Early Innovation In Foundations

Excavations and rehab work on 130-old Trinity Church, in Boston, MA, reveal architectural and engineering marvels.

1 minute read

August 27, 2003, 6:00 AM PDT

In Boston,"while other Back Bay and South End property owners battle rot that has sometimes dangerously weakened the pilings that hold their buildings up, Richardson's masterpiece shows nearly a scratch from 130 years perched on swampland....But Trinity's success is not merely the result of good fortune that ground water never drained away. Instead, Richardson -- an architect known for his intricate Romanesque facades and careful attention to detail -- designed his church with the distant future in mind, building in backup systems that would support the church long after his generation was gone....Knowing they have a solid foundation, church officials can focus on ongoing renovations, intended to beautify the visible parts of the magnificent building, which has been a national historical landmark for more than 30 years."

Thanks to Connie Chung

FULL STORY: A church on stilts

Tuesday, August 26, 2003 in The Boston Globe

Architecture Massachusetts

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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