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Architectural Design Jan./Feb. 2004 |
Facade Remodeling The building facade marks the transition between outside and inside, between the building and the urban space. When seen in context, they characterize the face of a city or town. The facade gives a scale to the entire space around it. Urban space is defined by the building facade, the neighboring building facades, the streetscape, and the environment. |
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(Sterling 2004) |
When examining old facades or considering new construction, building use, historical value, and aesthetic impact must be taken into account. Existing building facades can be added onto, altered, or completely rebuilt. New construction must be designed to fit the character of existing structures. |
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What we need is continuity...Historic preservation is not sentimentality but a psychological necessity. We must learn to cherish history and to preserve worthy old buildings...we must learn how to preserve them, not as pathetic museum pieces, but by giving them new uses. Ada Loise Huxtable Lessons in Healing the Cities Scars
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Building Facades
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The building facade can be new, old, plain, or fancy. The facade is the face of a building, often demonstrating the use and value of the structure. |
(Austin 2004) |
University Pointe is an example of new construction that was designed to fit the character of downtown Moscow. Since it is a retail area care was taken to design an inviting facade with a pedestrian friendly patio and sidewalk. |
 (Sterling 2004) |
The UI Administration Building is an example of a historical structure whose grand facade and stained glass windows identify its importance and significance to the University of Idaho. |
(Hansen 2004) |
The Moose Lodge lacks detail beyond the plastic sign above the simple entrance. Unlike the Administration facade which was recently restored, this building would likely be considered for remodeling or addition rather than be preserved. |
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This building in downtown Moscow is an old brick structure like the Moose lodge above, but with a remodeled facade. The other three walls remain undecorated, the central glass entrance and white stone were added to improve the street facing side. |
Streetscapes |
The relationship between building facade, sidewalk and
street is a critical public space in the downtown area of a city or
town. A successful streetscape will draw people in and make them
feel comfortable. A failed streetscape will be empty of activity. |
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Shade is very important in a streetscape for temperature mitigation and providing a sense of enclosure. The building facade and trees both provide shade, depending on the time of day. |
 (Austin 2004) |
Here at the University Pointe we have an example of building setback that gives pedestrians greater area to travel in, and allows for ADA access. Trees have been planted to provide shade and patios allow the patrons of the businesses access to the street as well.
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 (Hansen 2004) |
This streetscape in downtown Moscow is a great space that has ample pedestrian space, shade, and good building facades. The continuity and alignment of the facades are good, and the variety of the facades add interest.
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Context and Details |
Individual building facades rarely stand alone in the city. Their character and style must work together, though they need not be identical or even in the same style. Small details like color, building materials, edge treatments, windows, doors, awnings and other architectural elements are sometimes difficult to coordinate from structure to structure. Careful planning is required during design development. |
 (Hansen 2004) |
Part of the charm of Main street in downtown Moscow is the variety of
building facades. The different styles represent the colorful history of
the small town and it's people.
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This is an example of design gone wrong. The alignment and roof height are good, but the clash of colors and material is unfortunate. |
 (Hansen 2004) |
The wood addition to the original brick facade is good example of adaptive reuse. The potential functions for the structure are greatly increased.
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The addition of a brick and wood archway to the entrance of this building enhances the flat brick facade. It lends depth and richness to the front of the building.
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LINKS The city of Chicago has a wonderfully rich architectural history of renovation, remodeling and addition. http://www.ci.chi.il.us/Landmarks/A/ArlingtonDist.html Click here to view the many facade remodeling projects of the city of Chicago. This site contains numerous critiques of architecture and design of facades and streetscapes. http://www.kunstler.com/eyesore_200407.html Click here to view a series of humorous observations of architectural blunders.
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