AIC's 52nd Annual Meeting

Conservation work in larger architectural projects must be nimble. The time and care required to do good work are often threatened when they are perceived as stifling project momentum, never more so than when surprises occur.

To protect historic fabric including significant art, architectural conservators have become an indispensable part of the construction industry. Incorporating a conservator’s precise work into such projects requires careful planning. Nevertheless, they often find themselves encountering surprises – both good and bad. This presentation discusses the means to include conservation work into larger projects, despite those surprises.

A masonry restoration project at a Manhattan public school required the temporary removal of a significant painted-steel sculpture. This was necessary to protect the sculpture from any damage while the surrounding brickwork was replaced. During this process, however, the team discovered that several project parameters were different from expectations. The sculpture was larger and less robust than expected, and the installation site was constrained by hidden structures. Moreover, further research revealed a previous conservation campaign, which challenged assumptions about the treatments required. Frustrating as the circumstance may be, the Architect, Engineer, Contractor, Conservator, and the Owner had to come together to devise a workable and safe solution, fast. A rigid frame of easily accessible parts was developed by the Engineer in close consultation with the Contractor’s and Conservator’s needs. The design ensured that the sculpture could move without affecting the surrounding structure, that the piece could be safely stored during the larger project’s work, and that conservation treatment of the sculpture could be done during the storage period. Teamwork saved the day.

of course, not all surprises are stressful, some work in favor of the conservators.

A restoration project at another Manhattan public school included removal of multiple terra cotta tile art pieces from the brick exterior. A program of work was developed for their removal based on documentation, survey, design drawings and probes done adjacent to one of the medallions. When the work began, several inconsistencies were discovered. The medallions were not anchored into the surrounding masonry with threaded rods on all four sides (or even two) as anticipated; and adhesive was used to secure the tiles to the brick inset on one side. However, to the relief of the Conservator and Contractor, carefully removing the bricks from only one side of the art pieces allowed them to be removed with little to no difficulty and without any damage. In this project, non-compliance with original shop-drawings and poor workmanship, surprisingly, benefited all parties involved.

Not all challenges are the same, and there is no “one solution fits all” answer for even similar challenges. Responsive problem-solving and communication skills are the most important tools that conservators need in order to face, embrace, manage, and resolve unexpected challenges.