Architectural character in conservation design projects

¹ Department of Architecture and Environmental Design, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, USA
² SENSEcity, Glasgow, Scotland

^* Corresponding author: selwaza@bgsu.edu

Abstract

Embracing “character” as a form of spatial ambiance, this study has examined architectural character and the character’s relationship with the cultural values, building configurations, and building integrity. Considered sequentially, cultural values, building configurations, and building integrity are the three conservation cognitive agents that need to be satisfied before and during the intervention process in the first place, and in a post-intervention sense if to keep the heritage quality of the preserved property intact. Therefore, the study deciphered the character interface with each of the three agents and reflected on these interfaces in completed conservation projects. The study culminated with that the building character plays the central role in moderating the workings of the three agents towards successful conservation projects. The study further pointed out to the challenges that conservation professionals and historic architects face in accommodating character, and by extension, cultural values, building configurations, and building integrity in conservation projects. There is a need for defining and “operationalizing” character—and each of the three agents—to move the conservation process forward.