Photo Essay: Past Meets Present

One of the more powerful capabilities inherent in the crafts of architects and designers is their ability to preserve the past while simultaneously breathing new life into historic buildings, often transforming them into vibrant, modern spaces that fuse the old with the new almost seamlessly.

And while new construction projects that are built to LEED^® standards are becoming more and more common, adaptive reuse and renovation projects represent a much larger scale of work that can have a positive impact on the environment by extending the useful life of existing buildings.

One such example of the transformative power of design occurred when Cottingham & Butler retained Ted Moudis Associates (TMA) as its design architect to renovate the first floor and mezzanine of its historic department store building in Dubuque, Iowa. “The client, currently located within the upper floors of a turn-of-the-century department store, had the desire to create a first floor presence for a 21st century insurance firm while being respectful to the history of the company as well as the building,” explains Diana Pisone, LEED AP, project director for TMA.

With the vast openness inherent in a repurposed retail setting, clear zones needed to be established. This was achieved with finely detailed millwork masses reaching toward the high ceilings, creating separate but open spaces in the void of negative space.

“We kept an orderly circulation path at the perimeter to allow visual breathing room from the historic façade to the more contemporary interior,” says Pisone. “By lowering the height of workstations, maximizing the use of natural light, and creating the dramatic focal point of a 14-foot high Anigre wood wall at the north end of the space—which [also] provided a camouflaged entrance to the main pantry, secondary stairwell, as well as a two-story mechanical room—we were able to create an interior that had a powerful presence within the first floor.”

Ornamental ironwork executed with a graphic patterning bridges the gap between the old and new, joining the history of both the company and the site with the progressive intent for the future. This union between the past and present fostered the sense of classic timelessness that the client sought for its new offices; this was evident through the architecture, as well as the furniture and finish selections.

The handsomely layered material palette helps to define and set the stage for each function of the space. In the public areas, sleek glossy whites and soft ivories welcome visitors and employees alike, giving a look of success and permanence. Transitioning to the open conferencing areas, the tones deepen slightly, and additional textures are apparent. These areas connect the public and private spaces. The open office area, filled with well-appointed workstations, contains deeper, richer tones. Workstations are wrapped in dark walnut to convey strength and professionalism. These are topped with decorative glass for additional privacy and to enhance movement.

Hospitality toward clients was also a key component for Cottingham & Butler. This is evident in the company’s executive board room and adjacent servery for meetings and events. Luxurious lacquer and fabric wall panels, and wool and silk custom carpets appeal to the senses. Beautifully grained walnut wood pieces house the latest video conference technologies and delineate boundaries between the multiple functions within the room.

This prime example of adaptive reuse required a great deal of coordination between local team members and TMA staff; together, they brought the project to fruition, creating a 21st century showpiece that reflected the progressive nature of the insurance company.

SOURCES:
back to top