Both/And:
Building Modern in the Context of Historic Architecture
Summary of Panel Discussion May 15, 2003
Panelists: Ann Beha FAIA; Peter Bohlin FAIA; Karen Gordon; Ed Weinstein FAIA
Moderator: Stephen Day AIA
Location: The Dome Room, Arctic Building, Seattle

The "Both/And" panel discussion was a well-attended event that sparked a thought-provoking exchange of ideas on how new architecture can be thoughtfully juxtaposed with historic building fabric. The panel discussion coincided with the corresponding exhibit of work on display at AIA Seattle Gallery. A broad range of projects was included in the overview of work, each displaying a different aspect of modern architecture built in the context of historic buildings.

Images from all of the projects in the Both/And exhibit were displayed in the slide show accompanying the discussion. These images were divided into three categories:
(i) New Additions To/Around Historic Architecture;
(ii) New Buildings in Historic Districts; and
(iii) New Architecture Within Historic Buildings.
After reviewing the images from each category, the panelists focused on a few projects from each group. These projects that were highlighted were discussed not necessarily because they were considered superior but as projects that exemplified or illustrated certain important themes that are recurrent across the range of the exhibit work.

In the New Additions To/Around Historic Architecture category, Ann Beha discussed the "Gasometer B" mixed use residential project by Coop Himmelb(l)au, in Vienna. She remarked that while the form and the materials used in the tower addition to these 19th century masonry "drum" buildings was unabashedly modern, she believed that the new form and materials were nonetheless sympathetic to the historic fabric and in keeping with the modern urban fabric of this former industrial area in Vienna.

Panelist Ed Weinstein focused on two library addition projects that met similar challenges with quite different (yet valid) solutions. Both projects involve additions to early 20th century, classically-composed library buildings. One of the projects proposed an addition to the Douglass Truth Library, in Seattle, by Schact/Aslani Architects. The corresponding project was the Hyde Park Library expansion, in Boston, by Schwartz/Silver Architects. Ed Weinstein remarked that he believed that these two projects were both exemplary in sensitively introducing significant program spaces to these distinct historic buildings, while using clearly modern means in doing so. Whereas the Hyde Park additions were largely above-ground and relate abstractly to the fenestration and modulation of the original building, the Douglass Truth expansion was seen as successfully in its use of complementary (yet clearly modern) materials and forms, employed within a dynamic new addition that brings natural lighting into new program spaces that are set largely below grade.

Peter Bohlin examined the proposed additions to the Portland Art Museum, by Ann Beha Architects. This project involved that portion of the museum expansion located within and around the historic Masonic Temple building. Peter appreciated the use of modern, transparent materials set into and on top of the dense masonry structure. These materials were used, in both a literal and figurative sense, to communicate the increased openness of the new museum program, in contrast with the more secretive program of the former Masonic Lodge.

Karen Gordon focused on the Pacific Medical Center expansion in Seattle, by ZGF Architects. Karen remarked at how skillfully the architects had inserted a large addition to the most prominent fa�ade of the building, yet they were able to retain the building's most significant profile and the overall historical massing.

In the category of "New Architecture Within Historic Buildings", Peter Bohlin discussed the Suyama Peterson Deguchi renovations for that firm's own office and gallery space in Seattle. This project illustrated how historic buildings need not be landmark or "pedigreed" structures to present rich contexts for new architecture. Simple modern materials combined with an awareness of what to leave in place, what to restore and what to add to create a compelling new/old interface. Ann Beha emphasized the overall blend of skill, craft and art that emerged from the Suzzallo Library expansion and renovation, by Mahlum Architects with Cardwell/Thomas Architects. A high point for Ann was the collaborative effort of architects and engineers in the selective expression of modern engineering elements for seismic improvements.

The Apple Computer Store, located in SoHo, New York City, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, was discussed by Ed Weinstein and he remarked how it was akin to the large number of very high quality, clearly modern renovations of historic buildings that are found in European historic centers. Karen Gordon presented the REI Denver store, by Mithun, and commented on the successful blending of program and architecture in transforming the great halls of this steam power structure to expansive retail space, now listed on the National Register. An industrial esthetic was appropriately carried through to the modern insertions for this retail flagship store.

The review of New Architecture Within Historic Districts included Peter Bohlin's discussion of Ventana at the Market, by Weinstein A|U. This new mixed use building inserted near the Pike Place Market Historic District presents a clearly modern structure in terms of overall expression and detailing, yet is attuned to the meaning underlying the commercial and mixed use architecture that has developed in the Market area over the past century. Ed Weinstein described the architectural affinity between the new Admissions Building at Trinity College, by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, and the nearby historic chapel, an affinity that does not depend on mimicry but on an attention to structural clarity, compatible materials and subdued (but expressive) detailing. The building also manages to address and resolve two very different site conditions on different elevations of the building.

Finally, Ann Beha presented the Carre d'Art, in Nimes, France, designed by Foster and Partners. Ann described Carre d'Art as an iconic project in the recent history of modern insertions in the context of historic architecture. Set within the dense historic fabric of this ancient city, juxtaposed with a beautifully preserved Roman temple, the Foster building refers to the great strengths of its older neighbor through its generous public portico. It is sited to create a new public space between the two structure, at once acknowledging the importance of the historic structure and providing an urban place for large public gatherings. Ann Beha remarked that this project (dating from the 1980's and early 1990's) was a refreshing reminder to architects that they could successfully use modern means in building in the context of historic architecture. The discussion concluded with comments and questions from the audience, including references to the Secretary of the Interior standards and to the inherent challenges in building new additions that are both distinct from and compatible with historic architecture. (See also Stephen Day's brief article summarizing issues in building modern in the context of historic architecture, and compliance with the Secretary's standards, from Preservation Seattle.)

The Both/And exhibit remains on view at AIA Seattle Gallery through June 2003. In a related event, AIA Seattle presents a seminar, 'Mass vs. Glass' on July 17, in which Ann Beha will present her firm's Portland Art Museum expansion project.