Abstract/case studies and design potential

The Preservation of Memories Through Adaptive Reuse Abstract

The memory we have of a certain space gives meaning to its form and architecture, and consequently a significant place in our minds. As we think of the past, we often remember the places we have been in light of the occurrences endured there, associating a place with an emotion and a particular event. Sights, sounds, actions and even smells can trigger these memories and carry us on a journey through time. These memories are innately a part of every design process. In this sense, the memories of a certain place are not fixed, but are linked together. These links can therefore form a type of architecture based on archetypes and memories leading to a variety of innovative designs. The memories of an architect and those of a user or community can be combined with needs and trends of the present to form such a space, which will in turn be adaptable for the future.
In the architecture of adaptive reuse, some historic aspects of a structure; for example the façade and exterior massing can be fixed and thus preserved, while the interiors are retrofitted for a new use. The memory of what the structure once was in its civic sense is therefore preserved, while the interior spaces provide it with the flexibility of present and future adaptation.
We think of memory as belonging to the realm of human mentality and therefore being subject to the affect and nostalgia of patrons, spectators and consumers, but it is through adaptive reuse and historic preservations that cities take on their own forms of memory, thus retaining an identity. The city is seen as a landscape and collection of objects and structures that represent the past through the constant building and rebuilding of its structures. The retention of these historic structures, sites and environments give clues as to how a city and its inhabitants functioned, were structured and moved about the streets living their everyday lives. In this aspect, the preservation of a city’s memory parallels that of a human’s. Using variations of common adaptive reuse techniques, as well as the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Preservation, inherited traditions, vernacular architecture and memories can be integrated into existing structures with modern technologies forming a variety innovative architectural programs, thus preserving the memories of a city.

Case studies include the transformtion of the Bankside Power Station into the Tate Modern by H&deM, the Nationale Nederlanden building by Frank Gehry, the Jewish Museum, Berlin by Daniel Libeskind, Museo di Castelvecchio in Verona by Carlo Scarpa, etc.

Design info:

The implementation of adaptive reuse in this situation is mainly site based. Heavy reliance is placed on the features of the site as well as the surrounding area including environment, vernacular architecture and most importantly local history, in order to extract design information. The former Reading Corporation had numerous facilities constructed throughout the tri-state area (PA, NJ, DE) during its empire, yet the focus remains on its home city of Reading, PA and the famed Reading Yard located between 7th and 9th Streets from Greenwich Street to the newer Warren Street Bypass. The empty lands and vacant structures left behind after the closing of the Reading Railroad tell of the history of the once great corporation and serve as reminders and historic / cultural reservoirs waiting to be tapped for the enhancement of the local identity.