Architecture is designed with intention, meaning its form says something about the building’s purpose. Form follows function. Elements such as decorative cornices, windows and doors all contribute to the story of the building’s purpose. This is especially true of historic buildings. Preserving their design helps to preserve the building’s story and history.
Telling a Story
There is rarely, if ever, anything random or carelessly done when designing a building. The building’s size and design tells something about its importance within the surrounding community. It may also tell us something about the importance or wealth of the person or entity that originally had the building constructed. Finally, the design can tell you a lot about the time in which the building was constructed.
For example, a large and imposing door way with massive windows might have been placed in a Wall Street bank to denote the importance of the building’s function in that location. Conversely, a Main Street bank in a small town may have been larger and dignified for the setting in which it was placed, but still have been far more modest than its Wall Street counterpart.
A home built in the 19th century might have included more decorative design elements that reflect architectural movements such as the Georgian, Greek revival or the Italianate Revival. This contrasts the cleaner lines often found in homes designed in the 21st century.
Preserving the Story
What would be the point in preserving a historic building if its story was not also preserved? The design choices of the building’s original construction tell much about the building’s history and original purpose. To wipe these elements away and clean the slate would be tantamount to destroying the building and wiping away history altogether.
When restoring a building, careful consideration should be given to the building’s history. It is important that the artisans and craftspeople involved in the restoration process have a thorough grounding in historic building materials and practices. Every attempt should be made to ensure that the building’s historic integrity, as well as its structural integrity, is preserved.
The team at Scott Henson Architect are experts in preserving and restoring historic buildings. They direct that expertise toward preserving the character of a historic structure while ensuring that it remains a functional, contributing member of the modern urban landscape. Contact Scott Henson Architect today to find out how they can help preserve your historic treasure.
