Preservation Education: Howard University’s Architecture Students Visit the National Trust
by Guest Writer on October 23rd, 2009
Photo courtesy of Nkiru Agomouh.
Just around the corner from Metro’s Dupont Circle station, the National Trust for Historic Preservation occupies the Andrew Mellon Building, a luxury apartment residence converted into the non-profit’s headquarters.
To further broaden our horizons, Howard University’s American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) traveled to the National Trust for an enlightening presentation. We toured the public and private spaces of the former apartment building. Our guide talked about the historical and the contemporary programs the building has served. Changes were made to the interior in order to create a functional office without imposing permanent alterations. Future architects must seek and recognize opportunities to utilize historic places as records of our history as well as foundations for future spaces.
David Field, manager of recruitment and outreach, emceed the informative presentation on the National Trust’s work. Ervin James, a PhD candidate at Texas A&M University, spoke about a fairly new initiative—an inventory of African-American historic places. Barbara Campagna, Graham Gund Architect, presented the Trust’s 29 Historic Sites educating our group about her career as a preservation architect. Tanya Bowers, director for diversity, spoke about diversity’s power in helping the organization develop a more inclusive picture of America’s intricate history.
Photo courtesy of Nkiru Agomouh.
Among the National Trust’s twenty-nine historic sites are Philip Johnson’s Glass House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House, and a recent addition, the African Meeting House and Abiel Smith School. These important landmarks serve as capsules, capturing stories and lives across America. Architecturally, these places serve as capsules of knowledge, displaying original techniques, the materials of which must be preserved, studied, and developed.
As the world strives for a sustainable future, a large percentage of waste is generated from building construction; thus, careers in preservation will, in part, hold the key to our success. Without preservationists and innovative designers to maintain what once was, our buildings and infrastructure will continue to fail. The Trust both practices preservation and educates others about its importance. We all left with a deeper appreciation for the Trust’s efforts, many with a definite interest in historic preservation paths.
Ashley Graham is a second-year architecture student at Howard University.
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