historical meets contemporary - kincardine, … meets... · historical meets contemporary ... (mas)...

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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