Introduction to Preservation Lecture Notes PDF

Introduction to Preservation Lecture 1 (08/22) Vocabulary - Key terms to be mastered include "juxtaposition," relevant to art, advertising, and architecture. Other important vocabulary includes "facade," "fenestration," and “porte cochere.” Mathematical concepts relevant...

Introduction to Preservation Lecture 1 (08/22) Vocabulary - Key terms to be mastered include "juxtaposition," relevant to art, advertising, and architecture. Other important vocabulary includes "facade," "fenestration," and “porte cochere.” Mathematical concepts relevant to preservation, such as the "Golden Ratio," "Golden Section," and "Fibonacci Sequence," are also included. Understanding the distinctions between words such as "Capitol" (building) vs. "capital" (city/financial), and "restoration" vs. "rehabilitation" is crucial for accuracy. NPS Treatment Methods - Four main treatment methods are outlined The treatment method for preservation is determined by historical significance, physical condition, proposed use, and mandated code requirements. Governor’s Palace Case Study - The Governor's Palace, completed in 1722, served as the official residence for royal governors in Virginia. By the mid-18th century, it underwent a significant addition with a 75-foot wing. The building had varied uses over time and became part of the College of William and Mary after the capital moved to Richmond in 1780. Extensive archaeological work was conducted before its reconstruction in 1934, including locating the original foundation and remnants of the building. Historical illustrations, like a 1730s copperplate, guided the reconstruction to depict the palace before later modifications. Lecture 2 (08/29) Preservation Terminology - Differentiation between "Interior" and "Inside" in the context of preservation. Distinction between "muntin" and "mullion" relevant to architectural features. The phrase “contemporary yet compatible” reflects the balance of old vs. new in preservation efforts. Architectural Style and Historical Significance - Architectural style is defined by time periods, influential characteristics, and specific areas of popularity. Historic significance can derive from notable events, people, or design/evolution details of a property. Key concepts in preservation include architectural style, historic significance, and integrity, which influence treatment methods. Preservation Treatment Methods – Preservation focuses on maintaining and repairing historic materials, retaining a property's evolved form while emphasizing its 'as-is' condition. Rehabilitation allows alterations to meet changing needs while preserving the property’s historic character, enabling "contemporary yet compatible" changes. Restoration aims to depict a property at a specific historical period, removing features from different times while making limited upgrades. Reconstruction seeks to recreate non-surviving aspects of a property based on evidence, often for interpretive purposes. Notable Preservation Examples – Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (Akron, Ohio, 1915): Includes the Manor House, Gate Lodge, Carriage House, Gardens, and Conservatory, providing a multi-faceted example of historical architecture. Old State House (Philadelphia, PA): After nearly being torn down, it was bought by the city in 1818 and restored, becoming a historical landmark associated with the Declaration of Independence. Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union: Founded in 1853 to save Mount Vernon, showcasing early preservation efforts where women played a pivotal role in fundraising and restoration. Influential Figures in Preservation – Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (1814-1879): The first restoration architect who established principles for historic restoration, significantly influenced the Gothic Revival and emphasized accurate material use. His philosophy suggested restoration blends historical fact with creative modification. John Ruskin (1819-1900): Advocated for the moral value of architecture, arguing against industrialization and commercial materials, proposing integrated conservation and the importance of preserving artistic and historical character. Historical Preservation Movements in the United States – The foundation of preservation in the U.S. involved collaborations of genealogists, historians, and conservationists, with significant early projects focusing on landmark structures. Early examples include the preservation of Yellowstone in 1872, the establishment of Casa Grande as the nation’s first national monument, and the recognition of Mesa Verde National Park to prevent looting of indigenous artifacts. Preservation History and Legal Issues – The Elgin Marbles highlight legal and ethical complexities in preservation, stemming from Lord Elgin's acquisition and the Greek government's ongoing dispute over their return from the British Museum. Canyon de Chelly, managed by the Navajo Nation, illustrates the cultural significance of preserving Native American heritage through active management of prehistoric village ruins. Lecture 3 (09/05) Preservation History Early to Mid-1900s – The outline covers various preservation efforts, historical sites, and organizations involved in the movement during the early to mid-1900s. Notable examples include Drayton Hall, which has undergone changes in preservation philosophy, shifting towards stabilization rather than full restoration. The significance of the Elgin Marbles debate illustrates international discussions surrounding ownership and the ethical considerations of cultural artifacts. Williamsburg, Virginia, serves as a pioneering case in restoration, with guidelines established to retain colonial traditions while allowing for new developments. The National Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Park Service played significant roles in promoting preservation efforts across the United States. Drayton Hall – Drayton Hall in Charleston exemplifies preservation challenges, particularly balancing historical significance with the physical alterations made over generations. The National Trust chose to maintain Drayton Hall's aged state rather than restoring it to a specific period, highlighting the importance of integrity in historic context. Digital restoration has emerged as a method to visualize the earlier conditions of sites without physically altering them, emphasizing a modern take on preservation. Strawberry Hill – Strawberry Hill, created by Horace Walpole, epitomizes the Gothic Revival movement. Incorporated Gothic architectural elements, including rose windows and battlements, it was viewed as the first Gothic-style house. By 2000, Strawberry Hill was in extreme disrepair, leading to significant restoration efforts starting in the 1790s, emphasizing the ongoing battle against decay in historic structures. Williamsburg – Williamsburg, established in 1633, became Virginia's colonial capital, revered for its historical significance. In 1926, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. spearheaded restoration efforts to maintain the colonial aesthetic and architectural integrity of the town. The Decalogue set forth strict restoration principles that emphasized preservation over quick fixes, ensuring buildings reflected colonial traditions authentically. TWA Terminal – The TWA Terminal, designed by Eero Saarinen and opened in 1962, was a significant advancement in airport design, featuring technological innovations such as jetways and baggage carousels. Despite its designation as a historic landmark in 1994, the terminal faced threats of demolition but was ultimately renovated, demonstrating the challenges of preserving modernist architecture in a rapidly evolving urban landscape. Antiquities Act – Enacted in 1906 under President Theodore Roosevelt, the Antiquities Act marked a pivotal shift in protecting historic and prehistoric sites. This legislation allowed for the protection of landmarks and historical sites through presidential proclamations, laying the groundwork for future preservation efforts. Sites protected under this act include significant locations like Devil’s Tower and the Grand Canyon, exemplifying its far-reaching impact. Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities – Established in 1910 by William Summer Appleton Jr., the Society aimed at preserving historic buildings from earlier centuries through careful, reversible restoration strategies. Society reflected a growing awareness of the need for preservation expertise, influencing broader practices in heritage conservation. Public Works Initiatives – The Great Depression spurred the creation of the Civil Works Administration in 1933, which employed artists to enhance public buildings, showcasing the intersection of arts and preservation. The Works Progress Administration (WPA), established in 1935, provided substantial employment, facilitating numerous infrastructure and art projects nationwide, contributing to the cultural landscape. Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) – Initiated in 1933, HABS aimed to document significant American structures, providing plans and details to safeguard architectural heritage. This program has amassed extensive records, contributing to the understanding of American cultural history and serving as a resource for future preservation efforts. HABS persists as an invaluable archive, showcasing architectural diversity and the evolution of building practices throughout history. Lecture 4 (09/19) Strawberry Hill Whitewashed Removed cementitious spray Later addition added in 1860s White Portion used as a museum Acronyms PWA – Public Works Administration PWAP – Public Works of Art Project WPA – Works Progress Administration NPS – National Park Service HABS – Historic American Buildings Survey HABS, NPS, AIA, Secretary of Congress HAER – Historic American Engineering Record Agreement with Library of Congress, American Society of Civil Engineering, and NPS Canals, Railroads, Bridges, and Industrial / Manufacturing Sites Historic American Landscape Survey Developed in 2000 800 Sites Documented Natural or Designed Sites Great Serpent Mound Medina Public Square Doby Downs ASLA, NPS, Library of Congress NPS Heritage Documentation Programs Measured Drawings 1/8” Written Histories Photographs / Data Imaging Cultural Resources Geographic Information System (CRGIS) HABS Companion Program Technology Based System 1989 State of the Art in 1989 GPS GIS Mapping Remote Sensing Technology Noninvasive Way of Recording Historic and Archaeological Sites Historic Sites Act 1935 National Policy to Preserve for Public use Historic Sites, Buildings, Objects of Significance Secretary of the Interior Develop Program and Evaluate for Preservation  NPS Advisory Board Advise the Director of the NPS and Secretary of the Interior Preservation of Documents, Sites, and Buildings Surveying of Historic Sites Restoration of Sites of National Historical Significance National Trust for Historic Preservation Precursor of Present-Day NRHP 1949 Privately Funded National Non-Profit Organization to Support Local Preservation Efforts Historic Buildings Neighborhoods Heritage To Link Preservation Efforts of NPS and Federal Government to Local 1956 Membership Organization Acquires Woodlawn Plantation William Thorton Sell to Quakers Pope Leighey House Relocated Twice Moved to Clay Area then moved 30 ft National Trust 27 Sites Stewardship The Housing Act 1929 Stock Market Crash 1933 New Deal 1935 Techwood Homes (1st Public Housing in the US) Tanyard Bottom / Flats Low income neighborhood next to Downtown 1/3 African American (1600 Families) Techwood Homes (640 Units) All White Families Old Buildings = Bad New = Good Urban Blight to Urban Renewal (Fair Deal) Half Construction Paid For Clearance of Slums Displaced Residents Only a fraction were accommodated Result Overcrowding Private Investors not interested Urban Edge Land Inexpensive Lighter Regulations Black Bottom East of Downtown Detroit Predominantly Black Suffered more than most during the Great Depression During WWII, Physical decay increased Entire district was demolished Displaced 1900 Families 1100 Moved to Slums Replaced with Chrysler Freeway and Lafeyette Park Mixed income, based on landscape superblock Planned by Ludwig Hilberseimer  Designed by Mies van der Rohe Low and High Density Housing School Shopping Rare Success 2015, Listed as Historic Landmark Mission 66 1956, (10 Year Program to celebrate National Park) Expanded visitor services in National Parks Rebuild roads, bridges, trails, facilities Build visitor centers Orientation, Learning, Interpretive Opportunity Conclude for 50 Year Birthday Projects not finish Program extended to Parkscape USA Extended until 1973 Jefferson National Expansion Memorial St Louis Arch 172 Design Submissions Ecro Sainen Symbol of National Recovery Cyclorama Center Gettysburg National Military Park Picketscharge Visitor Center Panoramic Painting 1961 Richard Neutra Rehabilitation denied in 1990s Asbestos, cracks  National Parks want to remove visitors centers because of the obstruction of views Panoramic moved, and building was demolished Was eligible for NRHP 1999 US Commission opposed demolition 2004 HABS documented building 2013 Demolished Jane Jacobs Journalist, Author, Activist Beliefs: Preservation was powerful tool for revitalization Population Density Mixed Use Development Old Buildings have potential to support community cheapily Short blocks for opportunities in retail 1961, The Death and Life of American Cities Urban Renewal was a failure Preservation and protection of communities Book as catalyst Rachel Carson 1962, Silent Spring (Book) Destruction of our natural environment Pesticides Reversal of National Pesticide Policy National ban on DDT for agriculture Inspires an environmental movement US EPA created (Environmental Protection Agency) Old Preservation = National Landmarks New = Local History Venice Charter 1964 Develops set of guidelines Focus on Buildings and Materials Did not consider: Site Context Historic Landscapes as Gardens Reversibility Social / Financial Issues One of the most influential texts in 20th century Preservation Presidio San Francisco, 1480 Acres Military Base, established by Spain then to Mexico US took control in 1846 1962 National Historic Landmark National Recreation Areas (NPS) Presidio Trust 1996 No Cost to Taxpayers Self Sufficient after Federal Funding Preserve Historic Resources Foster Sustainable Future Inspiration, Education, and Healthy Enjoyment Became self sufficient before federal funding expired Penn Station Manhattan in 1900 MeKim, Mead, and White Beaux Style 1950, Air Rights Sold  1963, Demolition Wake Up / Catalyst for Preservation Movement 1965, NYC Landmarks Law Maddison Square Gardens National Historic Preservation Act 1956, Interstate Highway Act 26 Billion to Interstate Highway 1965, Create Special Committee on Historic Preservation Sponsored by US Conference of Mayors Selected Members of Congress and the Cabinet National Park Service National Trust 1966, With Heritage So Rich (Book) 1966, NHPA created National Register of Historic Places (No Strings Attached) Locally regulated Historic Districts Legislation to fund preservation activities State Historic Preservation Offices (Tribal) Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Section 106 Reviews Does not interfere with private ownership rights Most important preservation act by congress Association for Preservation Technology Multi-Disciplinary Membership Organization Preservationists, Architects, Engineers, LA’s Conservators, Contractors, Craftpersons Curators, Educators, Historians Students  Mission: Care for Protect Promote …longevity of the built environment Cultivate the exchange of knowledge Objectives: Partnerships Encourage Knowledge Sharing (Education) Diversity Advocate Publications, Conferences, Trainings, Awards, Scholarships National Environmental Policy Act 1960s – 1970s, successful lobbying efforts 1961, Passed Protect (Preserve National Environment) Review for Federal Projects US Bicentennial 1976 Historical Societies Local Historic Districts Historic Homes and House Museums Genealogical Events Cultural Events Increased interest in History and Preservation University Classes / Programs Influenced