Structures Report is also available. Early and frequent
Understanding the exact requirements of the user is
coordination between the architect, State Historic
essential to effectively implement the program for
Preservation Officer, Regional Historic Preservation
remodel projects. Close interaction between designers and
Officer, preservation specialists, external review groups,
users, to communicate and incorporate program
and other appropriate GSA specialists is imperative to
information during the concept design phase, will enable
timely resolution of conflicts between renovation and
the designers to meet the users' needs without incurring
preservation goals.
excessive construction cost. Practical solutions often
develop in a dialogue with the users that would not have
To the extent feasible, GSA seeks to achieve the
been relayed by an administrator.
rehabilitation of historic structures. Rehabilitation is
defined as the act or process of making possible a
Alteration design requires ingenuity and imagination. It
compatible use for a property through repair, alterations,
is inherently unsuited to rigid sets of rules. Each case is
and additions while preserving those portions or features
unique. The paragraphs that follow should be viewed as
which convey its historical, cultural, or architectural
guidelines and helpful hints to be used when appropriate
values.
and disregarded when not.
In general, alterations in historically significant spaces
Evaluation of Existing Systems
should be designed contextually to blend with original
materials, finishes, and detailing, and to ensure a uniform
Every alteration project includes an evaluation which
and inviting first impression. When substantial repairs
describes the physical condition of building systems,
or alterations are undertaken in significant and highly
identifies variances from present codes, and notes
visible locations, opportunities should be sought to restore
available capacity for structural, mechanical, electrical
original features that have been removed or insensitively
and communications systems.
altered, to reestablish the original design integrity of the
space. Alterations affecting the configuration of significant
Code Requirements for Alterations
spaces should be as transparent as possible, using glass
For most major renovations an evaluation of code
and contemporary materials, as appropriate, to minimize
deficiencies is appropriate. See Chapter 1.3: National
the visibility of the alteration(s) while subtly distinguishing
Codes and Standards, Code Requirements for Alterations.
new construction from original construction.
Code deficiencies that related to life safety, particularly
The architectural, mechanical and electrical systems in
egress, should be remedied. Strict adherence to the letter
historic buildings often differ greatly from today's design
of the code is often impossible. An equivalent method of
and construction standards, and frequently many of these
protection will have to be developed to achieve an equal
building systems need to be upgraded substantially or
or greater level of safety. See Chapter 1.1, Purpose of
completely rebuilt or replaced. The end result should be a
Facilities Standards for the Public Buildings Service.
building whose architectural, mechanical and electrical
Architects will be expected to work closely with the GSA
systems support its modern use while retaining its historic
regional fire protection engineer who will have final
and architectural character.
authority on life safety code compliance issues. Alternative
100 F A C I L I T I E S S T A N D A R D S
FOR THE
PUBLIC
BUILDINGS
SERVICE
3.8 Alterations in Existing Buildings and Historic Structures
Revised March 2005 PBS-P100
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