The Facade Dilemma: Navigating Authenticity and Integrity in Architectural Conservation
Valeria Beltran Alcantar
Dissertationsubmittedtothe DepartmentofArchitecturefortheDegreeof
MASTER OF ARTS IN ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION atthe DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE
Supervisor:Dr.JohannesWidodo April2024
Acknowledgment
IamdeeplygratefultotheesteemedprofessorsatNUSwhoseinvaluableguidance andexpertisehavenotonlyenrichedmyunderstandingoftheissuesexploredinthis dissertationbuthavealsoprofoundlyshapedmyentireMaster'sjourney.Their dedicationtoteachinghasbeeninvaluabletomyacademicjourney.Iamgratefulto myfamilyandfriendsfortheirsupportandencouragementthroughoutthisMasters Theirbeliefinmehasbeenaconstantmotivator.Iwouldalsoliketothankmy partner,Habidwhosesupport,patience,andencouragementhavebeenkeytomy success.Yourpresencehasbroughtfunandbalancetomyjourney.
Specialthanksareextendedtomysupervisor,Dr.JohannesWidodowhoseinsightful feedbackprovidedvaluableperspectivesonthethemeofmydissertation.Your contributionshaveenhancedthequalityofmywork,andIamtrulyappreciativeof yourguidance.IamalsothankfultoNUSforprovidingmewithdiverseexperiences andperspectivesinarchitecture.Theopportunitiesforlearningandgrowthgivenby thisinstitutionhaveenrichedmyacademicandpersonaldevelopment.Lastbutnot least,Iextendmyappreciationtomyclassmates.Ihavegotteninvaluableinsights fromourinteractions.Thankyoutoeveryonewhohascontributedtomyacademic journeyandthecompletionofthisdissertation.
Abstract
Facadism,thepreservationorduplicationofexistingbuildingfacadeswhile constructingnewbuildingsbehindthem,isstillacommonapproachinurban development.Thisstudycriticallyexaminestheimplicationsoffacadismonthe integrityandauthenticityofhistoricbuildings,focusingonbothitspositiveand negativeaspects,anditsopportunities.PrimarilyfocusedonSingapore,theresearch aimstodevelopacomprehensivemethodologyforassessingtheeffectivenessof facadisminpreservingarchitecturalheritageandcontributingtourbandevelopment. Themethodologyinvolvesaliteraturereviewtounderstandcontrastingperspectives onfacadism,itspractice,anditsimpact,resultingintheestablishmentofnewcriteria forevaluatingthispractice.Throughthisapproach,thestudyshowstheimportanceof authenticityandintegrityinpreservationefforts.Anevaluationframeworkis proposedtoanalyzefacadismprojects,consideringtheircultural,historical,and aestheticsignificance.CasestudiesoftheNationalGallerySingaporeandTheOldHill StreetPoliceStationprovideinsightsintotheapplicationoftheevaluationframework andassesstheoutcomesoffacadisminitiatives.Thestudyconcludesbyemphasizing themultifacetednatureoffacadismanditsimplicationsfortheconservationand adaptationofhistoricbuildings,advocatingforbalancedapproachestourban developmentthatprioritizeculturalheritagepreservation.
Hypothesis
Theprioritizationoftheexternalappearanceofbuildingsthroughthepracticeof facadism,mainlydrivenbytourism,posesasignificantrisktotheintegrityand authenticityofhistoricbuildings,thiscancontributetothedegradationoftheoverall culturalandarchitecturalheritagewithinhistoricbuildings,withinteriorsoftenoften feelingdisconnectedordetachedfromtheiroriginalcontext.
Research Aims
Thisstudyaimstocriticallyexamineandpresentananalysisoffacadism,focusingon bothpositiveandnegativeaspectsintheconservationandadaptationofhistoric buildings,bydevelopingamethodologyforassessingtheeffectivenessofthispractice inpreservinghistoricbuildingsandcontributingtourbandevelopment.Centraltothis investigationistheexplorationofauthenticityandintegrityanditsimpacton facadism.Byestablishingcriteriaforevaluatingtheseelements,thisresearchseeksto assesstheextenttowhichfacadismprojectsmaintainhistoricalaccuracy,architectural integrity,andculturalrelevance.Additionally,thestudyaimstoofferinsightsintothe potentialdrawbacksoftourism-centricfacadism,particularlyitsimpacton architecturalheritage.Providinganunderstandingofthelayerednatureoffacadism anditsimplicationsfortheconservationandadaptationofhistoricbuildings.
Introduction:
Therearemultipledefinitionsandviewpointsregardingfacadism,highlightingits complexityanddiversityinarchitecture.Botharchitectsandcriticshaveofferedover timedifferentperspectivesonthispractice,withsomesupportingitasapractical meansofpreservingarchitecturalheritageinthefaceofurbandevelopment.In contrast,otherscriticizeitasasuperficialapproachthatcancompromisetheintegrity ofhistoricbuildings.AccordingtoJonathanRichards,facadisminvolvesvarious practicesrelatedtothetreatmentofbuildingfacades.Thetermiscommonly associatedwiththepreservationorreplicationofhistoricfacadeswhileconstructing newbuildingsbehindthem.However,itcanextendbeyondthisincludingoccasions wherenewbuildings'facadesaredesignedtoevokeaparticularstylewithoutdirectly replicatingexistingfacades.(Richards,2014,p.7).Thetermitselfcombines"facade" andthesuffix"-ism,"indicatingaspecificarchitecturalapproachorideology.
Facadismgainedprominenceasaconceptandadiscussionterminarchitectural discourse,particularlyinthelatterhalfofthe20thcentury,ascitiesworkedwiththe challengesofbalancingpreservationwithdevelopment.Itisashortenedtermforthe incorporationofanoldfacadeintocontemporaryarchitecturalprojects,oftenstarting debatesaboutauthenticity,urbanaesthetics,andtheconservationofcultural heritage.
Conceptssuchasfacadismshouldbethoroughlydebated,analyzed,andunderstood duetotheirprofoundimpactonourconnectionstotheplacesweliveinandthe importanceofourcities'pastinouridentity.Itraisesimportantquestionsaboutthe
delicatebalancebetweenhonoringthepastandmeetingthedemandsofthepresent andfuture.Assuch,understandingitscomplexitiesisessentialfornavigatingthe differentelementsandconsiderationsofthismethod,ensuringthatourbuilt environmentsremainbothculturallyrichandfunctionallyrelevantforgenerationsto come.
Literature Review
Conservation and Preservation
First,it'simportanttodistinguishbetweentheconceptsofconservationand preservation.Althoughtheyaresimilartermsthataresometimesused interchangeably,theycarrydistinctmeaningsandmethodswhenitcomesto safeguardingculturalandarchitecturalheritage.
Conservationgenerallyreferstothecarefulmanagementandsustainableuseof naturalresources,culturalheritage,oranyothervaluableassettoensuretheir continuedexistenceforfuturegenerations.Itinvolvesarangeofactivitiesaimedat maintainingtheintegrity,authenticity,andsignificanceoftheresourcewhileallowing foritsappropriateuseandenjoyment.Conservationeffortsofteninvolveresearch, documentation,restoration,andongoingmaintenancetosafeguardtheresourcefrom deteriorationordestruction.Evans,N.L.(2014).
Preservation,ontheotherhand,typicallyfocusesonprotectingandmaintainingthe originalform,material,andcharacterofaresource.Itemphasizesmaintainingthe
historicalauthenticityandintegrityoftheobjectorsiteinitsexistingstate, minimizinginterventionsoralterationsthatcouldcompromiseitssignificance. Preservationaimstoretaintheoriginalfabricandfeaturesoftheresourceasmuchas possible,oftenthroughminimalinterventionandcarefulmaintenance.NicholasJacob Architects.(2017,August).
Today,thereisaprevailingshifttowardsconservationinheritagemanagement, because,unliketraditionalpreservationapproaches,conservationtakesamore holisticviewofheritageprojects,consideringnotonlythetangibleaspectsof buildingsandstructuresbutalsotheirintangiblevalues.Theseeffortsaimtoprotect notjustphysicalstructuresbutalsothecultural,social,andhistoricalsignificance withinthem.Thisapproachrecognizestheinterconnectednessofheritagewithits surroundingenvironment,communities,andbroaderculturallandscapes.
Authenticity and Integrity
Thisdiscussionprovidesanopportunitytotalkabouttwoconceptsthatarecrucialto explorewhendiscussingfacadism:authenticityandintegrity.AccordingtoUNESCO's OperationalGuidelines,authenticityreferstothetruthfulandcredibleexpressionofa property'sculturalvaluesthroughvariousattributes,suchasformanddesign, materialsandsubstance,andtraditionsandtechniques. UNESCOWorldHeritage. (2020).Thisconceptservesasawaytoevaluatehowbuildingsconveyvaluesand meaningswhilemaintainingtheirintegrityasculturalheritagesites.TheNara DocumentonAuthenticityelaboratesonthisaspect,demonstratingtheimportanceof
maintainingthespiritandvaluesofabuilding,orareaofhistoricallyrelevant importancetothepeoplewholivethere.
Ontheotherhand,there’stheconceptofintegrity.Thisconcept,asstatedbyUNESCO, servestoevaluatetheeffectivenessofpreservingtheculturalandarchitectural heritageofhistoricbuildings,coveringthreekeypoints:completeness,integrity,and absenceofthreats.Integrityreferstothefactthatallthenecessaryelementsare presentintheconservationprojects,ensuringthatnoessentialcomponentismissing. Itemphasizespreservingthingsintheiroriginalstate,withoutsignificantdamageor deterioration.UNESCOWorldHeritage.(2013).Theabsenceofthreatsunderlinesthe importanceofsafeguardingthepropertyfrompotentialrisksposedbydevelopment, deterioration,orneglect.Byadheringtotheseintegritystandards,culturalmeanings canbepreservedwhilealsoensuringthegeneralcohesionandauthenticityofthe urbanenvironment. Theapplicationofintegrityinthecontextoffacadismgoes beyondjustvisualaesthetics,followingaholisticviewoftheconservationofa property'sheritagevalue,andfosteringadeeperappreciationofitsculturaland historicalsignificance.
Inshort,bothconcepts,playanimportantroleinguidingtheuseoffacadesinprojects helpingtoshapetheconservationeffortsassociatedwithhistoricbuildings.By adheringtotheprinciplesofauthenticity,theycanensurethatculturaland architecturalheritageisfaithfullyconveyedthroughitsattributes,includingform, design,materials,function,andintangibleaspects.Defendingintegrityhighlightsthe importanceofkeepingtheseattributeswholeandintact,protectingthemfromthreats
thatoftencomefromdevelopment,deterioration,orneglect.Bothserveasprinciples forevaluatingtheeffectivenessofoureffortstoconservetheculturaland architecturalheritageofhistoricbuildings,ensuringthattheymaintaintheir significanceandcontributetotheidentityandcharacterofurbanenvironmentsfor generationstocome,thusstrikingabalancebetweenhonoringthepastandmeeting theneedsofthepresent
Facadism Practice
Facadismispracticedforanumberofstrongreasons.Forstarters,historical preservationisatitsheart,providingforthepreservationofhistoricallyor architecturallysignificantfacades.Maintainingatangiblelinktothepastand establishingafeelingofcontinuityandculturallegacy.Additionally,itservesasatool forurbanconservationinrapidlydevelopingareas.Strikingadelicatebalance betweenpreservingthecharacterandidentityofneighborhoodswhile accommodatingtheneedfornewconstructionanddevelopment.
Moreover,conservingfacadesplaysanimportantroleinculturalheritage conservationbysafeguardingthetangiblelinksofthepastandpreserving architecturaltreasuresforfuturegenerations,asthesehistoricfacadesreflectthe social,cultural,andarchitecturalprogressofsocieties.Thismethodhelpscultural heritageconservationistsretainvitalelementsofhistoricalidentityandmemory withinurbanlandscapes,fortheyenrichourunderstandingofarchitecturalstylesand techniques,alsoservingaspowerfulsymbolsofculturalcontinuityandresilience,
providinginvaluableopportunitiesforeducation,research,andinterpretation, allowingcommunitiestoconnectwiththeirheritageonadeeperlevel.
Fromanenvironmentalstandpoint,facadismpromotessustainabilitybyreusing existingbuildingfacadesandreducingconstructionwasteandcarbonemissions associatedwithnewconstruction.Facadereuselessenstheenvironmentaleffectof constructionactivitiesbyreusingexistingbuildingfacadesasopposedtodismantling entirestructures.Demolitiongeneratessubstantialamountsofwastematerials, includingconcrete,steel,andothernon-renewableresources,whichcontributeto landfillaccumulationandgreenhousegasemissions.Incontrast,facadismminimizes theamountofconstructiondebrisandwastegenerated,therebyconservingnatural resourcesandreducingcarbonemissionsassociatedwithnewconstructionwhilealso offeringsignificanteconomicbenefits,asthepreservationofhistoricfacadescan enhancetheattractivenessofurbanareas,potentiallyincreasingpropertyvalues, attractingtourism,andstimulatinglocaleconomies.
Finally,facadism'sattractiontotouristsisanadditionalargumentforitsuse Historic facadespossessanostalgiccharmandaestheticlookthatcaptivatetouristsand attractvisitorstourbandestinations.Bypreservingthesefacades,citiescanleverage theirhistoricalandarchitecturalheritageasauniquesellingpointfortourism. However,thispracticecanbedamagingforcitiesthatadoptfacadismasa predominantapproachtourbandevelopment.Whilefacadismmayinitiallyseemlike asolutionforpreservinghistoricfacadesandmaintainingtheaestheticappealof urbanlandscapes,itsimplementationcanhaveadverseconsequences.
Insomecases,itprioritizestheexternalappearanceofbuildingsovertheirfunctional usabilitywhichcouldleadtothecreationofsuperficialfacadesthatmimichistorical styleswithoutgenuinelypreservingtheunderlyingheritageorarchitecturalintegrity. Buildingssubjectedtosuchfacadismmayappearvisuallystrikingfromtheoutside butmaylackattentiontotheconservationandenhancementofinteriorspaces.This focusonsuperficialaestheticscanresultinthedisconnectionofinteriorspacestothe biggerstory,leadingtothelossofarchitecturalauthenticity.
Agreatexampleofafacaderetentionprojectthatsuccessfullycombinesmodern luxurywithhistoricpreservationistheSt.PancrasRenaissanceHotelinLondon.The structure,whichinitiallyopenedin1873astheMidlandGrandHotel,isawell-known exampleofVictorianGothicarchitecture.Afteryearsofneglectandabandonment,the St.PancrasRenaissanceHotelunderwentsubstantialrenovationsinthelate20th centurytoreviveitspreviousmagnificence.ARUP.(2011,May4).Thebuilding's outsidefacade,featuringelaboratedetailing, andintricatestonework,hasbeen carefullyconservedtoupholditshistoricalsignificanceandvisualprominenceamidst theurbanlandscape.Theinteriorspaceswererenovatedandredesignedto accommodatecontemporaryamenitiesandserviceswhilepayinghomagetothe building'srichheritage.ItnotonlypreservesthearchitecturallegacyoftheVictorian erabutalsoservesasavibranthubofhospitalityandcultureintheheartofLondon. ManhattanLoftCorporation.(2024).
TherepairworkoftheRafflesHotelinSingaporeisanotherexampleoffacade retention.OneofSingapore'smostrecognizablemonuments,theRafflesHotelwas
firstestablishedin1887andisrenownedforitscolonialarchitectureandextensive history.Thehotelhadamajormakeovertomaintainitsoldexteriorwhilebringing theinsideuptodatewithcontemporaryluxurystandards.Theouterfacadewas renovatedtopreserveitsoriginalcharmandcharacter.Itisknownforitscolonialstylearchitectureanduniquebalconies.TheRafflesHotelrestorationprojectisan outstandingcaseofhowfacaderetentionmaybeappliedinSingaporetosave recognizedbuildings'architecturallegacywhileconvertingthemtomodernpurposes likeluxuryhospitality.Theprojectsuccessfullymaintainsthebuilding'smainpurpose andarchitecturalstyle.Thisapproachensuresthatthehotelcontinuestobe rememberedandenjoyedbypeople,creatingaconnectionbetweenthepastand present.Asaresult,guestscanexperiencethetimelesseleganceofRafflesHotelwhile enjoyingcontemporarycomforts,allowingthemtoappreciatetherichheritageof Singapore'siconiclandmark.
The impact of tourism on facadism
Facadismisimpactedbytourisminavarietyofways,affectingitsexecutionaswellas itsresultsinurbansettings.Thispracticecanbepropelledbytourismascitiesaimto increasetheirappealtotourists,bycreatingvisuallyattractivestreets.Indestinations withsignificanttouristfoottraffic,facadismmaybeemployedstrategicallytocapture culturalattractions,drawingvisitorsandgeneratingrevenueforlocaleconomies. Moreover,tourismcancontributetotheconservationoffacadesbyraisingawareness oftheirhistoricalandarchitecturalsignificance,encouragingauthoritiestoinvestin theirmaintenanceandrestoration.
However,tourism-centricfacadismalsoposeschallengesandrisks.Thepressureto catertotouristpreferencesandexpectationsmayprioritizethesuperficialaesthetics offacadesoverdeeperconsiderationsofarchitecturalauthenticityandcultural heritage.Insomecases,facadesmaybepreservedorrecreatedsolelyfortheirvisual appeal,withoutgenuinecareforhistoricalcontextorfunctionalusability.Thismay resultinthecommercializationofhistoricalsites,withfacadeslosingtheirvalueand function,servingonlyasbackdropsforvisitorstoenjoy.Facade-drivendevelopment maybecontributingtothegentrificationofhistoricneighborhoodsinpopulartourist destinations.Thiscanresultinthedisplacementofresidentsandthedestructionof communityidentity,takingawayfromcomprehensiveheritageconservationefforts andoverlookingtheconservationofinteriorspacesandintangibleculturalheritage. Overall,whiletourismcanbothfuelandchallengethepracticeoffacadism,strikinga balancebetweenheritagepreservation,economicdevelopment,andsustainable tourismmanagementisessentialtoensurethelong-termviabilityandauthenticityof urbanenvironments.
Urbanregionscanbenefiteconomicallyandculturallyfromtourism,butheritage monuments'integrityandculturalrelevancemaybejeopardizediffacadesareoverly focusedonattractingvisitors.Facadismthatiscenteredaroundtourismhasaneffect thatgoesbeyondtheimmediatesurroundings.Localcommunitiesmaybe marginalizedasaresultofgentrification,displacement,andalossofcommunity cohesion,aswellasthecommercialexploitationofhistoricbuildings. Additionally, thesuperficialportrayalofhistorycandistortpublicperceptionsofculturalheritage, perpetuatingstereotypesandoversimplificationsthatobscurethecomplexitiesof
urbanhistoryandidentity.Itisimportantthen,toexaminetherelationshipbetween theeconomicbenefitsoffacadismprojectsandtheconservationofarchitectural authenticitybyexploringthewiderimplicationsandconsequencesofthisrelationship forurbandevelopmentandculturalheritageconservation
Evaluation Frameworks
Itisclearfromstudyingandexaminingtheeffectsandramificationsoffacadismhow importantitistolookforassessmentframeworksonthispractice.Theycanprovide structuredmethodologiesforevaluatingtheeffectivenessoffacadisminpursuitof achievingintendedobjectiveswhileworkingwiththechallengesofteninvolvedsuch asurbandevelopmentandculturalheritageconservation Anorganizedmethodfor examiningthevariousaspectsoffacadismprojectsisprovidedbyassessment frameworks,whichhelptounderstandhowfacadismaffectstheauthenticityand integrityofhistoricbuildings.Theseframeworksfacilitatetheassessmentoffacadism initiatives'effectivenessinsafeguardingculturalheritage,improvingurbanaesthetics, andadvancingsustainabledevelopmentbydefiningevaluationcriteriaand techniques.Inaddition,evaluationframeworksfacilitateinformeddecision-makingto identifythestrengths,weaknesses,opportunities,andthreatsassociatedwith facadismprojects.Theythenfunctionastoolstoguidepolicyformulation,planning, andimplementationeffortsaimedatachievingbalancedandsustainableurban developmentthatbalancesalltheelementsnecessaryforasuccessfulproject.
Oneexampleofanevaluationframeworkcanbefoundintheseminarproceedings titled'AFrameworkforRejuvenatingLargeModernistStructures/Sites'(Widodoetal., 2021).Thisevaluationframeworkoffersastructuredapproachtoassessthe authenticityandintegrityofbuildings,particularlyinthecontextofculturalheritage conservation.Eachpartoftheframeworkdelvesintodifferentaspectsthatcontribute totheoverallvalueandsignificanceofabuildingwithinitshistorical,architectural, social,cultural,temporal,andeconomiccontexts. Firstly,consideringthecontextprovidesafoundationforunderstandingthebuilding's historicalandcontemporarysignificance,includingitssymbolicimportanceandgroup valuewithinitssurroundings.Historicalvaluesemphasizethenarrativeand emotionalconnectionsassociatedwiththebuilding,capturingitsroleinshaping socialmemoryandcommemoratingsignificantevents.Architecturalvaluesfocuson thedesign,construction,andinnovationofthebuilding,highlightingitsuniquestyle andcontributiontoarchitecturalheritage.Moreover,Socialandtimelessness emphasizestheenduringqualityofthebuilding,includingitsharmony,permanence, andmaterialdurability,whilealsoconsideringitsfunctionallongevityandabilityto adapttochangingneedsovertime.Finally,economicvalueevaluatesthebuilding's adaptability,usability,andcost-effectiveness,weighingitseconomicsustainability againstitsculturalandheritagevalue.(Widodoetal.,2021)
Fig. 01 Critical Framework (Widodo et al., 2021).
Thisevaluationframeworkstrikesabalancebetweenvariousconsiderationsfrom bothtangibleandintangibleaspectsofculturalheritage,providingaholisticapproach toaddressingthecomplexitiessurroundingtheconservationofmodernist architecturalheritageinSingapore.Italsoreflectsapositiveattitudetowardsfinding solutionsthatbalancevariousinterestsandconcerns,ultimatelyaimingtocreatea moretransparent,inclusive,andsustainableapproachtomodernistbuilding conservation.
Inadditiontotheevaluationframeworkpreviouslydiscussed,anothervaluable resourceforcreatingafacadismevaluationcriteriaisthe"Charterforthe ConservationofHistoricTownsandUrbanAreas,"alsoknownasthe"Washington Charter1987,"developedbytheInternationalCouncilonMonumentsandSites (ICOMOS).Thischarterprovidesprinciplesandguidelinesfortheconservationand
managementofhistoricurbanareas,offeringcriteriaforassessingtheircultural significance,authenticity,andintegrity.
Thecharterstatestheimportanceofkeepinghistoricplacesauthenticandnotletting themlosetheirculturalheritage.Itemphasizeshowmanagingstrategiescanbringa balancebetweenprotection,progressingdevelopment,andcurrentuse.Thecharter alsostressestheimportanceofcommunityinvolvementandpublicparticipation withintheconservationprocess,statingthatconservationshouldnotonlyreflectthe prioritiesofauthoritiesbutalsothevaluesandgoalsofthelocalcommunity.Besides, itnotonlyoffersguidancebutalsocollaborativepossibilitiesandsolutionsinareasof urbanplanning,architecturaldesign,heritageinterpretation,andtourism management,amongothers.ICOMOS.(1987).
Whilethe"WashingtonCharter1987"providesfoundationalprinciplesforthe conservationofhistorictownsandurbanareas,itmayappeartobenotenoughwhen addressingthecomplexitiesofcontemporaryissuesinarchitecturalconservation. Althoughitisstillapplicableinmanyways,theguidelineswerepublishedin1987, andtheycanlackthedetailandclarityneededtoproperlyaddresscontemporary issues.Intoday'scontext,wherefacadismandotherconservationpracticesintersect withevolvingsocietalvalues,economicdynamics,andtechnologicaladvancements, thereisaneedformorethoroughcriteriatoguideevaluationprocesses.Whilethe WashingtonCharterlaysasolidgroundwork,supplementingitwithadditional criteriatailoredtoaddressspecificaspectsoffacadismcanenhanceitsapplicabilityto today'scomplexconservationissues.
Afterdelvingdeeperintotherealmoffacadismandexploringvariouscriteriausedin thefieldofarchitecturalconservationworldwide,itbecomesevidentthata comprehensivemethodologicalapproachwouldbehelpfulifnotnecessary.While facadismoffersapotentialsolutionforpreservingarchitecturalheritageinthefaceof urbandevelopment,itpresentscomplexchallengesandsituationsinvolvingmany stakeholdersthatrequirecarefulconsideration.Theestablishmentofdedicated evaluationcriteriaforfacadismincontemporaryurbandevelopmentand architecturalconservationeffortscanhelpforseveralreasons.Firstoff,thegrowing numberoffacadismprojectsincitiesemphasizesthenecessityforaconsistent approachtoevaluatetheirefficacyandimpact.Asmoredevelopersandurban plannersoptforfacadismasasolutiontopreservearchitecturalheritagewhile accommodatingmodernneeds,havingclearguidelinesforevaluatingthesuccessof theseprojectsbecomesimportant Inaddition,thesecriteriacanhelpthoseinterested tounderstandfacadism,sotheyalsounderstandthepotentialoftheinteriorspace andnotonlytheconservationofhistoricfacades.Moreover,byprovidingdevelopers withastructuredapproachtofacadism,thesecriteriacanserveasavaluabletoolfor decision-making,helpingthemweighthebenefitsoffacadeconservationagainst completedemolition.Ultimately,anewevaluationframeworkcancontributeto informeddecision-makingandtheconservationofarchitecturalheritagein contemporaryurbanlandscapes.
A Contemporary Framework for an Evaluation of Facadism
Takingintoaccountallinsightsfrompreviousframeworksandthevaluesand conceptsuncoveredintheliteraturereview,thereisabigopportunitytodevelopa newevaluationframeworkspecificallymadetoassessprojectsoffacadism.By blendingthekeyelementsandprinciplesseeninexistingconservationcriteriafor evaluationwiththeconsiderationsreviewedinfacadismprojects,thisnew frameworkwillnotonlyaccountforthehistorical,architectural,social,economic,and environmentaldimensionsoffacadismprojectsbutalsoprovideatoolforassessing theuniquechallengesandopportunitiesinthesetasks.
First,westartbyidentifyingkeyconsiderationsinfacadism,navigatingthedelicate balancebetweenhonoringarchitecturalheritageandaccommodatingcontemporary needs.Historicalvaluebecomesamainelementinconsiderationoftheseprojects, servingasabasisforunderstandingthefacade'sarchitecturalstyle,cultural relevance,andhistoricalcontextwithinthecommunity.Architecturalintegrity,when demandingthepreservationofthefacade'soriginaldesign,materials,andstructural integritywhileensuringcompatibilitywithmodernbuildingstandardsiskey.Social andculturalvaluesplayacrucialroleinacknowledgingitscontributiontoidentity formation,collectivememory,andculturalheritageconservation.Today,itwouldbe impossibletoconsideraconservationprojectwithoutthoroughlyassessingthe economicconstraintsandopportunitiesinvolved,soeconomicfeasibilitybecomes essential,evaluatingthefinancialviabilityandsustainabilityoffacadismprojects amidstpreservationcostsandpotentialrevenuestreams.
Environmentalsustainabilityisbecomingincreasinglyimportant,demandingastudy oftheimpactontheenvironmentandresourceconservationrelatedtofacadism. Communityengagementandotherintangibleaspectsareessentialinthewaywesee conservationtoday,notonlylookingatthemasresultsbutalsoinvolvingtheminthe decision-makingprocessesandaddressingtheirconcernsregardingtheseprojects. Oncethekeyconsiderationsinfacadismhavebeenidentified,thenextstepisto establishevaluationparametersthatwillguidetheassessmentprocess.Evaluation parametersserveasthecriteriaagainstwhichfacadismprojectsaremeasured, providingastructuredframeworkforanalysisanddecision-making.Thesewillbe derivedfromthekeyconsiderationsidentifiedearlierandaretailoredtothespecific contextandobjectivesofthepreservationproject.Theyinvolvevariousaspectsand bydefiningthemclearly,peoplecanensurethatconservationeffortsarealignedwith theirgoals,effectivelyaddressprojectchallenges,andmaximizethepositiveimpact onculturalheritageandurbandevelopment.
Fig. 02 Evaluation of Facadism diagram. Beltran, V. (2024).
Architectural Integrity: Thiscriteriaevaluateshowmuchoftheoriginaldesign, materials,andstructuralintegrityoftherestoredfacaderemainintact.Ittakesinto accountwhetherthefacadecapturestheoriginalbuilding'sarchitecturaldesign faithfullyanditsconstructiontechniques.Maintainingtheoriginaldesign,materials, andstructuresofhistoricfacadesiscrucialtopreservingtheirarchitecturalintegrity. Toevaluatehowcloselytheconservedfacadeadherestoitshistoricaland architecturalsignificance,anumberofimportantfactorsmustbetakenintoaccount.
• Materials:Toretainauthenticityandhistoricalaccuracy,thematerialsusedin thefacade'sconstructionmustbeevaluatedanddeterminedwhetherthey havebeenkeptorchangedwithappropriatereplacements.
• StructuralIntegrity:Thestructuralstabilityofthepreservedfacade,must maintainitsload-bearingcapacityandresistdeteriorationordamageover time.
• Compatibility:It'simportanttoconsiderthecompatibilityofanymodifications oradditionsmadetothefacadewithitsoriginaldesignandaesthetic,ensuring thattheyenhanceratherthandetractfromitsarchitecturalintegrity.
• Craftsmanship:Itmustbeensuredthatthequalityofcraftsmanshipevidentin theconstructionandpreservationofthefacade,includingdetailing,joinery, andfinishingtechniquesaredonecorrectlyandaccordingtotheperiod.
1. Uniqueness: Thiscriterionevaluatesthedistinctivequalitiesofthepreserved facadethatsetitapartfromotherbuildingsinthearea.Itconsidersarchitectural features,historicalsignificance,orculturalelementsthatcontributetothefacade's uniquenessandenhanceitsvalueasaheritageasset.Assessinguniquenesshelps determinethefacade'scontributiontotheoveralldiversityandcharacterofthe builtenvironment.
Whenevaluatingtheuniquenessofapreservedfacadeinfacadismprojects,several keypointsmustbeconsidered.Thismayincludeuniquearchitecturalstyles, decorativeelements,orinnovativeconstructiontechniquesthatcontributetoits individuality,consideringanyrareoruncommonattributesthatmakeitparticularly noteworthy.Thedegreeofpreservationorrestorationrequiredtomaintainthe
facade'suniquenessshouldalsobeconsidered,balancingtheneedtoconserveits distinctivequalitieswithpracticalconsiderationsoffeasibilityandauthenticity.
• Distinctivearchitecturalfeatures:Recognizingelementsofthebuilding's designthatsetitapartfromothers,suchasuniqueornamentation, structuraldetails,orstylisticcharacteristics.
• Assessmentofhistoricalorculturalsignificance:Understandingthe historicalcontextandculturalrelevanceofthebuilding'suniquefeaturesis essentialfordeterminingtheirvalueinpreservingthesite'sheritage.
2. Social and Cultural Value: Thispointevaluatesthesignificanceofthefacadein termsofitsroleincommunityidentity,collectivememory,andculturalheritage.It considerstheemotionalandsymbolicvalueattachedtothefacadebythelocal communityanditscontributiontopreservingculturalheritage.
Whenevaluatingfacadismprojects,itisimportanttoconsiderthesocialandcultural valueofthepreservedbuildings.Thesestructuresoftenholdsignificantimportance beyondtheirarchitecturalfeatures,playingacrucialroleinshapingcommunity identityandculturalheritage.
“Socialvalueincludesmemoriesandemotionalassociations,theidentitiesof distinctivecharacters,andtheconnectionstoplacesandtheirpeople.Thesestrong valuesofpeopleandplacemeanheritageisinextricablylinkedtoeconomicvitality andliveabilitythroughtheattractionandretentionofcitizens,businesses,and tourists.Socialvaluecanalsorelatetosocialcohesionandinclusion,community
empowermentandcapacitybuilding,confidence,civicprideandtolerance, opportunitiesforlearning,andskillsdevelopment.“(HeritageBC,2024)
• Socialcohesionandinclusion:Explorehowthebuildingcontributestothe collectiveidentityandsenseofbelongingwithinthelocalcommunity, includingitssignificanceinculturalnarrativesandsharedmemories.
• Memoriesandemotionalassociations:Examinehowthefacadeevokes personalandcollectivememories,formingasenseofattachmentand identityamongcommunities,reflectingtheirvalues,traditions,andcultural heritage.Evidenceofhowitevokesarangeofemotions,fromnostalgiato aweandinspiration.
• Connectionstopeopleandplaces:Assessthebuilding'simportancein preservingculturalheritage,traditions,andcustoms,anditsroleasa tangiblelinktothepastforpresentandfuturegenerations.
• Promotionofculturaldiversityandinclusivity:Examinehowthebuilding reflectsorcelebratesculturaldiversity,promotesinclusivity,andfosters interculturaldialogueandunderstandingwithinsociety.
• Engagementwithintangibleculturalheritage:Recognizethebuilding's connectiontointangibleculturalpractices,suchasrituals,festivals, performances,andstorytelling,anditsroleinsafeguardingand transmittingthesetraditions.
• Accessibilityandparticipation:Consideringtheextenttowhichthebuilding facilitatespublicaccess,engagement,andparticipationinculturalactivities,
events,andprograms.Evaluatetheaccessibilityoftheheritagesitetothe publicandthelevelofcommunityparticipationinitsconservationanduse.
3. Economic Feasibility: Thiscriterionexaminesthefinancialviabilityofthe facadismproject,includingacost-benefitanalysisandassessmentofthereturnon investment.Itconsidersfactorssuchaspreservationcosts,potentialrevenue generation,andthelong-termeconomicsustainabilityoftheproject.
Thisinvolvesconductingarigorouscost-benefitanalysistoweightheinitial investmentrequiredforpreservationagainstthepotentiallong-termbenefits. Additionally,assessingthereturnoninvestmentandfinancialsustainabilityof facadismprojectstoensuretheirviabilityovertime.
• Cost-benefitanalysis:Analyzeacost-benefitanalysistoassessthefinancial viabilityoffacadismprojects.Considertheinitialinvestmentrequiredfor preservation,ongoingmaintenancecosts,andpotentialrevenuegeneration fromadaptivereuseortourism.
• Returnoninvestment:Evaluatethepotentialreturnoninvestmentfor facadismprojects,takingintoaccountfactorssuchaspropertyvalue appreciation,revenuefromcommercialactivities,andeconomicbenefitstothe localcommunity.
• Economicimpact:Assessthebroadereconomicimpactoffacadismprojectson thesurroundingarea,includingjobcreation,increasedtourismrevenue,and contributionstolocalbusinessesandindustries.
4. Environmental Sustainability:Thiscriterionassessestheenvironmentalimpact ofthefacadismproject,focusingonenergyefficiency,resourceconservation,and effortstoreducethecarbonfootprint.Itconsidersstrategiestominimize environmentalharmandpromotesustainablepractices.
Today,morethanever,sustainabilitymustbeagivenwhenconsideringany architecturalandurbandevelopmentproject,includingfacadisminitiatives.With growingconcernsaboutclimatechange,resourceshortages,andenvironmental degradation,thereisanurgentneedtoprioritizesustainabilityprinciplesinall aspectsofthebuiltenvironment.Facadism,withitspotentialtopreserveexisting structuresandreducetheenvironmentalfootprintofnewconstruction,presentsa uniqueopportunitytoadvancesustainablepracticesinthefieldofarchitectural conservation.SingaporeGreenBuildingCouncil.(2015).
• EmbodiedCarbonReduction:Assessthepotentialforreducingembodied carbonemissionsthroughfacadismprojectsbypreservingexistingbuilding materialsandminimizingtheneedfordemolition,thereforefornew constructionmaterials.
• EnergyEfficiency:Evaluatetheenergyperformanceoffacadismprojectsby consideringfactorssuchasinsulation,glazing,andHVACsystemstoreduce energyconsumptionandminimizeenvironmentalimpact.Infacadismprojects whereHVACorlightingsystemswerenotoriginallypresentwithinthe preservedfacade,addressingthesechallengesbecomescrucialwhen integratingthepreservedfacadeintonewdevelopments.Theadaptationof
thesesystemsmustbecarefullyplannedtoensureoptimalfunctionalityand efficiencywhilepreservingthearchitecturalintegrityofthefacade.
• ResourceConservation:Examinetheconservationofnaturalresources throughfacadism,includingthereuseofexistingmaterialsandthereductionof constructionwastegeneration.
• SustainableMaterials:Considertheuseofenvironmentallyfriendlymaterials andconstructionpracticesinfacadismprojectstominimizeenvironmental harmandpromotesustainabledevelopment.Thisincludesnotonlytheinitial constructionofthepreservedfacadebutalsotherestorationandongoing maintenanceeffortstoensureitslongevityandenvironmentalsustainability.
5. Community Engagement: Thiscriteriaevaluatesthelevelofstakeholder involvementandpublicconsultationinthefacadismproject.Itconsiderswhether communitymembershavebeenengagedinthedecision-makingprocessand whethertheirconcernsandperspectiveshavebeentakenintoaccount.
Activeparticipationofthecommunityinheritagehelpsthecontinuityandsustenance ofheritageresources.Communityengagementisatoolforeducation,empowerment, visioning,andconsensus-buildingthathasbeenemphasizedjudgingfromthe significanceofage,gender,education,andreligionofthelocalcommunities.Oladeji,S. O.,Grace,O.,&AyobamiAyodeji,A.(2022,October)
• Publicinvolvementandconsultation:Reviewtheengagementwithlocal communities,residents,businesses,andotherstakeholdersthroughoutthe facadismprojecttogatherinput,andaddressconcerns.Conductpublic
consultationsandcommunitymeetingstosolicitfeedback,ideas,and suggestionsfromthebroadercommunity
• Educationandawareness:Evaluatehowitraisesawarenessaboutthe significanceoffacadismprojectsandtheirimpactonlocalheritage,culture, andidentity.
6. Urban Context and Setting: Thiscriterionexamineshowwellthepreserved facadeintegrateswiththesurroundingurbanenvironment.Itconsidersfactors suchasarchitecturalcoherence,streetcompatibility,andtheoverallaesthetic impactonthesurroundingarea.
• ContextualHarmony:Assesshowwellthepreservedfacadeintegrateswiththe surroundingurbanenvironmentintermsofarchitecturalstyle,scale,and character,maintainingharmonywithneighboringbuildingsandstreets.
• StreetContinuity:Evaluatetheimpactofthepreservedfacadeonthecontinuity andcoherenceoftheurbanstreets,consideringfactorssuchasbuildingsetbacks, facadealignments,andpedestrianpathways.
• VisualImpact:Considerthevisualimpactofthepreservedfacadeontheurban skylineandviews,makingsurethatitenhancestheoverallaestheticandidentity oftheneighborhood.
• HistoricalContext:Examinethehistoricalsignificanceofthepreservedfacade withinthebroadercontextofthecity'surbandevelopment,recognizingitsrolein shapingthecity'sidentityandheritage.
• PublicSpaceInteraction:Assesshowthepreservedfacadeinteractswithpublic spaces,suchasparks,plazas,andsidewalks,contributingtothelivabilityand vibrancyoftheurbanenvironment.
7. Interior Conservation and Integration: Thiscriteriaassessesthefeasibilityand alignmentofinteriorconservationeffortswiththepreservedfacade.Itconsiders whetherinteriorspaceshavebeeneffectivelyintegratedwiththefacadewhile maintaininghistoricalauthenticityandfunctionalusability.
• RetentionofInterior:Evaluatetheextenttowhichoriginalinteriorfeatures, suchasdecorativeelements,structuralelements,andspatialconfigurations, havebeenpreservedorrestoredtoconnecttothefacade
• DesignIntegration:Assessthefunctionaladaptationofthepreservedinterior spacestoaccommodatemodernusesandactivitieswhilerespectingthe building'shistoricalsignificanceandarchitecturalintegrity.Considerhowwell thepreservedinteriorspacesintegratewiththeoveralldesignandcharacterof thepreservedfacade,ensuringaconsistentandintegratedtransitionbetween interiorandexteriorenvironments.
8. Long-Term Maintenance: Thiscriterionfocusesonstrategiesforongoing conservationandrepairtoensurethecontinuedpreservationofthefacade.It considersplansformaintenance,monitoring,andrestorationtoaddress deteriorationandensurethelongevityofthepreservedfacadeovertime.
• PreservationStrategy:Establishacomprehensivestrategyforthelong-term maintenanceandpreservationofthefacade,includingregularinspections,repair
schedules,andconservationmeasurestopreventdeteriorationandensure structuralstability.
• ConservationGuidelines:Developclearguidelinesandprotocolsforthe maintenanceandupkeepofthepreservedfacade,outliningbestpracticesfor cleaning,repair,andrestorationtomaintainitsoriginalappearanceandintegrity.
• MonitoringandEvaluation:Implementamonitoringandevaluationsystemto tracktheconditionofthefacadeovertime,assesstheeffectivenessofmaintenance measures,andidentifyareasforimprovementorinterventionasneeded.
Thefollowingstepsintheevaluationprocessaretocreateascoringsystemto measurethecasestudies'performanceandgiveweightstoeachevaluation criterion.,determiningforeachoneofthemaproportionalvalue Thissystem enablesathoroughassessmentandcanbeexpressedasanumericalscale.
Inthisevaluation,eachcriteriaor“value”willbeassignedascoreonascaleof1to 5,with1indicatingthelowestperformanceand5representingthehighest.This scoringsystemwillprovideastructuredapproachtoassessthecasestudies' performanceagainstthespecifiedcriteria.
Value
Indicator
1. ArchitecturalIntegrity Originaldesign,materials,andstructuralintegrity
2. Uniqueness Distinctivequalities
3. SocialandCulturalValue Roleincommunityidentity,collectivememory,andCultural Heritage
4. EconomicFeasibility Cost-benefitanalysis,returnoninvestment
5. EnvironmentalSustainability Energyefficiency,resourceconservation/embodiedcarbon
6. CommunityEngagement Stakeholderinvolvement,publicconsultation
7. UrbanContext/Setting Integrationwiththesurroundingenvironment
8. InteriorConservationand Integration Feasibilityandalignmentofinteriorconservationwithfacades
9. Long-TermMaintenance Strategiesforongoingconservationandrepair
Nowthattheevaluationframeworkandscoringsystemhavebeenestablished,itis timetoapplythemtothecasestudies.
Applying Evaluation Framework to Case Studies:
The National Gallery
Thisbuildingservesasagreatexampleofhowart,culture,andhistoryconverge amidstSingapore'sdynamicurbanenvironment. Setwithinthecarefullyrenovated structuresoftheformerSupremeCourtandCityHall,itstandsnotjustasahubof culturalactivitybutalsoasareveredarchitecturaliconwithdeephistoricalroots. Thiscasestudycanhelpshedlightonthecomplexdynamicsoffacadismwithinthe contextofSingapore,showcasinghowthepreservationofhistoricfacadesintersects withthedemandsofcontemporaryculturalinstitutionsandtheaspirationsofa rapidlydevelopingcity-state.
TheNationalGallerySingaporeoccupiesauniquepositionintherealmoffacadism,as itrepresentsaconvergenceofheritageconservation,artisticexpression,andpublic engagement.ByrepurposingtheiconicfacadesoftheformerSupremeCourtandCity Hall,theNationalGallerySingaporepayshomagetoSingapore'scolonialpastwhile reimaginingitsfutureasaglobalhubforSoutheastAsianartandculture.Ratherthan merelypreservingthesefacadesthegallerybecomesanadaptivereuseprojectwhere thearchitecturalfacadesdon’tonlyfunctionasrelicsofthepast,buttheyare reimaginedasintegralcomponentsofaculturalinstitution.NationalGallery.(2023).
Acarefulbalancebetweenrespectingthehistoricalarchitecturallegacyandaccepting thechangingrequirementsofthepresentisfundamentaltothisproject.Theapproach oftheNationalGalleryisbesthighlightedbythiscontrastbetweentheoldandthe new,traditionandinnovation.Thegalleryexhibitsadedicationtobothadaptation andpreservationbyfusingcontemporaryexhibitionspacesandamenitieswithinthe colonialbuildings
ThisrenovationoffersalookthroughSingapore'sdiversehistory,showingapartofits colonialpastandmodernaspirations.Thecolonialperiodleftapermanentmarkon Singapore'shistoryandarchitecturallandscape,characterizedbygrandneoclassical structuresthatreflectedBritishinfluencewhileadaptingtothetropicalclimate.These buildingsservedassymbolsofcolonialauthority,housingjudicialandadministrative activitiesshapingthesocialandpoliticalfabricofthecity.
Throughmeticulousrenovationandthoughtfuldesign,StudioMilouArchitecture transformedthesemonumentsintoavibrantculturalhubthatcelebratesitsrich heritagewhileembracingamodernidentity.TheGalleryharmoniouslyblendstheold andthenew,preservinghistoricalfeatureswhileintroducingcontemporaryelements thatenhancefunctionalityandaccessibility.StudioMilouArchitecture.(2018)
Onenotableaspectoftherenovationistheemphasisonpreservinghistoricalfeatures, suchasthetimberceiling,wallpanels,andfurniture,whichimbuethespacewitha senseofauthenticityandcharacter.TheUndergroundConcourse,amodernaddition beneaththehistoricbuildings,servesasaseamlesscirculationsystem,ensuringthat
thegroundfloorremainsopenandaccessibletothepublic,echoingitsoriginal purpose.StudioMilouArchitecture.(2018)
Furthermore,thededicationtocommunityinvolvementandculturalconservationis demonstratedbyengagingwithitscommunitybyofferingavenueforartisticand culturalexpression,encouragingasenseofprideinitsheritage.Toensurethat Singapore'sculturalandhistoricallegacyispreservedforfuturegenerations,the galleryplacesastrongemphasisoncommunityinvolvementandthepreservationof historicalelementswhileupdatingtheinfrastructure.
Inessence,theprimaryreasonforconservingthesefacadesliesintheirabilityto bridgethenarrativesofthepastwithtoday'svalues.Ratherthantreatingfacade preservationasanisolatedtask,theNationalGallery'stransformationembracedthe facadesasintegralcomponentsofitsnewidentityandpurposewithintheurban landscape.Thisconservationeffortwasnotmerelyaboutattractingtouristsor maintainingphysicalarchitecture;itwasaboutintroducingthesehistoricalbuildings totheirurbanenvironmentinameaningfulandpurposefulway.Throughthoughtful integrationandadaptivereuse,theNationalGallerySingaporedemonstrateshow facadescanhelpushonortheachievements,struggles,andtriumphsofprevious generationswhilegivingpresent-dayspacesasenseofcontinuityandidentity.
Evaluation: The National Gallery
4. Economic Feasibility Mixedpicture.Biginvestments,mighthavechallengesover
7. Urban
feeldisconnectedfromitssurroundingsbutservesasaspacethat preserveshistory.
8. Interior Conservation andIntegration Atrickybalanceoftheoldandthenew.Conservationofkeydetails suchasfurniture,ceilings,quarterings,etc.
9.
1. Architectural Integrity:Theoriginalstructuralcomponents,materials,and designoftheSupremeCourtandCityHallbuildingshavebeenpreserved.The neoclassicalarchitecturalstyle,finecraftsmanship,andhistoricstructureofthese buildingscapturethescaleandcoloniallegacyofSingapore'spastandare bothretained.
2. Uniqueness: TheuniquenessoftheNationalGallerySingaporeliesinitshistorical significanceandarchitecturaldistinction.Botharetheonlybuildingsthatserved theseimportantfunctionshistorically;botharedesignatedasNational Monumentsandholdimmensehistoricalandculturalimportance.withnotable eventssuchasAdmiralLordLouisMountbatten'sacceptanceoftheJapanese surrenderin1945occurringwithintheirwalls.NationalGallery.(2023).
3. Social and Cultural Value:Itisnowaplacethatshowcasesanefforttopreserve andexhibitartworksthatreflectitshistory,identity,andculturaldiversity.The NationalGalleryisaneducationalresourcewithlearningopportunitiesthatoffer peopleaplacetointeractwithart,encouragingcreativity,andcultural understanding.Byprovidingpublicspacesandaffordableadmission,theNational Gallerypromotesaccessibilityandinclusivity,ensuringthatartisaccessibletoall membersofsociety.Italsoattractstouristsandculturalenthusiastsfromaround theworld.
4. Economic Feasibility: Feasibilitypresentsamixedpicture.TheSingapore governmentinvested$370millioninthemuseumcomplex,makingitasignificant effort.Ithashelpedtopromotecultureandheritagebygivingculturalexperiences forcommunities,andahugenumberofpeopledovisitthemuseum;yet,itmay provideachallengetodrawtouristsovertimeandguaranteefinancial sustainability.Keepingthespacealiveandinnovativetokeepvisitorscomingback isimportant Byaddressingthesefinancialconcernstheywillensurethelongtermviabilityofthegallery.
5. Environmental Sustainability:Itdemonstratesgoodsustainabilitypracticesby preservingexistingstructuresandminimizingembodiedcarbon.However, implementingindoorair-conditioningandespeciallymodificationstothecentral area,bymakingitanindoorspace,posesproblemsthatimpactitsenvironmental footprint.Balancingconservationgoalswithsustainablepracticesremains essentialtoeffectivelymitigatetheseenvironmentalimpacts.Ontheotherhand,it hasmadeapositiveefforttoincludephotovoltaiccellsinitsproject,inadditionto
havingspecificprogramsthatpromoteareductioninenergyconsumption,water consumption,wastegenerated,andoverallGHGemissionsNationalGallery Singapore.(2022).
6. Community Engagement: Thegalleryhostsvariousoutreachprograms, exhibitions,andevents,fosteringinteractionanddialoguewiththecommunity.An exampleis“ThroughtheArtRefreshpilotresearchstudy”,theNationalGallery SingaporeandtheSingaporeCancerSocietyhavedemonstratedtheirdedicationto improvingthewell-beingofcancersurvivorsbyutilizingart-basedtherapies. Furthermore,theCommuneevent,whichtakesplaceeveryyear,isanexcellent waytobuildconnectionswithneighborhoodorganizationsandshareinformation aboutthegallery'sfutureprogramming,furthersolidifyingitsreputationasatop partnerforculturalengagement.However,ensuringcontinuedengagementand addressingdiversecommunityneedsshouldn’tbeforgotten NationalGallery Singapore.(2023).
7. Urban Context/Setting: AlthoughitissetamongtheSingaporeskylinefilledwith itscharacteristicmodernskyscrapersandthereforewouldmakeanexcellent location,thecontrastwiththelargebuildingscancreateasenseofdisconnection. Still,itfunctionsasatestamentandreminderofSingapore'srichhistoryand architecturalheritage. Bypreservingandreusinghistoricbuildingswithinthe cityscape,thegallerymaintainsacruciallinktoSingapore'sheritage,contributing totheculturalidentityoftheurbanlandscape.
8. Interior Conservation and Integration: TheNationalGallerySingapore exemplifiesadelicatebalancebetweenpreservingtheoldandintegratingthenew
seamlessly.Greatattentiontodetailisevidentinthepreservationoforiginal finishes,suchasmeticulouslyreplicatingquarteringtileswithidenticalcolors afterremovingthosecontainingasbestosforsafety.Similarly,thepreservationof historicfurniture,benches,intricatewooddetailsinceilings,andlightingfixtures underscoresthecommitmenttomaintainingthebuilding'sintegrity.Despite encounteringsignificantchallengesduringrenovation,suchaspreservingthese details,thegallery'seffortshaveresultedinaspacethathonorsitsheritagewhile meetingcontemporaryneeds.However,somebelievethatmodern-designed spacesaretoomuchofacontrasttothehistoricinterior.StudioMilou Architecture.(2018)
9. Long-Term Maintenance: Thelong-termmaintenanceofTheNationalGallery Singaporeinvolvessignificanteffortsaimedatpreservingitsculturaland architecturalheritage.Annualreportsarecompiledtodocumentnotonlythe maintenanceactivitiesundertakenbutalsotooutlineplansforthebuilding.These reportsserveasvaluabletoolsforassessingthegallery'scondition,identifying areasofconcern,andimplementingnecessaryrepairsandupgradestoensureits longevity.Byprioritizingongoingmaintenanceandplanningforthefuture,the gallerycancontinuetofulfillitsroleasavitalculturalinstitutionforgenerations tocome.
Score 40/45: TheNationalGallerySingaporestandsasacommendableexampleof facadeprotection,preservingtheoriginalstructuralcomponents,materials,and designoftheSupremeCourtandCityHallbuildings.Theneoclassicalarchitectural styleandfinecraftsmanshiparemeticulouslyretained,capturingthescaleand
coloniallegacyofSingapore'spast.Bysafeguardingtheseiconicfacades,theNational GallerySingaporeensuresthatfuturegenerationscanappreciateandconnectwith thecity'sricharchitecturalheritage.Thiscommitmenttofacadeprotectionnotonly enhancesthegallery'saestheticappealbutalsoservesasatestamenttoSingapore's dedicationtopreservingitsculturalandhistoricalidentity.
The Old Hill Street Police Station
TheOldHillStreetPoliceStationisahistoricallysignificantsite.Builtin1934,it housedtheSingaporePoliceForce'sheadquartersuntilitwasdemolishedin1980. Thebuildingiswell-knownforitsdistinctivefacade,whichishighlightedbyits vibrantshutters.TheNeo-ClassicaldesignoftheOldHillStreetPoliceStationwas influencedbyArtDeco.Itsunique,symmetricalfacadeisadornedwithcolorful shuttersthatwereplacedduringaURA-ledrenovationeffortinthe1990s.These vividlycoloredshuttersgivethebuilding'sfacadeadistinctiveandnoticeablefeature. NationalHeritageBoard.(2024).
ThehistoricalsignificanceoftheOldHillStreetPoliceStationcanbelinkedtoits functionastheformerheadquartersoftheSingaporePoliceForce.Itcontained severallawenforcementofficesanddepartments,suchastheTrafficPoliceDivision andtheCriminalInvestigationDepartment(CID).Itsawmanysignificantlaw enforcementactivitiesandincidentsthroughouttheyears.Beyondservingasapolice station,thestructureisnowrecognizedasaSingaporeanculturallandmark.Its shuttershavemadeitapopularsubjectforphotographersandartists.Inaddition,the structureactsasareminderofSingapore'shistoryasacolonyanditspathto
independence.Today,ithousesvariousgovernmentagenciesandorganizations, includingtheMinistryofCommunicationsandInformationandtheMinistryof Culture,CommunityandYouth.Todayithasbecomeapopulartouristattractionanda venueforforphotographersandsocialmediaenthusiastsalike.Nasir,H.M.(2016) Evaluation: The Old Hill Street Police Station
integritymaybecompromisedbyadditionslikethe colorfulshuttersandadaptivereuseadaptationsfor
Itcreatesrentalrevenuebutpeoplewhofeelattractedtoits exteriormayfindtheinteriorspacestofeeldisconnected
Visibledifferencebetweentheexterior'seye-catchingdesignand theinternalareas'lackingattentiontodetailandconnectionto thearea,community,orits
1. Architectural Integrity: Whilethebuilding'soriginalNeo-Classicaldesignwith ArtDecoinfluencesshowcasesablendofarchitecturalstyles,theadditionofthe colorfulshuttersandglassroofinstalledinthecentralatriuminthe'90sraises questionsaboutitsauthenticity.Whilethesecontributetothebuilding'svisual appealandhavebecomeiconicintheirownright,somepuristsarguethatthey maydetractfromtheintegrityoftheoriginaldesign. Moreover,theadaptivereuse ofthebuildingformodernpurposes,whilecommendableinpreservingits
heritage,couldpotentiallycompromiseitsarchitecturalintegrity.Converting interiorspacestoaccommodatenewfunctionsrequiredalterationsthatdeviate fromthebuilding'soriginallayoutanddesignintent.Whilerenovationsare necessarytoensurethestructuralintegrityofhistoricbuildings,thereisariskof over-restoration,whereoriginalfeaturesarereplacedoralteredinawaythat diminishestheirhistoricalvalue.Nasir,H.M.(2016).
2. Uniqueness: TheOldHillStreetPoliceStation'suniquenessliesinitsshowcasing ofarareblendofNeo-ClassicalandArtDecostylesthatsetsitapartfromother buildingsinSingapore.Itsoriginaldesignwasabolddeparturefromthe architecturalnormsofthetime,featuringsymmetricalproportions,grand archways,andintricatedetailingcharacteristicofNeo-Classicalarchitecture. However,itistheadditionofcolorfulshuttersinthe1990sthattrulydistinguishes thebuildingandcapturestheattentionofvisitors.Inconclusion,theOldHillStreet PoliceStation'sarchitecturaluniquenessliesnotonlyinitsdistinctiveblendof stylesandcolorfulshuttersbutalsoinitsadaptivereuseandhistorical significance.
3. Social and Cultural Value: ThisbuildingshowsvalueasasymbolofSingapore's history,multiculturalism,andarchitecturalheritage.Theformerheadquartersof theSingaporePoliceForcemakesitatangiblelinktothepast,offeringinsights intolawenforcementandgovernanceduringdifferentperiodsofSingapore's development.Thebuilding'stransformationintoahubforgovernmentagencies, culturalevents,andexhibitionsdemonstratesitscontinuedrelevancein contemporarysociety
4. Economic Feasibility: Thebuilding'scommercialviabilityisincreasedbyits adaptivereuseforcontemporaryuses,whichmaximizesitsutilityandgenerates income.Itcreatesrentalrevenueandpromoteslocaleconomicactivitybyserving asahometogovernmentoffices,culturalinstitutions,andeventlocations.The building'sstatusasapopulartouristattractioncontributestoitseconomic feasibility.VisitorstotheOldHillStreetPoliceStationspendmoneyonnearby amenitiesanddiningoptions,guidedtours,entrancefees,andartifacts.However, whileitspopularitycomesfromitsvibrantfacade,sometouristsmayfindthe interiorspacestofeeldisconnectedormightfeelalackofcohesion,potentially impactingtheiroverallimpressionofthesite,thismaybeariskforthebuilding becomingaplacethattouristsonlyexperiencesuperficially,underscoringthe importanceofholisticplanning.
5. Environmental Sustainability: Theadaptivereuseofthebuildingformodern purposespromotessustainabilitybyrepurposingexistinginfrastructurerather thanconstructingnewbuildings,therebyreducingtheenvironmentalimpact associatedwithnewconstructionmaterialsandprocesses.Retrofittingthe buildingwithACsystemsmayincreaseitsenvironmentalimpactbyexacerbating energydemandsandcontributingtoclimatechange.
6. Community Engagement: CommunityengagementattheOldHillStreetPolice Stationisactivelyfacilitatedthroughvariousinitiativessuchascommunityevents, workshops,andculturalactivities,whichservetobringresidentstogetherand strengthensocialbonds.Additionally,localinputandfeedbackareregularly solicitedandincorporatedintotheplanningandmanagementofthebuilding,
ensuringthatitremainsresponsivetotheneedsandinterestsofthesurrounding neighborhood.
7. Urban Context/Setting: LocatedintheCentralBusinessDistrict(CBD),the buildingtriestokeepalookthatisappropriateforitsrenownedaddress.Its aestheticappealandfunctionalinteractionwiththesurroundingurban environment,however,couldseemdisconnected.Thebuilding'sdesignand functionmightnotbeinperfectharmonywiththearchitecturalandoperational dynamicsofthelargerCBD,evenwithitspreviouseffortstoimproveits appearance.Thiscouldleadtoanoticeabledisparityordisconnectwiththe surroundingurbanfabric.
8. Interior Conservation and Integration: Itpresentsastrikingexteriorfacade withvibrantcolorsandarchitecturalcharm,attractingattentionandadmiration fromvisitorsandpassersbyalike.However,uponenteringthebuilding,theremay beanoticeabledifferencebetweenthevisuallycaptivatingexteriorandthe perceivedsamelackofattentiontodetailintheinteriorspaces.Thisdisconnection betweentheexteriorandinterioraestheticscancreateasenseofdisappointment ordisconnectforvisitors,whomayexpectthesamelevelofexcitementand engagementuponsteppinginside.Addressingthisdisparitycouldenhancethe overallvisitorexperienceandcontributetoamorecohesiveandharmonious portrayaloftheOldHillStreetPoliceStation'sarchitecturalheritage.
9. Long-Term Maintenance: WhiletheoverallappearanceoftheOldHillStreet PoliceStationremainstakencareof,particularlyitsiconicfacade,thereareareas withinthebuilding,especiallythenon-privatespaces,thatappeartoreceiveless
attentionintermsofmaintenance.Whiletheexteriormaintainsitsvibrantlook, someinteriorsectionsmayexhibitsignsofwear,potentiallydetractingfromthe overallexperience.
Score 30/45: Whilethebuilding'soriginalNeo-ClassicaldesignwithArtDeco influencesshowcasesauniqueblendofarchitecturalstyles,theadditionofcolorful shuttersandaglassroofinthecentralatriumraisesquestionsaboutitsauthenticity. Whileaestheticallypleasing,itlacksatangibleconnectiontoitshistory,leavingits significanceandpurposeunclear.Thisraisesquestionsaboutthenarrativeand identityofthebuilding.Whatdoesitrepresent?Whatstoriesdoesitholdwithinits walls?Thedisconnectbetweenitsoutwardappearanceandhistoricalcontext underscorestheimportanceofconsideringbothaestheticappealandculturalheritage infacaderetentionprojects.Improvingtheconnectionbetweentheinteriorand exteriorspacesoftheOldHillStreetPoliceStation,aswellasfosteringstrongerties withthesurroundingcommunity,isessentialforenhancingtheoverallsuccessofthe project Additionally,strengtheningcommunityengagementinitiativescanhelpforge deeperconnectionsbetweentheOldHillStreetPoliceStationanditssurrounding neighborhood.Byinvolvingresidentsintheplanning,programming,andmanagement ofthebuilding,theprojectcanbecomeafocalpointforcommunitygatherings, culturalactivities,andsocialinteractions.Thissenseofownershipandbelonging fostersagreaterappreciationforthebuilding'shistoricalsignificanceandencourages ongoingsupportforitspreservation.
Conclusion
Inconclusion,theexplorationoffacadismthroughthisresearchhasrevealedits complexityandmultifacetednature.It'sevidentthattodayfacadeconservation involvesmuchmorethanjustpreservingtheoutwardappearanceofhistoric buildings.Rather,itrequiresaholisticapproachthatconsidersthebuilding's architecturalintegrity,historicalsignificance,socialandculturalvalue,economic feasibility,environmentalsustainability,communityengagement,andlong-term maintenance.
Intoday'srapidlydevelopingworld,whereurbanlandscapesareconstantlyevolving, theimportanceofthoughtfulandcomprehensivefacadeconservationcannotbe overstated.Simplypreservingthefacadeforaestheticpurposesisnotenough;we mustensurethatthesebuildingsserveameaningfulpurposeforfuturegenerations. Thisrequirescarefulconsiderationofhowthesehistoricstructurescanadapttomeet theneedsofmodernsocietywhileretainingtheirintrinsicvalueandidentity.
Ultimately,facadeconservationisaboutmorethanjustpreservingthepast;it'sabout creatingasustainablefuturethathonorsourarchitecturalheritage,fosters communityconnections,andenrichestheculturalnarrativeofourcities.Aswe continuetonavigatethecomplexitiesoffacadism,wemustapproachtheseprojects withadeepunderstandingoftheirbroaderimplicationsandacommitmentto preservingthestoriesandlegaciestheyrepresent.
Figures:
1. Widodo,J.,Hin,H.W.,Fu,Y.,Malone-Lee,L.C.,Tseng,S.,Ahn,C.,Braun,K.,&Kühne,M. (2021).AFrameworkforRejuvenatingLargeModernistStructures/Sites:Seminar Proceedings.CentreforSustainableAsianCities,SchoolofDesignandEnvironment, NationalUniversityofSingapore.
2. Beltran,V.(2024).Frameworkdiagram.Self-produced.
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