Architectural conservation involves conserving buildings of historical or aesthetic value through legal standards and investing in long-lasting materials. It can be controversial, but is applied to both ancient and new structures. Techniques include conservation, rehabilitation and restoration, and building with an eye to the future. Laws and codes are set by individual towns or cities, with some implementing historic districts and others implementing less restrictive conservation districts.
Architectural conservation is the process of conserving buildings that have historical or aesthetic value. It may involve implementing legal standards that prohibit homeowners from modifying or demolishing important structures or investing in buildings and materials designed to last over the long term. The practice of architectural conservation can be applied to both ancient structures, such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, and relatively new buildings, such as the iconic 19th-century brownstone townhouses found throughout New York City. This practice can be quite controversial, with proponents citing the need to preserve the past and critics arguing that conservation practices are too restrictive and can hinder progress.
The architectural conservation process is based on three basic types of techniques. The first is conservation, where communities or municipalities enact laws that prevent owners from making changes to a structure without permission. This helps conserve the historical or aesthetic properties of the facade and preserve the structure for future generations. Many cities allow conservation property owners to make some internal changes, although external changes are limited.
Rehabilitation and restoration is another technique used in architectural conservation. This method focuses on helping homeowners make delicate repairs and perform routine maintenance that will help preserve the historic nature of the building. Rehabilitative conservation can also be applied to abandoned or severely damaged structures. A group of concerned citizens or a municipal agency can take responsibility for the renovation of an abandoned building to preserve its structure. They can restore the building and turn it into a museum, or keep the building and use it for a new function.
A third technique used in architectural conservation involves building with an eye to the future. Many builders focus on cheaper materials to help them keep costs down. Some districts or cities require that any new buildings or renovations within the area must maintain certain aesthetic standards. For example, an area of main street lined with brick buildings may require any new property in the immediate area to be brick built as well. This technique not only maintains the visual appeal of the street but also ensures that the building will last for a long time.
Architectural conservation laws and codes are set by individual towns or cities. Some areas with a rich history may implement historic districts, where changes cannot be made without committee or community approval. Others implement less restrictive conservation districts, where landlords can make minor changes, but any major renovation or demolition requires committee approval.
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