History / Preservation
From Contrast to Continuity: A New Preservation Philosophy
With the emergence of new traditional design patterns among contemporary architects, the standards and rules that have defined historic preservation are becoming obsolete. Steven W. Semes calls on planners and designers to create a new ethic of harmonious intervention into historic settings.
National Trust for Historic Preservation Head to Retire
Richard Moe, longtime president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has announced his retirement. His tenure brought about a major change in the way the group interacts with the federal government to preserve the nation's historic sites.
The Washington Post
Really Quiet Neighbors
Architect Bill Bickford would like to turn Chicago's historic Three Arts Club into a columbarium, or building to house cremated remains. The former dormitory for women artists is revered by preservationists, but hasn't been in use since 2003.
Chicago Business
Olympics Lost, But Demolition of Gropius Building Goes Ahead
The Architect's Newspaper reports on the first demolition of a historic building on the Walter Gropius-designed Michael Reese hospital campus in Chicago, the proposed site of now-ditched plans for an Olympic Village.
The Architect's Newspaper
Gropius Buildings Slated for Demolition
The Friend Convalescent Hospital was the first of Walter Gropius' modernist buildings to be destroyed at Chicago's Michael Reese hospital. Bulldozing began on Wednesday with more still to go.
The Chicago Tribune
The Animated History of Midtown Manhattan
This animation from The New York Times examines the history of Midtown Manhattan -- from pristine island environment to bustling metropolis.
The New York Times
The Great Cities in History
A new book edited by John Julius Norwich with that title selects the 68 cities that have made the most impact on history. The Wall St. Journal has a review.
The Wall St. Journal
Beloved and Abandoned: A Platting Named Portland
For American planners, Portland, OR is held up as a shining example of urban planning, and credit is given to its compact grid. But is Portland's grid worthy of adulation? Perhaps not, say Fanis Grammenos and Douglas Pollard of Urban Pattern Associates.
From Memories to Master Plans
Maine mill town asks citizens to record their memories at downtown "Heart Spots" as part of the master planning process.
The Journal Tribune
Reclaiming Alleyways
Office workers in Seattle's Pioneer Square area are claiming their network of alleyways as social spaces.
Northwest Hub
Tear It Down, Says Speck
Planner and author Jeff Speck pays a visit to Lowell, Massachusetts, and tells an audience to tear down their civic center. "If you don't tear it down now, it will become protected in 10 years," says Speck. "Tear it down now."
The Lowell Sun
Modern Architecture Now Officially 'Old'
Passing the 50-year threshold means that buildings can be considered for historic preservation. Starting in 2010, that means the architecture of the 1960s is coming up for consideration. The Los Angeles Conservancy is gearing up with a new website.
The Los Angeles Times
Small Town History on a Cell Phone
A two-minute call on a cell phone is now a window into local history in Orange, New Jersey, where a new project has created an audio tour/history lesson out of more than 30 recordings of local residents.
The New Jersey Star-Ledger
Public Art Flourishing in Northwest
New public art projects are popping up across the Pacific Northwest. Some of Seattle’s traffic signal boxes are getting a makeover, as artists add decorative touches to them.
Northwest Hub
The History of San Francisco's Urban Form
Some call it a city of neighborhoods. This piece from the San Francisco Chronicle looks at the history of the urban form of San Francisco and why it looks the way it does today.
San Francisco Chronicle
Let's Teach Children Planning
Planners often encounter ineffective public participation because of the fact that citizens often are not taught planning skills in school, says Michael A. Rodriguez.
A Museum For A Highway?
The Lincoln Highway was the first road to reach from coast to coast. A Pennsylvania group is building a museum to celebrate this stretch of asphalt. Designs for the museum have just been released.
Architectural Record



















