Boulderspace

The focus of historic preservation and new design may seem to be at odds, but as Heritage Conservation Network (HCN), a Boulder-based non-profit, becomes involved in projects around the world, it becomes clear that these two approaches need to work together. HCN’s primary goal is to save endangered historic buildings by providing hands-on training to local residents and international volunteers, who learn the appropriate skills while actually completing much-needed work on the building at hand. But the underlying purpose of this work is to save each area’s heritage and build residents’ pride in their history and who they are. This sense of pride opens the door to sustainable income through heritage tourism; new jobs to restore and maintain existing buildings; and the very green practice of keeping valuable building materials in use and out of the landfill.

So how does design complement the work of preservationists and become an equal partner in saving architectural heritage? One of HCN’s project partners, Jane Britt Greenwood, herself an architect and professor of architecture, is totally immersed in this concept as she works to support recovery in earthquake-damage Armenia. Ms. Greenwood’s plan is to document features of historic buildings that represent the pattern language of Armenia’s past architecture. She says that the purpose of documentation is not to suggest that houses of the 21st century should look like those constructed in the 19th century. Rather, there needs to be an understanding of how architecture in Armenia evolved so that architectural memories of the past can be re-interpreted to create new memories for the future. Without these efforts, she feels cultural identity associated with Armenian lifestyle will be lost; succumbing to a generic modern style.

HCN is helping to restore historic buildings that will sit proudly beside newly designed structures that complement the past and make modern designs unique to Armenia. To learn more about this project and other HCN projects, or to join volunteers in Armenia in 2009; check out HCN Projects and Information.

Tags: Armenia, Heritage Conservation Network, Jane Britt Greenwood, Preservation