Old buildings have a character about them that pristine new buildings simply don’t have — they have history — within their walls exist evidence and truths about those who once occupied them. Like monuments, these buildings chronicle our environmental, cultural, technological and political histories. When we restore old buildings to their former glory we do a lot more than just put them back to use. We prevent materials from going into landfills; we require less new materials for construction; we preserve our past. One thing to note: Because each and every preservation project is unique, they may be costly. But as more and more people ask for the preservation of our cultures and histories, the more we will continue to preserve old buildings.
Some preservation will try to preserve a building as it once was. Other kinds integrate newer ideas and technologies into older vernaculars. The latter is my personal favorite. When done right, the contrast between the old and new pique our interests in our past, present and possible futures.
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Credits:
1. LivingSocial’s DC Building by StreetSense and OTJ Architects
2. Alemanys 5, The House by Anna Noguera, Architect
3. 234-236 Clarendon Street by Silverman Trykowski Associates
4. 192 Shoreham Street by Project Orange Architects
