Conserving America's Recent Past: The Mid-Century Modern Rehabilitation Process

Directed by Patrick Lee Lucas , pp. 85

Abstract: This study of mid-century modern residences focuses on how they may be successfully rehabilitated according to The Secretary of the Interiors Standards for Rehabilitation with Guidelines for Historic Buildings and how the process may serve as a model for future rehabilitation strategies for similar resources. With documented case studies, interviews, and diagnostic data from a sampling of seven mid-century modern resources located in Greensboro, North Carolina, the researcher provides strategies for rehabilitating these dwellings that will not jeopardize future nomination for historic recognition on the local, state and national level, allowing the resources to represent the intent of the designer through aesthetics, durability, comfort and, efficiency. Like many suburban buildings throughout United States, the sophisticated use of prefabricated standardized industrial materials, large span glazing, flat roofs, plywood, and aluminum, concrete and, industrial steel framing as well as careful site orientation characterize the buildings in the case study. As they reach their natural life cycle, the researcher addresses the very materials and systems deployed in homes after World War II, a significant challenge to the continued, viable use of the recent past structures.

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