In this lecture sponsored by the National Civic Art Society, Calder Loth, Senior Architectural Historian for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources, provides the arguments for rebuilding destroyed historic landmarks, and offers examples from around the world.
Loth notes that the reconstruction of demolished historic structures has long been considered strictly forbidden. The loss of a significant building is usually considered to be an opportunity to rebuild with a structure reflecting a “contemporary” aesthetic and lifestyle. Nevertheless, a widespread popular sentiment holds that natural or man-made disasters should not deprive us of important heritage, and that accurate rebuilding of landmarks is a commendable activity since reconstructions serve emotional, patriotic, aesthetic, and educational needs. Moreover, the majority of reconstructions are serious, scholarly achievements. Time has shown that few people regret these resurrected buildings.
Date: October 10, 2016
Location: Cosmos Club, Washington, D.C.
Introduction by Justin Shubow
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