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
Office Buildings | Mar 27, 2017
New York warehouse to become an office mixing industrial and modern aesthetics
The building is located in West Chelsea between the High Line and West Street.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Mar 16, 2017
Pols are ready to spend $1T on rebuilding America’s infrastructure. But who will pick which projects benefit?
The accounting and consulting firm PwC offers the industrial sector a five-step approach to getting more involved in this process.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Mar 16, 2017
Brooklyn’s ‘Batcave’ will become a series of fabrication shops
The century-old building will be turned into fabrication shops in wood, metal, ceramics, textiles, and printmaking.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Feb 16, 2017
Stalled Conference House Park pavilion renovation moving forward
The pavilion has been awaiting repair since storm damage in 2011 rendered the structure unsafe for the public.
Hotel Facilities | Feb 15, 2017
Morphosis redesigns Swiss hotel rooms as custom ‘aesthetic experiences’
The redesigned rooms focused on scale, color, tactility, unexpected form, and connections to the natural context.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Feb 2, 2017
$500 million investment will modernize Chicago’s Willis Tower *Updated*
The project will be the first major renovation in the building’s 43-year history.
Cultural Facilities | Jan 30, 2017
Former windmill factory proposed as new ‘vibrant culture house’
The transformed building would provide space for street sports, street culture, and street art.
Hotel Facilities | Jan 25, 2017
New Denver hotel will integrate historic 130-year-old fire station into its design
The 1883 Denver Hose Company No.1 building will be fully restored as part of the project.
Museums | Nov 18, 2016
Plans for the expansion and renovation of the Asian Art Museum in Seattle unveiled
LMN Architects is the architect and interior designer for the Bebb and Gould-designed museum.
Reconstruction Awards | Nov 11, 2016
Adaptive reuse juices up an abandoned power plant
The power plant was on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.