 1910-1940 | 877 Queen Street
ISSUES
COMMON CHALLENGES
1) Promotion / Consideration of Cultural Assets2) Building Age3) Cultural Significance 4) Cost Overrun5) Reactive Approach to Preservation
6) Weak Arguments for Preservation Over Development
7) Lack of Engagement with Other Organizations
P R O M O T I O N / C O N S I D E R AT I O N O F C U LT U R A L A S S E T S
- Lack of proactive advocating for historic buildings and subject lands;
- Applies to properties of great importance to the cultural heritage of every people;
- Reserved for buildings that may be considered as cultural artifacts.
- HOW TO OVERCOME THIS ISSUE:- Secure and devise measures for
responsible documentation;- Relay said information to groups outside
of historic preservation circles.Paper Promotion (Paperboy)
B U I L D I N G A G E
- Buildings function, style, structural elements;- Determines construction materials utilized;- Age also determines building craftsmanship;
- HOW TO ESTIMATE AGE:- Review City/Town archival drawings or
evidence (fire insurance plans, deed transfers, period photographs, possible letters);
- Conduct visual inspection (last) as this is less formal and more subjective. New York City – Building Age Map
C U LT U R A L S I G N I F I C A N C E
- A structure that is eligible for inclusion on a National Register of Historic Places;
- What is the intended focus and visual impact of the development;
- HOW TO OVERCOME THIS ISSUE:- Define and prove a proper balance of
significant features in the building; - Relay that historic buildings, regardless of
use, are physical links to our past;- All historic buildings contribute to our city’s
cultural and economic well being;Chicago Library
C O S T O V E R R U N
- It is imperative to devise a plan of action to control cost in historic preservation projects;
- One of most common issues with historic preservation developments;
- HOW TO OVERCOME THIS ISSUE:- Ensure soft costs (permits) and hard costs
(construction) are both accounted for; - Never assume a system is adequate
without proper investigation;- Provide contingency for project
allowances;Cost Variables
C O S T O V E R R U N
- If the project timeline is extended ensure provisions for increase to cost of labour and material;
- In a preservation project there will ALWAYS be hidden conditions. Make certain the design team provides a comprehensive report on the existing structure, materials, and conditions onsite;
- Avoid last minute alterations to the design;
- Ensure you have a clear and comprehensive plan prior to construction. Cost Variables
R E A C T I V E A P P R O A C H T O P R E S E R VAT I O N
- Reactive preservation is always less effective than proactive planning;
- HOW TO OVERCOME THIS ISSUE:- Establish a committee to oversee the
exercise of preservation locally; - Inventory and document existing buildings
that fit the criteria for historic preservation;» Historical significance of the structure» Likelihood that the property can retain its traditional, historic use» Threat of demolition by neglect» Size of the structure» Ability of the structure to be served by vehicular and non-vehicular traffic.» Proximity of the structure to important environmental resources, scenic areas,
recreational areas, etc.Project Direction
R E A C T I V E A P P R O A C H T O P R E S E R VAT I O N
- Be a contributor of information, technical support and education (BE AN EXPERT);
- Coordinate preservation with building code;- NETWORK;- Create and help fund local historic
preservation efforts.
Project Direction
P R E S E R VAT I O N V S . N E W D E V E L O P M E N T
- The lack of forceful and compelling arguments to counter proposals;
- HOW TO OVERCOME THIS ISSUE:- Demonstrate that preservation has an
ability to introduce character;- This character leads to stronger
commercial corridor revitalization – not simply a one off situation;
- Power in a group mentality.
Sydenham Heritage Church Demolition
L A C K O F E N G A G E M E N T W I T H O T H E R O R G A N I Z AT I O N S
- Non-communication between other bodies of development in the City/Town;
- Creates a closed door and adversarial environment.
- HOW TO OVERCOME THIS ISSUE:- Reach out to non-profit community,
economic development teams, neighborhood associations, and those concerned with the environment;
- Create an area for positive ideas and information exchange; Project Organization
L A C K O F E N G A G E M E N T W I T H O T H E R O R G A N I Z AT I O N S
- Engage other historic preservation organizations for guidance, tips, and problem solving ideas.
Project Organization
CALL TO ACTION
C O N S I S T E N T R E N E WA L
- Vital when preservation of heritage is critical;- Generally utilized when building has cultural
significance to city (first of, home of breakthrough or invention, etc.);
- DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS:- Attention to historic detail of existing
facility;- Reuse of all salvageable elements;- Recreation of all elements that have been
damaged beyond repair. The Antiques Shoppe
Canadian Southern Railway Station
Canadian Southern Railway Station
Canadian Southern Railway Station
Canadian Southern Railway Station
Roundhouse London Ontario
Roundhouse London Ontario
Roundhouse London Ontario
Roundhouse London Ontario
Roundhouse London Ontario
Roundhouse London Ontario
H I S T O R I C I N T E G R AT I O N
- Design that retains existing building function while combining new components to create an integral whole;
- Best method for retaining the spirit of a historic building while providing a means to interject a thoughtful contemporary competent.
- DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS:- Celebration of the historic building;- Historic and proposed components have
distinct / separate functions; Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts
The Bloor/Gladstone Branch Library
The Bloor/Gladstone Branch Library
CIGI Campus Waterloo
CIGI Campus Waterloo
CIGI Campus Waterloo
CIGI Campus Waterloo
D E S I G N D E V I AT I O N
- This design approach is typically characterised by a creating a strong design statement;
- Generally reserved for high profile projects with above average construction budgets;
- DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS:- Reimagining of the historic building;- Typically defined by glass and/or
permeable materials.
Former Cambridge Post Office
Canada’s National Ballet School
Canada’s National Ballet School
Canada’s National Ballet School
Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum
Canadian Museum of Nature
Canada’s National Ballet School
CONCLUSIONS
P R E S E N TAT I O N TA K E AWAY S
- Work with collective groups to define a vision for the role of historic preservation as part of the cities future;
- CREATE AWARENESS AND SUPPORT- Regulations such as zoning need to be
re‐shaped to reflect an emphasis on preserving neighborhood character.
- Incentives, old and new, should be created and retained to assist in the cost of preservation work;
- Define criteria that establishes the worth of preservation to any project. Kincardine Ontario Circa 1920
R E C O M M E N D E D R E S O U R C E S
- Architectural Conservancy Ontario http://www.arconserv.ca/
- Ontario Heritage Trust http://www.heritagetrust.on.ca
- Canada’s Historic Places- http://www.historicplaces.ca/- Waterloo University Heritage Resources
https://uwaterloo.ca/heritage-resources-centre/
- Ontario Architecture http://www.ontarioarchitecture.com/
Former Cambridge Post Office
THANK YOU
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W W W . M A T T E R I N C . C A