Do we love our historic buildings enough to allow them to evolve into Net-Zero buildings?

Here is a question for all of those that love historic trailblazing amazing architectural creations. Do we love our historic buildings enough to allow them to evolve into Net-Zero buildings?

Chicago

This summer I had the opportunity to join NEED (an amazing organization helping teach our energy future) to give presentations at a Summer Camp for girls in STEM. My presentation focused on taking existing buildings on a college campus, in this case the Illinois Institute of Technology, to net-zero buildings. These young leaders are going to change the future with their passion, knowledge, drive, and focus on doing what is right.

Chicago Chicago Chicago

Many of these buildings are historic structures designed by architects that were changing the way design happens. Many of these buildings are significant in their form, shape, and function. Many of these buildings are not energy-efficient and cannot stay in their current form if they are to be converted to net-zero.

ChicagoChicago Chicago

As an architect I am honored that my clients pay builders to construct creations that come from my imagination, knowledge, skill, training, and their dreams. I have never designed a building that was “just for me.” I am not sure I will ever get that opportunity. There are world famous architects that do get that opportunity. Often these buildings that are studied in architectural schools across the world were not designed with comfort, efficiency, or even durability in mind.

ChicagoChicago Chicago

So as new generations use these spaces, as our values change, as we adapt to the realities we face today – should these buildings remain pure in form or adapt. Should you add solar panels to the roof of a historic iconic work of architecture? Should you add window film and insulation to increase energy performance to a glass icon of architectural magnificence? Should we change what was done in the past if we have new information, knowledge, and goals?

ChicagoChicagoChicago

As an architect I hope that some if not all of my designs are timeless. That would require adaptation as needs, goals, and values change. I am not sure I have an answer about the importance of changing these historic structures. I think their original creators may want them to be timeless as well.

Chicago

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Related Posts

Designed to create wonder

Designed to create wonder

To meet our most primary needs we create shelter. It can be very simple and uninspiring or it can be beautiful and ...
Bryce Resort Addition and Renovation project update

Bryce Resort Addition and Renovation project update

Construction has started on our most recent Bryce Resort Addition and Renovation project! This house was facing a ...
10 Tips for a successful Multi-Family design project

10 Tips for a successful Multi-Family design project

By Principle Architect and Multi-Family Director, Adrienne Stronge, and Principle Architect and Business Manager, ...
Elk Rock Meadow Craftsman Home Project Update

Elk Rock Meadow Craftsman Home Project Update

Construction has started on our most recent project in Elk Rock Meadow. We also designed the Elk Rock Farmhouse ...