RESEARCH
GOALS
“The preservation of the built heritage is increasingly being recognized as an important vehicle through which communities can maintain and celebrate their individuality and diversity. At the same time, growing concerns for the environment emphasize the importance of maintaining the existing building stock as an alternative to replacement” (Orbasli, 2008).
Honor the existing architectural integrity through design selections that are derived from Art Deco characteristics such as streamlined geometric forms, rounded corners, zigzags, stylized floral motifs, steel, and rosewood.
Preservation is the first of four methods used to revitalize a buildings spirit and character. The Technical Preservation Service defines preservation as, “the retention of all historic fabric through conservation, maintenance and repair” (Weeks, a). It embraces the modifications or additions made through the lifespan of that building. The second way to revive the past is through rehabilitation; a method which preserves and repairs existing materials, replaces damaged or destroyed parts, and maintains the buildings current use while considering its historical significance. Restoration, the third option, involves keeping the materials that were a part of the most historically important period and subtracting any additions made to that building (Weeks, b). The last alternative is reconstruction; an attempt to take a non-surviving site and rebuild with new materials (Nelson). The Secretary of Interior has enacted standards as a common language for preservation “The Standards are a series of concepts about maintaining, repairing and replacing historic materials, as well as designing new additions or making alterations” (Weeks, a). The standards for historic preservation require a thoughtful process that is connected to an emotional time from the past (Technical Preservation Services [TPS], a). In the beginning of any preservation project extensive research must take place. Levy points out four phases that become crucial during the investigative process. They are: analysis (gathering of basic information, visual survey, and identification of hard and soft areas, functional analysis), synthesis, evaluation and implementation (Levy, 2003). Historical preservation is the retention of sacred memories of the past and can aid in the revitalization of neighborhoods. (Weeks, b) A neighborhood is a unit that matches the daily scale of most people’s lives (Levy, 2003). The impact that urban renewal and community development has on neighborhoods can greatly improve existing conditions. According to Levy there are six goals that are key to urban renewal and community development, 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Facilitation of economic growth or, in more desperate cases, measures to retard the loss of economic activity. Attempts to increase the quality—and sometimes quantity—of the municipality’s housing stock. Attempts to sustain or improve some particular commercial function of the city, most commonly retailing. Improvement of some physical aspect of the community such as its parks, recreational facilities, parking facilities, or street pattern. Furtherance of urban design goals…attempt to beautify, increase downtown retailing activity, which might be part of a larger effort aimed at employment expansion. Provision of a variety of services: Social services: daycare, job training, drug rehab, etc. (Levy, 2003).
SCOPE OF WORK : NTS
CONCEPT LOCATED AT THE MOST IMPORTANT INTERSECTION OF THE SOUTH GRAND SHOPPING DISTRICT IN ST. LOUIS, THE SOUTH SIDE NATIONAL BANK BUILDING IS THE IDEAL SITE TO BEGIN THE REVITALIZATION OF THE EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD. THE ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE VACANT SPACE WILL MAXIMIZE OPPORTUNITIES AND ENHANCE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE CURRENT NEIGHBORHOOD THROUGH A BOOKSTORE AND CAFÉ. THROUGH CAREFUL PLANNING DECISIONS, THE PROPOSED SPACE WILL INTERACT WITH SURROUNDING RESIDENTS AND COMMERCIAL TENANTS. THE CAFÉ AND BOOKSTORE WILL ACCOMMODATE LOCAL ART EXHIBITS, HOSTS INTIMATE SHOWS FOR MUSICIANS AND PROVIDES A MEETING AREA FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION. THE COLOR PALETTE IS DRAWN FROM AN ART DECO CEILING MOTIF THAT IS ORIGINAL TO THE SOUTH SIDE NATIONAL BANK. THE NEXT CHAPTER BOOKSTORE AND CAFÉ WILL AID IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW NEIGHBORHOOD IDENTITY BY ENCOURAGING SOCIAL INTEGRATION, UPWARD ECONOMIC MOBILITY, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT.
Promote environmental stewardship through the use of honest materials and adaptive re-use strategies. Through the implementation of sustainable practices the occupants are given the opportunity to be surrounded by an environment that is stimulating and nourishing. Provide an accessible space that will suit people of all ages. The atmosphere of the space will provide the neighborhood with a sense of place that promotes the safety and security that has long been awaited. Improve the economy of the area by creating job opportunities and support for local business partnerships. The menu of the café will embrace local food production by inviting neighboring farmers to contribute to the variety of organic foods served. Encourage artistic expression as a tool to integrate cultural diversity and attract positive attention to the surrounding area.
Neighborhood revitalization can restore life in suffering communities. Historic neighborhoods embrace characteristics of sustainable planning such as walkability, proximity to work, schools, shopping, major transportation, etc. (Rypkema, 2003). The role that designers have in the holistic process of preservation is fundamental to the development of sustainable communities and to maintaining the architectural heritage. (Bibliography Posted on Back)
The Next Chapter Bookstore and Cafe
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