|
HISTORIC SALEM TO BE FOCUS OF
TRADITIONAL BUILDING DESIGN COMPETITION
The 2009 Spring Traditional Building Design Challenge will take place March 13-14 at the Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MA, during the Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference. This year's competition will present a unique challenge for the competiors, as their task will be to
design multiple residential units in multiple buildings on a 2-acre site, which would be compatible with the architecture of Salem, MA - in just two days!
Salem Massachusetts, situated 15 miles north east of Boston on the Atlantic Ocean, may be most widely known as the site of the Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692, but this colorful, coastal city has much to offer: a culturally diverse population, a rich maritime heritage, an impressive display of historic architecture of the Federal Period and amazing stories that span almost four centuries. The walkability and proximity of rail transport to Boston has contributed to the desireability of living in this small city and has increased its popularity for re-development.
Salem was recently given an award by the APA (American Planning Association). The award notes: “Given the neighborhood's success in retaining its historic character while incorporating modern-day changes to make the area economically vibrant, compact, and sustainable, downtown Salem has been named one of 10 APA Great Neighborhoods in America for 2008.”
The Traditional Building Design Challenge, now going into its 4th year, will showcase the talent and expertise of some of the nation's top architects and designers. Working with set parameters, in just two days, the competitors will hand-draw a presentation plan of each floor, an exterior elevation of the front and side facades, and a site plan. The teams will be busily working at locations where conference attendees can observe and interact with them. "The challenges of the current design exercise, given a parcel located in the downtown area already studied by the ULI (Urban Land Institute), will undoubtedly stimulate discussion and direction for future development in the city", states Salem-based architect David A Hart, AIA, principal, David M. Hart Enterprises.
The Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference, is the largest national event for professionals and enthusiasts who restore, renovate, and preserve historic buildings or build new ones in traditional style. Over 65 seminars, workshops and tours offering up to 24 continuing education credits will be available in five unique educational tracks, including Sustainability and Green Building Practices, Preservation in Practice, Traditional Trades, Restoration and Rehabilitation and Residential Design.
Historic Salem Inc., which has assisted in organizing the site information, is one of the nation’s oldest historic preservation organizations dedicated to preserving Salem’s character as well as ensuring that new development complements the existing urban fabric. |
