Restoration Architecture and Design

Architectural Restoration and Design

It is an Architecture design theory which deals with the process of reviving the material, historical design integrity of the heritage structure.

Restoration of the structure will help in prolonging the life of the structure and also make it functionally usable for the future. This can only be done through planned interventions.

The aim of Restoration Architects is to revive the age old Architecture and make it functional to be used in the future.

The external facade of the historic structure is the functional value of the structure which is very important to be restored to maintain the aesthetical integrity of the structure.

What is the first thing to be done when working on “restoration of a structure”?

Assessment of the building is to be done in terms of its historical significance as well the structural technology used in those days.

Why is “Building Assessment” important?

Every heritage building has its own historical importance, its own character. Studying the character of the building makes the designer get involved into designing. It helps strengthening the imagination of the designer to achieve the results.

The knowledge of the life of the building is essential with architectural point of view. If the life of the building is studied carefully, you would get a complete idea of its features and problems of the building.

After carefully studying the life of the building, the architect becomes very well aware of all the existing problems with the structure as well as the problems that could occur while carrying out restoration procedure.

The decision of carrying out restoration of the building is a very sensitive one. All aspects of construction have to be taken into consideration along with the artistic and contextual aspects.

Sometimes, in cases of structures which are very ancient and the deterioration has reached a premium level, it is preferred to leave the structure without intervening with its original structural system since the structure might not be able to withstand the restoration treatment and might lose its visual significance.

Is Restoration Architecture different from that of mainstream Architecture?

Restoration Architecture is different from the mainstream Architecture only in terms of dealing with the design process.

Restoration is reviving the old structure whereas Building Architecture is all about creating new structures. The methodologies of both are different from one another and hence cannot be compared. Comparing one of them and calling one prestigious would not be right on an Architect’s part.

However, it should be understood that restoration architecture is a small part of the mainstream architecture. Sometimes it is treated as a specialized field. It all depends on an Architect’s interests. One who is fond of restoration, conservation theories that teach you how you can conserve and preserve age old architecture and would like to pursue a career in it, preferably go for restoration Architecture.

This was a brief introduction to “Restoration Architecture” by Restoration services in Delray Beach.

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