A client approaches an architect with an idea for a new space. The project may be a completely new building on a completely new site. The other scenario is that the project will require a renovation to an existing building. One complicated aspect of the renovation is to decide what is important that shall remain and what can be removed
In designing a completely new building, the architect typically has a great deal of freedom locating a building on a site. In terms of a renovation to an existing building already constructed on the site, this can be much more challenging depending on the new use and the design solution. Yes, the location of the existing building has been chosen already, but now there are many other existing items on site that need to be addressed.
The existing items that are important and shall remain can range from preserving the existing building shell and structure to keeping an existing wall with a painting that the client likes. The requirement to remain can also be governed by a governing agency such as a historic preservation board. This was the case in the new Broad Street building project, which was described in Luis’s blog a few weeks ago These street edge walls are so important to the character of the neighborhood. The project is an example of historic preservation, where the idea is to preserve what is currently there and restore what has been removed or destroyed. In terms of keeping the items that are important and removing what is not, everything considered historic is required to stay in order to preserve the building at a specific period of time.
Recently, STA was challenged with designing a new space for Greentown Labs. The chosen site contained an existing masonry building with plenty of history. Our design intent was to save the structure and existing masonry shell, but provide a completely new use on the interior.
For this project, the existing building did not have enough square footage to meet the needs for Greentown’s program. In order to solve this issue, we provided 2 new levels within the existing building shell in order to maximize our floor space.
Another issue that arose at Somerville Ave. was the client’s and city’s need for a public connection to Somerville Ave., a very well travelled route in the city of Somerville. The building was formerly used by an automotive paint company, which required a sign and a large overhead door to attract customers. Our design incorporates new glass storefront openings in order to provide this connection to the street.
The client is the driving force behind the project, but not always the determining force in the final design. What is to remain may be determined through a more historic preservation approach as governed by a historic board or may be an adaptive reuse project where there is currently a structure and shell which will remain, but a new use will be incorporated based on the clients needs.
