November 8, 2009
Contrast vs continuity for new development in historic communities
Steven Semes’ recent From Contrast to Continuity: A New Preservation Philosophy, a take on the divide over appropriate development for historic areas, seems to be resonating along the local email networks this weekend:
Thoughtful preservationists and citizen activists are increasingly frustrated with the stylistic biases of authorities who seem blind to the visual consequences of their judgments. Over the last few decades, increasing numbers of architects have renewed traditional architectural practice, creating fresh new essays in historic styles — neither copies of preexisting buildings nor banal “background buildings,” but worthy new neighbors — and these need to be accepted by the authorities as models of appropriate interventions in historic settings.
5 Responses to “Contrast vs continuity for new development in historic communities”
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maybe the picture should show the apartment complex across the street! or how about all the other randomly placed bungalos in the area. BHC has done in the great things for the community.
I chose that photo as a positive example of development in the area. I considered a photo of the new houses right at that corner there and of the new BHC double on Pink Street.
[...] we are on the topic of “historic” John M. at CHPN had a post yesterday that linked to an article by Steven Semes’ From Contrast to Continuity: A New [...]
Thanks for posting this, John. This is a national debate as well as a local one. Semes has got it right, and others are taking up the charge.
Please sign the online petition, Save Richmond’s City Old and Historic Districts:
http://www.petitiononline.com/saveohds/petition.html
Thank you Laura! I don’t understand why everything needs to resemble the West End. These homes are still standing for a reason….excellent construction. And they are absolutely beautiful.