As an architect based in Washington, DC, I have been dedicated to working on historic preservation projects while actively researching preservation methods and sustainable design. My professional experience in architectural design and my research interests in historic preservation continually drive my learning in preservation and sustainability for historic buildings.
As the recipient of the APT DC 2024 Emerging Professional Sponsorship, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to attend the APTi Conference. This event provides a unique platform to connect with experts from across the country and around the world.
This year’s conference, held in Montreal, Canada, is a collaborative effort with the National Trust for Canada, the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP), and the Indigenous Heritage Circle. The central theme, “Building Bridges: Connecting Places, Cultures, & Practices,” explores diverse aspects of heritage preservation through five distinct tracks:
· Track 1: From the Drawing Board to the Worksite: Techniques, Materials, and Practitioners
· Track 2: Historic Structures Meeting Contemporary Requirements
· Track 3: Climate Imperative for Historic Buildings and Places
· Track 4: Heritage and Social Justice: Reconciliation, Diversity, and Inclusion
· Track 5: Removing Systemic Barriers to Heritage-Led Reuse
This conference not only encourages cross-cultural exchanges but also enriches our understanding of the heritage sites we are committed to preserving.
1. Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Founded by the French in 1642, Montreal is a city rich with layered heritage buildings and landscapes. Between conference sessions, I explored downtown Montreal, the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Royal Bank Building, and the historic district of Old Montreal. The city seamlessly integrates French culture, heritage architecture, and thoughtful urban planning, showcasing a harmonious blend of historic preservation and modern development.
Figure 1. Historic District of Old Montreal
One standout example is a modern café located within the historic Royal Bank Tower; a landmark repurposed through adaptive reuse. Visitors are welcomed into a banking hall that evokes the grandeur of a Florentine palace, complete with porcelain-tiled coffered ceilings, a striking intersection of historic elegance and contemporary functionality.
Figure 2. Cafe at Royal Bank Tower
2. Habitat 67: Challenges of a Modern Landmark
The APTi conference offers exceptional programs like field sessions that provide in-depth site visits to historic preservation projects. I had the opportunity to attend Field Session 11: Habitat 67: Challenges of a Modern Landmark, where a group of enthusiastic guides and volunteers took us on a tour of Habitat 67. This unique event allowed us to closely explore and learn about this iconic residential building, its history, and its architectural significance.
Figure 3. Habitat 67
Designed by architect Moshe Safdie, Habitat 67 is a groundbreaking residential complex and a celebrated symbol of innovation from Expo 67 in Montreal. Originally conceived as Safdie’s master’s thesis, it was envisioned as a solution to urban housing challenges during the Cold War era, prioritizing affordability, individuality, and community living. As one of the official theme pavilions of Expo 67, Habitat 67 addressed humanity's housing needs under the overarching theme, “Man and His World.”
Figure 4. Habitat 67, West Entrance
Comprising 364 precast concrete cubes, the structure forms 129 unique apartments with private terraces and scenic views of the St. Lawrence River. The modular design allows for flexible configurations and vertical living, making it a prototype for sustainable housing.
Despite its brilliance, Habitat 67 faces significant restoration challenges, including water leakage, joint deterioration, and condensation. Modern restoration efforts incorporate solutions like vapor-barrier rockwool insulation to enhance energy efficiency while preserving its heritage status.
Figure 5. Concrete Joint deterioration
Figure 6. Each unit has at least one private terrace.
Figure 7. Interior space, Living room and Kitchen
Figure 8. River view at public space
3. Concurrent Session
On Days 4 and 5, the conference featured concurrent sessions offering a wide variety of presentations across multiple tracks. With approximately 100 presentations by experts from diverse fields and cities, I had the opportunity to learn about over ten different topics. The presenters shared insights into their projects' histories, concepts, and challenges, highlighting the innovative solutions they employed to overcome obstacles. They enriched their presentations with historic photos, background information, and detailed historic drawings and construction documents, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities and difficulties involved in working with existing historic buildings.
- Electrification and Decarbonization of Historic Properties
Speaker: Hallah Abodaff, Managing Principal/ Sr. Vice President, Loring Consulting Engineers, Inc.
She explored strategies to balance sustainability with heritage preservation by electrifying and decarbonizing historic properties. She emphasized the importance of a carbon masterplan, energy efficiency, and operational carbon tracking. Key strategies include transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources like solar and geothermal, upgrading HVAC systems, and modernizing electrical and plumbing infrastructure. A case study of the Michigan State Capitol highlights geothermal heating and modular cooling upgrades. Phased modernization and constructability reviews ensure seamless implementation while maintaining heritage integrity.
- Artifact Protection in Daylit Spaces
Speaker: Colin MacKillop, Principle, Quinn Evans
The revitalization of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum addresses challenges of daylight exposure on sensitive artifacts while preserving its architectural legacy. Using tinted and fritted glass, solar shading, and electrochromic glazing, the project significantly reduced light levels to protect artifacts like The Spirit of St. Louis. Advanced daylight modeling informed designs, ensuring cumulative light exposure stayed within acceptable limits. The project underscores the need for judicious use of large glass expanses and highlights the effectiveness of energy-efficient LED lighting in complementing daylight control solutions.
- The Virginia Mae Center at Washington National Cathedral
Speaker: James Shepard, Senior Principal, Director of Historic Preservation, SmithGroup
The transformation of the Virginia Mae Center revitalized a historic Gothic retreat into a modern, multifunctional space while preserving its architectural essence. Originally the College of Preachers, the center underwent adaptive reuse beginning in 2018, with restored spaces including the chapel, library, and refectory. The upgrades enhanced visitor experiences, integrated sustainability, and added contemporary amenities like loft rooms and public meeting areas. The project exemplifies the potential of adaptive reuse to bridge historic preservation and modern functionality, inspiring future efforts to honor and innovate within historic spaces.
4. SE6: PETC Timber Bridge Build
There was a special event of the Student Design-Build Competition (SE6: PETC Timber Bridge Build), featuring teams from North Carolina State University, Carleton University, the University of Alberta, and Columbia University, challenged about 6-7 students from each team to construct the strongest timber bridge within one hour, followed by testing to determine the winner. Watching the students' passion for design and their ability to build large-scale timber structures with physical models was truly inspiring and reaffirmed the importance of fostering creativity and hands-on learning in future preservationists.
Figure 10. Student Design-Build Competition (SE6: PETC Timber Bridge Build)
5. Exhibitions
On the fourth day of the conference, the Vendor Exhibitions took place in the ballroom. It was an excellent opportunity to engage with global companies and organizations, and learn about innovative materials, systems, and technologies for historic preservation.
I had particularly interesting discussions with a 3D scanning company that focuses on scanning entire buildings, including both interior and exterior aspects of historic structures. Their technology records detailed data to develop strategies for preserving and modernizing aging buildings. The program they use generates 360-degree color images and provides clients with easy-access links to review the data.
Having extensively used 360-degree point-cloud data for preservation projects, I found it fascinating to see how various companies are competing and advancing new applications, programs, and data cloud technologies to make it easier for the public to understand the existing conditions of historic buildings. Additionally, there are companies specializing in terracotta decorations, marble bases, and sandstone prefabrication, showcasing a wide range of expertise in materials restoration.
Figure 11. Breakfast morning with Conversations (Left), Exhibitions and Conversations (Right)
6. APT Chapters Breakfast
I also attended the APT Chapters Breakfast event on the final morning of the conference. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with APT DC members and discuss the projects we are currently working on. I truly enjoyed exchanging insights about DC projects and sharing the local challenges we face. Additionally, it was great to engage with APT student scholars and learn more about their research projects.
Figure 12. APT DC Chapter Breakfast
Summary
Attending the APTi conference 2024 was an incredibly enriching experience, offering a unique blend of learning, inspiration, and connection with professionals passionate about historic preservation. I was deeply impressed by the range of topics, from electrification and decarbonization of historic properties to innovative daylight control strategies. The opportunity to engage in field sessions, witness inspiring case studies, and learn from presenters’ challenges and solutions broadened my understanding of preservation practices. It reaffirmed my belief in the importance of thoughtful design, sustainable strategies, and adaptive reuse in creating a meaningful balance between honoring the past and innovating for the future.
