For a Hybrid Architecture

The context of our built environment is continually changing, evolving over time with new structures that accommodate the contemporary needs of today’s society. As architects, our work contributes to and defines these shifting conditions. From formal spaces housed in traditionally shaped rooms to contemporary forms with spatial fluidity, the built work we create leaves behind physical traces embodying the values of the architects and collaborators that contributed to its conception.

Working in and amongst cities, campuses, and communities, whether considered historic, mid-century, modern, or utilitarian, we embrace the efforts our predecessors invested in the creative and physical act of building. Rather than tear down and rebuild when new programs are needed, construction methodologies appear easier, or new styles are desired, we find merit and inspiration in that which exists. We pursue adaptation and reinvention to leverage the past and insert new when structurally, programmatically and conceptually meaningful.

Not only do we lack the luxury to build new at every turn, but we also don’t want to.

Extending the life of existing architecture can be conceived as more than adaptive reuse of existing buildings or transformational renovations. When Architecture is reinvented with contemporary insertions and additions that illuminate and respond to its history, its legacy and inherent values are projected forward with intentional relevance for today. This dialogue between new and old forms— a Hybrid Architecture—is not a conglomeration of shape and form, but a considered design approach that brings the original architecture in conversation with its modifications and new architectural interventions. Hybrid Architecture is the result of a collaborative design process that has transpired over time by a series of architects and contributors.

Not only do we lack the luxury to build new at every turn, but we also don’t want to. Ethically as stewards of our built environment, we must take care to protect the health of future generations by limiting the impact of our actions on the climate. There is no better approach than retaining and finding new productive uses for what has already been harvested, manufactured, assembled, and formed. In addition to the inherent carbon value of retaining existing buildings and diverting useful materials from landfill, there is the financial value of reinvestment in our heritage structures.

As a design approach, we value the architectural richness found in existing buildings. Construction methodologies of different eras offer diversity in craft, materiality, fabrication, tolerance, and beauty. Ornate historic detailing that explores material joinery, definition of space, craftsmanship, and human scale teaches us about how contemporary forms of detailing can , also cast shadows, define entryways, and form places for people to feel welcome.. Brought together in a considered design, contemporary and traditional craft can together reflect our value of architecture that elevates character and expression.

How we use and occupy space has evolved through time with the advancement of both technology and the nature of human interactions. Often critical space needs are no longer relevant within a decade. Workplace needs shift with the economy, classroom pedagogy changes with student needs, individual and handheld computing have made learning and working mobile, and digital resources have fundamentally changed how we research. As we look to reinvent existing buildings for new uses, we must release ourselves from deference to the past over the needs of the present and future. We need to be flexible in how we reimagine buildings to allow them to accommodate our current knowns and future unknowns. This can only happen by removing the preciousness of existing fabric, making architectural and infrastructure insertions that allow buildings to continue to flex and mutate over time.

Making architecture is a collaborative act, and when working in existing buildings, the collaboration extends to the vision of the original Architect. We find ourselves studying original buildings to understand their essence, the design intent, structural and systems rationale, materiality, and construction methodologies. Not only does the investigation inform how new architectural insertions can be integrated with original fabric, but it offers insight into where the fabric of the building presents design opportunities and challenges for conversation between new and old. In this sense, we are fortunate to have collaborated with Cope & Stewardson, Addison Hutton, Charles Greco, The Architects Collaborative, Hugh Stubbins, and others, learning how they thought and crafted materials to shape space.

Weaving new insertions and additions into existing buildings with care for scale, texture, proportion, and contrast allows the architectural language of the new to be in dialogue with its context, both past and future, not in competition. In essence, new insertions and additions are placed in relation and in resonance with the original building, offering perspective and difference, not derivation or duplication.

When the original fabric is respected, but not glorified, and new architectural insertions are honest in their form, with purpose and character in their own right, an architecture of integrity can be accomplished. By allowing each adaptation to be individualistic and not a false extension of the original language, we respect the original while allowing the new fabric to be contemporary in craft, purpose, and aesthetic with its time.

To modify a work of architecture with the intent to reinvent its usefulness requires humility to acknowledge what is strong in the original, empathy for the legacy of what has transpired in these spaces, courage to make change to create an architectural conversation, and aspiration for extended longevity. When we perceive space and places as occurring on a continuum of change, our role in contributing to an evolving work of architecture is put in perspective. Rather than make our work invisible as we bring these buildings back to life, we choose to reinvent them, leaving our own trace and mark, separate and distinct.

It’s in a hybrid architecture of reinvention we place value in what has come before us, we commit to environmentalism by placing value on the resources we have already expended, and we elevate design by working in collaboration with those no longer at the table. In so doing we acknowledge change is inevitable and we take care of our belongings, mending them with integrity, consideration and grace.