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Present: Bill Barry, Neal Boornasian, David Coe, Christina Contis, Leslie Donovan, David Fixler, Chris Hanlon, Susan Hollister, Kim Konrad, Ellen Lipsey(turned back when thwarted by construction at 52 Broad St.), Doug Manley, Henry Moss, Robert Olson, Albert Rex, Deborah Robinson, Susan Schur, Malcolm Smiley, Laurie Soave, Robert Thomas, Erin Tobin, Eric Ward 1. Rob Olson's Boylston Hall Rehabilitation at Harvard: Rob Olson presented a compelling example of a design solution with intellectual sources that are more complex than orthodox preservation approaches normally entail. After a description of the pre-Modern phases of this building's architecture, Rob took us through his searching analysis of the meaning of Ben Thompson's changes in 1959 for TAC. The structure began as robust Tuscan Revival structure in 1857 but Peabody and Stearns quickly altered it by adding a clumsy Mansard roof and suspending new floors from the roof trusses. The TAC rehabilitation was designed in attempt to bring the full resources of Modernism to bear on Harvard's program of classrooms, offices, and library and the powerful, wounded building. Thompson's team treated the granite facade as free, neutral planes by installing huge sheets of arch-topped glazing in the first floor and comparable treatments with spandrel glass where new steel-framed stories were inserted (out of whack with the building's regulating lines). The building's exterior was treated as a vitrine. TAC created a powerful, solid volume with openings of surprising scale (no window subdivision) and a heightened sense of transparency, turning the granite exterior into a frame through which the life of the building could be read. Inside, TAC used different types of glazing and continuities of circulation to develop a nonhierarchical system of space and circulation. Sometimes, the boxy volumes of classrooms thwarted this development. After the TAC rehab wore out, Rob and Harvard FAS Project Manager, Elizabeth Randall decided to take up where Thompson's team left off. The Cambridge Historical Commission decided that the 19th century versions of the building were irretrievably lost and that Rob's new work should continue in the vein established by TAC. The result is strikingly direct, with a strong interplay among monumental masonry, layered transparencies, flowing spaces, and an ambiguity built of furniture -like walls and space-shaping furniture with an interwoven system of lighting to help undermine hierarchy and clarify circulation. Rob's way of talking about architecture is unusually informed by his background in modern literature. Particularly resonant were such phrases as: (from James Agee) "the cruel radiance of what is." and (from Rob) "joy in the material fact of the building." Go look. 2. Section 106 Review Changes: Leslie Donovan explained that the criteria for involving the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation are not radically altered, however there is a new emphasis on public involvement at every phase of a Section 106 project review. The primary contact is now the State Historic Preservation Officer. [The vagaries of implementation of Section 106 reviews are a major concern of this committee, especially where projects, such as, the Northern Avenue Bridge are concerned.] 3. Save Fenway Park: The Red Sox's sale offer may have eroded enthusiasm for vast subsidies by state and city governments. Early in November, Boston City Council members sponsored a neighborhood meeting that created increased pressure on the Red Sox. On November 9, there was an $87.5 Million filing for state contributions to infrastructure improvements. This is aimed at keeping the market value of the team as high as possible. Meanwhile, Save Fenway Park needs financial support. 4. Awards Subcommittee: Eric Ward and Laurie Soave will present their thoughts about awards and endorsements by our committee at our December meeting. 5. DOCOMOMO New England: David Fixler announced that the next meeting will be Monday, December 11 at 5:30 in the Stella Room at the MIT Department of Architecture. This room is in vibrant Sensurround by Frank Stella and worth the visit on its own. David will give a brief slide presentation about Brasilia and the recent DOCOMOMO conference where he gave a paper on Aalto's Baker House. (New Location During Architects Building Rehab) 8:00 a.m., Thursday, December 14, 2000 Offices of Shepley Bulfinch Richardson & Abbott 40 Broad Street, Boston Seventh Floor -- Conference Rm. 6 Take the elevator directly to the Seventh Floor. Conference Room 6 is directly off the elevator lobby. Henry Moss, AIA, Matthew Bronski and Sara Wermiel, Co-Chairs |