I was wondering if you had a moment to tell me about your work on the New
Amsterdam Theater.

Jennifer
-----Original Message-----
From: Dean Koga <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
<[log in to unmask]>
Date: Thursday, March 04, 1999 11:38 PM
Subject: Re: Architecture Transformed


>On Thu, 4 Mar 1999, jcarriker wrote:
>
>> This book (Architecture Transformed: New Life for Old Buildings by Nora
>> Ricther Greer 1998)
>>
>> The foreword stated (written by Hugh Hardy, FAIA): "Neither pure
>> conservation nor total restoration recognizes the realities of
contemporary
>> building codes, lighting levels, environmental systems, security
concerns,
>> or the needs of present-day activities". The rest of the foreword he
argues
>> for adaptive reuse, because architects are torn between tradition and
"stark
>> buildings" and because preservation "enriches our understanding of
>> ourselves".
>
>I suspect that Hugh Hardy was talking mostly about decorative interiors of
>the type he has worked on, including the Rainbow Room, the New Amsterdam
>Theater, and Radio City Music Hall, among many others.  Sometimes historic
>interiors can't be returned to their original states because they no
>longer comply with the Building Code, even with exemptions for historic
>buildings.  But compliance with building codes has had a minor effect on
>the historic interiors I've mentioned.  More important are the changes in
>light levels and modern uses.  Lighting in public spaces was much dimmer
>in the past, and decorative color schemes were sometimes very bright to
>compensate for the dim light.  Hugh Hardy argues that toning down the
>colors under brighter modern light comes close to approximating the
>original experience of the space, even though the colors may not exactly
>match the original.  I worked with him at the New Amsterdam Theater, and
>that was his approach.  The resulting space is vibrant, feels like a space
>that has history, and is a joy to be in.  The spirit of the original
>architects, artists, and artisans can be felt there, although their work
>has not been exactly reproduced.
>
>
>Dean Koga