Historic Preservation Copyright (c) 2013 Roger Williams University All rights reserved. http://docs.rwu.edu/hp_theses Recent documents in Historic Preservation en-us Sat, 16 Feb 2013 01:38:00 PST 3600 What Were School Officials Thinking: The Abandonment of Historic Schools in Rhode Island http://docs.rwu.edu/hp_theses/4 http://docs.rwu.edu/hp_theses/4 Thu, 14 Feb 2013 07:02:49 PST This thesis, What were School Officials Thinking: The Abandonment of Historic Schools in Rhode Island, addresses the problem that historic schools are being abandoned in favor of new construction because based on the literature there is the perceived relationship between school facilities design and pedagogical outcomes, there are state and local policies that discourage the use of older or historic schools, and there is uninformed decision making. The purpose of this research was to determine the issues and policies that are most given as to why historic schools are abandoned in Rhode Island through a survey research methodology. This was done so that in the future school officials who want to remain in their historic schools will have the opportunity and resources to fully understand how to make this possible or what measures can be put in place, by law if necessary, to keep their schools, and other historic schools, in continued use.

]]> Carolyn Jane Reid Interpreting the Standards: Design Professionals & Historicized Design http://docs.rwu.edu/hp_theses/3 http://docs.rwu.edu/hp_theses/3 Thu, 07 Jun 2012 07:57:54 PDT Research Question: This thesis intends to discover how and why architects make design decisions for projects in historic districts. Subquestions are based on the methods of architects; differing opinions between preservation and architectural professionals; and the inconsistent interpretation of standards and guidelines.

Results: The researcher was able to analyze each informant and position them on a self-defined design spectrum. A visual representation of this spectrum can be found in Appendix D.

Practical Implications: The results of this study show a conflict that prevents Standard 9 from both allowing the progression of contemporary architectural theory in historic areas, and requiring a distinction between contemporary and historic architectural fabric, which essentially alters the Standardʼs intended purpose. The two solutions given to communities are:

1. Acceptance of the Secretary of the Interiorʼs Standards as the Sole Guideline

2. Creation of Supplementary Guidelines based on the analysis of the data, the researcher recommends that the most “appropriate” approach to new additions and infill construction in historic districts is one that unites both a contemporary architecture of its time and takes cues from surrounding historic fabric and context.

]]> Alexandra D. Skerry A Return to Manning the Post: the Adaptive Reuse of Publically Owned Fire Control Stations from the Second World War http://docs.rwu.edu/hp_theses/2 http://docs.rwu.edu/hp_theses/2 Thu, 31 May 2012 07:09:36 PDT This project examines the adaptive reuse potential of World War II-era fire control stations situated on public lands. The goal was to show the economic feasibility of reusing these derelict structures while simultaneously raising awareness of the scarce resources from our nation’s recent past. This has been done by conducting existing conditions assessments, forming scopes of work, attaining cost estimates, and creating cost analyses on three individual stations within two case studies in the northeastern United States. The cost analyses were based on Donovan Rypkema’s pro forma spreadsheet templates from the Feasibility Assessment Manual for Reusing Historic Buildings. Through this process, these abandoned stations showed potential to become a valuable income-generating asset for the public agency in ownership of these structures while saving a valuable piece of our World War II home front heritage.

]]> Donald J. Sevigny Preservation Without Restoration: The Case for Ruins http://docs.rwu.edu/hp_theses/1 http://docs.rwu.edu/hp_theses/1 Fri, 25 May 2012 10:46:48 PDT The ruins are often an overlooked topic in historic preservation. The typical method of treatment is either full restoration or demolition. However, some ruins have gained significance in their own right and this thesis explores appropriate treatment and recognition for these structures. Ruins typically represent a historical trend toward downsizing that would not be otherwise visible and are therefore eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under criterion A, though criterion C may also be applicable as the aesthetics of ruins are often much admired and become the primary reason for local and even national interest in the site. Especially significant ruins can be stabilized to preserve them for future generations, though this changes the use of the site. Other ruins may be left to further deteriorate where appropriate, provided public safety is ensured.

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