Conservation and Transformation of Historic Buildings - Methodology and Approach
The design process for working with existing buildings does not differ in principle from that for new buildings.
The most significant differences are in the more detailed research necessary, the greater number of participants in the planning process and the more complex coordination of the individual design stages that these differences entail.
Existing buildings require not only specific measures but a different way of thinking. All good architecture whether new or transformational should respond to its context. In the case of heritage contexts there is the further recognition that all historic buildings are different and that gaining a thorough understanding of the specific issues surrounding the building is paramount. With historic buildings the feasibility of a concept, whether usage based or design based always needs to be verified with the detail and reflect the particularities of the existing building.
The specific details need generally to be worked up in advance and a higher degree of coordination is required between the often high number of parties at all stages of the project.
Many historic buildings projects are also projects on occupied buildings. Careful planning and programming as well as strategic thinking are also required to minimise disruption to the building users.
Preparatory Investigations
The basis of a successful project to transform any historic building is knowledge and understanding. Therefore at the outset of a project we always undertake a period of research. This establishes the cultural, historical or architectural context in which the building was constructed and its development over time. These preparatory investigations are usually divided into two equally important sections
1. Objective
Measured survey, archival/documentary research building recording. Condition survey, building archaeology (determining the evolution of the building over time)
Coordinating specialist surveys (structural, diagnostic, sampling
2. Subjective
The interpretation and evaluation of the building, historic assessment and analysis of significance, definition of vulnerability and general approaches or specific policies.
The output of this initial research phase can be varied and tailored to the specific needs of the project. This may evolve to take the form of Historic Structures Report, Conservation Plan, Conservation Management Plans or simply a heritage appreciation document or a justification statement supporting change.
Planning process
Historic buildings are often protected as part of an official list of structures that cannot be altered without government permission because they are recognised as being of special architectural or historical significance.
Apart from factors specific to the project type or brief; it is likely that this phase will need to take into account a large number of external issues, such as input from stakeholders and statutory authorities.
We believe in early consultation and a carefully managed and collaborative approach with regards to heritage bodies such, bringing them into the project and, together with the upfront detailed information, minimises the risk in the latter stages of the project.
In the same way the coordination and negotiation of exemptions and relaxations of building code regulations, maximises improvements to the historic building without compromising its quality and authenticity.
Ultimately we believe that the design solution bourn out of this process should be fully justified and, as much have possible, have the support from all parties.
We believe that Conservation is a dynamic process: the tension between the specific individual characteristics that a building has evolved over time and the desire to achieve a coherent and consistent design concept, resulting in the transformation or enhancement of the historic building.
There is therefore not a single fixed attitude to historic buildings, but a number of approaches that can manifest themselves in a variety of outcomes.
- Change of function
- Corrective maintenance
- Sensitive intervention
- Auxiliary construction
- Modernisation
- Adaption
- Reconstruction
- Restoration is not Conservation
Detailed design
For projects involving historic or existing buildings, it is primary the quality of design or details and individual solutions that will determine the quality of the end result.
We believe that the artistic and technical merits of the design come out of its ability to bring the existing qualities of the building and to supplement with contemporary additions. This is often a laborious process where the merits of individual elements and their integration in a new meaningful whole need to be carefully considered.
Every old building will exhibit wear and tear, the patina of age, the material quality that often gives historic buildings their value. We believe therefore that repair should be favoured above renewal. Detailed schedules of repairs and repair specifications are carried out to ensure that the intervention is to the required standard and that it is limited to what is absolutely necessary.
Building Works
During the construction stage of the project on a historic building a variety of issues demand a higher presence on site than with a new build construction.
Increased site presence, often in the form of a dedicated site architect can minimise risk of cost or time overrun due to unexpected finds and the increased level of coordination required with the various specialist trades.
Work with historic buildings often involves the use of specialist trades and skilled craftsmen. Ultimately, we believe in Vico’s maxim that ‘Truth coincides with the making’ and welcome the input from the skilled contractors on sire, whilst maintaining a coherent and consistent design concept.
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