Mr. Alston sums up a number of the issues quite succinctly and mirrors my own experiences. I'd add "time" into the assumptions along with "high cost" - as in "we don't have time to assess and deal with all these unknowns." There often seems to be a strong desire to start with a clean slate and build new as opposed to trying to work around existing features and issues.
Simply Stated Architecture, P.C.
Original Message:
Sent: 01-21-2020 09:09
From: Norman Alston
Subject: Architects vs. Preservationists: Is there a disconnect between the fields? (Seeking responses now!)
Skyla,
An interesting topic that I actually get to discuss regularly. Glad to share some thoughts with you:
What is your position/profession/background? (for POV context)
I am an architect in my 41st year of practice. 31 of those years have been spent dedicated to historic preservation, the focus of the firm I founded. In addition to architectural practice, I have served for much of that time and continue to serve on various professional committees, non-profit boards and regulatory boards and commissions, local and state-wide, all focused on historic preservation. With Modernist schooling and 10 years of conventional architectural practice prior to specializing in historic preservation, I think I have an informed view of both sides of this issue.
Do you think there is a disconnect between architects and preservationists that impacts the efficacy and success of their interdisciplinary interactions in practice?
Yes
What do you think are the causes of this disconnect?
They are very different approaches to architecture with historic preservation techniques being far and away less commonly understood. The design and construction industry (owners, architects, engineers and contractors) is focused on new construction, as it always has been in the US. The techniques that have been developed to make new construction attractive and efficient often don't translate well to renovations in general, and historic preservation in particular.
Do you think that architects and preservationists hold stereotypical assumptions about the other field that subsequently impacts their interdisciplinary communications and negotiations in practice?
Stereotypes certainly exist, but the problem is a basic conflict between approaches to a project stemming from a lack of understanding of what is required of each. When I have worked on the regulatory side of preservation, I have always noted that my biggest and most frequent problems come from intelligent, sincere, talented, well-intentioned architects who have no idea of the goals and techniques of modern preservation practice. They do not understand the goals of preservation and their commonly held assumptions about historic buildings are wrong.
Can you summarize these assumptions as you believe they are held?
The assumptions are common, surprisingly widely held and generally incorrect, such as high cost for preservation, inflexibility or resistance to modern systems, difficult and esoteric approval processes, and especially the idea that historic preservation is only about the aesthetic, the look, which ignores the underpinning concept of preserving authenticity.
What do you think can be done to attain more productive interdisciplinary communication between architects and preservationists as it relates to the practice of preservation?
Education about the differences is the primary need. We have been very active in the local AIA to add preservation to CEU options, chapter programs, policies, awards programs, and publications. With the revelation that preservation is also a very sustainable practice, the opportunity to bridge this understanding gap may be at hand.
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Norman Alston, FAIA
Principal
Norman Alston Architects
Dallas, Texas
Original Message:
Sent: 01-19-2020 16:10
From: Skyla Leavitt
Subject: Architects vs. Preservationists: Is there a disconnect between the fields? (Seeking responses now!)
Note: This is a time sensitive post seeking responses now through April 2020.
Hi all!
I am currently developing my terminal project paper (similar to a thesis) for my M.S. in Historic Preservation degree. I have a background in architecture, and since I have taken preservation classes as a student of both fields, I have noticed something: there appears to be a disconnect between architects and preservationists in practice and in perception. For my paper, I am exploring the roots of this disconnect and how to combat it.
Below are some prompts to help you respond, but this is not a formal survey and I will not be including any of your personal data in my final submission. Instead, I hope to garner a consensus from practicing professionals and students alike that will either affirm or contradict my initial perception. I have avoided defining my interpretation of this disconnect so as not to influence anyone's response.
- What is your position/profession/background? (for POV context)
- Do you think there is a disconnect between architects and preservationists that impacts the efficacy and success of their interdisciplinary interactions in practice?
- What do you think are the causes of this disconnect?
- Do you think that architects and preservationists hold stereotypical assumptions about the other field that subsequently impacts their interdisciplinary communications and negotiations in practice?
- Can you summarize these assumptions as you believe they are held?
- What do you think can be done to attain more productive interdisciplinary communication between architects and preservationists as it relates to the practice of preservation?
I encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences here. Whether you have been on a project team, acted as a consultant, or are currently a student, I am interested in your opinions. Thank you so much for taking the time to read and respond to this post! (It would be great if you could share it with others as well!) I hope to produce a paper that young practitioners of both fields will find useful, but I can't do that without well-rounded input. I really appreciate any and all contributions! Thank you!
Best,
Skyla
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Skyla Kapri Leavitt
University of Oregon | College of Design
Master of Architecture | 2020
M.S. in Historic Preservation | 2020
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