The Ten Principles of Future-Proofing Historic Buildings
A Case Study of the Arctic Building
This presentation focuses on the Principles of Future-Proofing (derived from other industries where the term is used). Future-proofing is a process of anticipating the future and developing methods of minimizing the effects of shocks and stresses of future events. This is particularly valuable as a framework for consideration of interventions in historic structures as we strategize ways to keep buildings viable. The presentation will include a discussion of repairs that were completed in 1982 to decorative walrus heads on the Arctic Building in Seattle. They were deteriorated components that posed a potential danger to passersby, but they were character-defining features and needed to remain in order to utilize historic tax credits to rehabilitate the building. The presentation will take place on-site, so participants will see the project in person. The event concludes with a social hour in the hotel’s Polar Bar, the former club lobby.
Register online
$5 for AIA members, $40 for non-members
Continuing Education Credits: 1.5 CEHs
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will know how to utilize future-proofing principles as applied to historic buildings.
- Attendees will be able to assess which aspects of historic buildings are potentially hazardous to citizens, particularly applied ornamentation.
- Attendees will be able to identify alternative building materials acceptable for use with historic structures.
- Attendees will be able to design in accordance with regulations regarding the rehabilitation of historic buildings.
Presenter:
Brian Rich, AIA, LEED BD+C, CCCA, PMP, is principal of Richaven, PLLC, a full-service architectural consulting firm specializing in historic preservation projects, with an applied focus on the latest technical and sustainable strategies to projects of all types. Rich also works as a construction manager in both private and public realm. Rich serves as president of the board of trustees for the Northwest Chapter of Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI) and on the Washington State Heritage Barn Advisory Committee. In the past Rich has served as chair of the King County Landmarks Commission and as chair of the King County Landmarks Commission’s Design Review Committee as well as 4 Culture’s Historic Preservation Advisory Committee and is a member of several preservation related organizations.
Image Credit: Brian Rich
