PL2 Can We Redefine Brutalism, Post-War Architecture & Urban Renewal?

SPECIAL THEME PLENARIES
Throughout this 50th Anniversary Conference we are weaving the stories of 50 years of preservation technology, lessons learned, points of departure, the “next fifty” and resilience – a topic we must all address with more diligence. The Local Conference Committee and the Programming Committee identified three topics that crossed all four program tracks. We are delighted to present these specially curated sessions with expert rapporteurs and inspiring thought leaders, where we encourage engagement and discussion, to kick-off three days of paper sessions.


Plenary 2
Why is Post-War Architecture that falls under the Brutalist lexicon one of the most challenging eras to preserve? Questions of authenticity, the use of materials such as concrete panels and concrete block, the construction of new building types like public housing that do not have inherent supporters, the often-misunderstood social policies of urban renewal and maintaining some of the most energy inefficient buildings ever built are some of the issues that impact its preservation. This session will take a provocative look at Brutalist buildings, preservation projects and research in Boston and Toronto, which demonstrate the pros and cons of saving and reusing these buildings in a meaningful way. Specific decades’ long studies of Boston’s City Hall, Toronto’s modern inner suburbs and post-war apartment buildings will be examined.

This course qualifies for HSW credit with AIA, ASLA and RCEP.

Session Chair(s)

• 

  Barbara Campagna, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C

  Principal
  Barbara A. Campagna/Architecture + Planning, PLLC

Speaker(s)

• 

  Michael McClelland

  Principal
  ERA Architects Inc.
• 

  Graeme Stewart

  Principal
  ERA Architects Inc.
• 

  Chris Grimley

  Principal
  OverUnder
• 

  Mark Pasnik

  Principal
  OverUnder

Learning Objectives:

• Examine the evolution of taste within public opinion and the fields of preservation and architecture.
• 2. Define the challenges and opportunities in preserving post-war apartment buildings through rehabilitating deteriorating building material quality and thus increasing personal safety by meeting current building codes.
• Identify how to positively transform post-war materials, buildings and their surrounding neighborhoods into more sustainable, resilient and healthy places, fully integrated into their growing cites.
• Demonstrate the connection between mitigating the deterioration of concrete and restoring historic Brutalist building envelopes while meeting energy efficiency codes.

Presentations:

• Concrete Toronto
• Heroism & Hubris