The high-performance retrofit of an existing building is more difficult than building new because the structural system, orientation, and massing—the first tools in the architect’s kit—have already been used.
Moreover, the deep affection often associated with existing structures that possess cultural and historic significance presents even more resistance to high-performance design—the fear that the process will require massive modification of “untouchable” community assets.
Yet this critical segment of the built environment represents a vast reservoir of sustainable potential and carries with it our society’s multi-generational heritage.
After reading this article, you should be able to:
+ Assess the sustainable potentials and limitations of an existing building of historic/cultural significance.
+ Prioritize the overall active and passive design strategies within the physical limitations and the historic/community values of a given setting.
+ Discuss a daylighting strategy that combines the use of direct and diffuse daylight and thermal loading attuned to functional need.
+ Anticipate the future life of the building in transition to sustainability and generate an “anticipatory” design to support the implementation of that vision.
TAKE THIS FREE AIA COURSE AT BDCUNIVERSITY.COM
Related Stories
Mixed-Use | Oct 19, 2020
Commonwealth Pier revitalization project begins construction in Boston’s Seaport
CBT, in collaboration with Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects designed the project.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Sep 30, 2020
SOM reimagines former Cook County Hospital into mixed-use destination
The project is the first phase of a proposed $1 billion redevelopment plan for the area in Chicago.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 24, 2020
Texaco’s century-old headquarters is now a luxury apartment community
After sitting vacant for nearly three decades, the former home of Texaco, Inc. has been converted into a 17-story, 286-unit apartment building in the heart of downtown Houston.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Aug 21, 2020
Reconstruction could be COVID-19’s silver lining
Existing buildings are being adapted to the ‘new normal’ for health and wellness.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Aug 20, 2020
Former jail to be reimagined and integrated into Dallas’s Harold Simmons Park
Weiss/Manfredi was selected as the design architect for the project.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Jun 8, 2020
Spacesmith will design sustainable production facilities for Upriver Studios in New York
The project will be located in Saugerties in upstate New York.
Coronavirus | Apr 9, 2020
COVID-19 alert: Robins & Morton to convert Miami Beach Convention Center into a 450-bed field hospital
COVID-19 alert: Robins & Morton to convert Miami Beach Convention Center into a 450-bed field hospital
Reconstruction & Renovation | Mar 3, 2020
Not so strange bedfellows: hybrid buildings in New York combine unlikely tenants
“Found money” for owners looking to monetize their air spaces, says FXCollaborative, which has designed several of these buildings.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Jan 16, 2020
Snøhetta’s 550 Madison Garden gains approval from NYC Planning Commission
The project previously gained approval from Manhattan Community Board 5 in December.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Nov 6, 2019
The silent giant: Reconstruction sector makes big impact on firms
More than a quarter of AEC firms that participated in the 2019 Giants 300 survey earned at least half of their total 2018 revenue from the reconstruction sector.
