3. Introduction
Building conversion is defined as a major change of a building with alterations of both the building itself and the function it accommodates. Such conversion is not a new phenomenon, building conversions have taken place at any place and at all times, internationally and on different scales, contributing to today’s historical cities and buildings. (Wilkinson et al 2014)
There are multiples opportunities and risk when dealing with office to residential conversions, especially when historical buildings are involved. Buildings that are facing demolition for several reasons such as vacancy, neglection, out date or for the simple reason that they have reach their end of their life cycle. These buildings’ potential for a functional
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Theme
Historically, when an office building no longer servers its purpose demolition and rebuilt seems to be the straight forward answers when it comes to reuse of land. (Bullen 2007). Nevertheless there is the alternative of reuse and adapt an existing building introducing new functions in order to give the building a new life and purpose.
Adaptation explores the options that lie between the extremes of demolition or turning a site into a museum. Adding a new layer without erasing earlier layers, an adaptive reuse project becomes part of the long history of the site. It is another outcome. (Clark 2013)
The understanding of the existing buildings is a fundamental step in order to solve design issues that are common in conversion projects. The existing configuration of the buildings structure defines most of the design decisions and shape the successfulness of the projects.
For this research project I will study the design barriers that are commonly present in an office to residential conversion and I will analyses and understand case studies related to the theme in order to comprehend the design solutions for each case. Also I will study projects where key design elements have had major impact in the overall success of the
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5. Problem Statement
As Modern architecture and accelerated development increases old historic buildings experience threats that range from material to functional obsolescence or demolition due to abandonment and lack of appreciation. It’s important to look at these aspects as potential drivers to convert existing buildings and introduce new functions to an urban environment.
Adaptive reuse is a strategy that has been used increasingly for protecting the old buildings and sites; and while in most of the projects where adaptive reuse practice is being applied there are specific design issues for each one of them, the correct analysis and response to these issues are fundamental to determine the success of the project and how the introduction of new functions can impact the users and the community.
6. Objectives
• Understand the design barriers and opportunities that are implicit in office to residential conversions and their impact in the overall design and successfulness of the
The preservation of modern architecture itself challenges some of the fundamental concepts of preservation of historic buildings. As the time scale of buildings shrink, these challenges need to be addressed taking into consideration the burgeoning new modes and materials of construction.
However, the success of the building schemes relied on the construction methods and innovations that are now attributed as bei...
James F. O'Gorman, Dennis E. McGrath. ABC of Architecture. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1998. Document. October 2013.
Abstract: New forms in current world have been testimony to the contemporary style of postmodern architecture and are the strength of today’s generation for creating significant architectural standards. Post modernism has blurred the borders between contemporary and traditional construction classical concepts and simply in the field of art and literature. The architectural elements like domes, arches, and classical shapes have lost their identity but the post modernism tries to bridge between these historical forms and contemporary styles. The related architects not only struggled to achieve the image for the buildings but also rejected oversimplified diagrams for living. The post modernism here tries to achieve theoretical base for their designs that creates the excitement in the design program.
The number of building codes and regulations is also likely to increase as new, safer methods are discovered. Building technologies will eventually change to allow greater inhabitance of smaller areas. There is already a lack of available space to continue building new infrastructure in Miami; therefore, it is important that existing structures be properly maintained. The lack of space may also cause the cost of permits to go in order to decrease the motivation of potential builders who don’t have adequate funding to successfully complete their project. We believe that the plan reviewing and inspection services will expand due to the growing need for renovation permits.
In conclusion, the debate between aesthetics and functionalism has been around for a long time. It becomes clear however, through research, that the first thing architects consider is function, and then aesthetics. It is because of this approach that aesthetics becomes somewhat of a by-product of the whole design process. By looking at examples of various buildings, it is apparent that aesthetics is important to structure and in many instances has been successfully coupled with function. But in no circumstance should aesthetics take precedence over the function and practicality of a building. It seems more likely that a happy medium between function and aesthetics can be reached, on a project by project basis, and then applied to the design process of creating the building.
This explains why for ‘many directors, commercial and industrial architecture are just a necessary shell for their business processes’ (Susanne-Knittel Ammerschuber (2006) pg10). They consider dimensions for example surfaces, floor levels and converted space to be the stand out feature of this corporate architecture. Through doing this, the architectural ethos is overlooked during design. The architectural potential is therefore limited as it tends to overlook the surrounding context; the urban environment, local identity as well as the surrounding landscape design. Instead it...
In order to create innovative public architecture, considered to be the most civic, costly, time intensive and physical of the arts, the project holds a degree of risk, strife, and negotiation . Overcoming these tasks and creating worthy public architecture is a challenge designers try to accomplish, but are rarely successful. The people involved in a potential public building, can be larger than the building itself. Public architecture tries to please all, even the doubters and critics, but because of the all these factors, a building is closer to failing than succeeding.
In developing this contemporary and iconic building, the design focuses on practical attributes and optimises energy efficiency. The design strategy encapsulates four key aspects:
Sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment, the health and comfort of building occupants, thereby improving building performance. The basic objects of sustainability are to reduce consumption of non-renewable resources, minimal waste, and create healthy, productive environments (“Sustainable Design”). Focusing primarily on the sustainable design principles, there are five, including: low-impact materials, energy efficiency, quality and durability, design for reuse and recycling, and renewability. As sustainability appears to become the necessary trend in architecture, the question concerning the cost versus outcome of “going green” really an investment or a waste of time and money comes to mind. With our research provided below, we believe the expenses may truly be with the investment in the end.
Jencks believes “the glass-and-steel box has become the single most used form in Modern Architecture and it signifies throughout the world ‘office building’” (27). Thus, modern architecture is univalent in terms of form, in other words it is designed around one out of a few basic values using a limited number of materials and right angles. In...
Constantly judged and evolving, the practice of architecture is forever plagued by the future. The future of people, of culture, technology and its resulting implications on the built environment that more often than not, outlives their creators. Much of the conversation surrounding this future architecture currently hinges itself on the creation of new experiences, forms and spatial relationships brought about by technological innovation.
"Green Building: Advantages & Disadvantages." Green Building: Advantages & Disadvantages. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013. .
The beginnings of today's green revolution can be traced back to the environmental awareness of the 1960s and European design. New construction techniques have lead to the development of innovative materials and design concepts. Green buildings are designed, constructed and commissioned to ensure they are healthy for their occupants. Successfully designed green projects can involve an extensive array of factors, ranging from the resourceful use of materials, to careful consideration of function, climate, and location.
skyscraper architecture "http://www.coshe.com/search/" The architectural design of the 20th century skyscrapers has been redefined due to the advancement of our modern technology. Benny Louie Humanity 450 Dr. Maureen Schmid 17 May 1999 The architectural design of the 20th century skyscrapers has been redefined due to the advancement of our modern technology. In our modern society, the architectural design of skyscrapers is changing the downtown landscape of metropolitan areas. Due to the change of technologies, it has changed the architectural design of skyscraper dramatically in terms of the its function, design structures, heating and cooling systems and it social status in society. The basic function of the architecture is to provide a roof over peoples’ head. The main purpose of architecture is to act as a shelter for people to protect themselves against Mother Nature. As civilization development advances, we increased our knowledge and became more creative. People start to design buildings for means of displaying wealth and social status. The skyscraper fits the criteria to show the social status of such building with great height and elegance to the society. According to O’Gorman, “architecture is a form language, of communication.” (P.89) This communication is represented in the forms of texture, shape and style that reflects certain period of time. In the early period, architectures were associated with style and culture. “The Greeks built marble temples with Doric, Ionic or Corinthian columns. Egyptian architecture used heavy lotus columns, massive battered walls and pyramidal forms. The Gothic style used point arch, vast areas of stained glasses, pointed rib-vault construction.” (P. 92) Each had its unique characteristic feature to express its message. In the 20th century architectural design, architecture is no longer viewed as simple shelter to provide a roof over peoples’ head. Architectures are designed with a more environmental conscious issue like cost, energy conservation and practicality of the structure. The interior environment is designed according to the space function of the structures. For example, “a dance hall, needs a large open-space with sufficient room for the band and a bar and maybe for tables and chairs around the edge so that people can sit and chat.” (Conway & Rowan) This concept always applies to real life s...