Across various news outlets, we have seen stories of beautiful historic buildings being demolished, only to be rebuilt to be, some may say, average and generic. The clash between cultural preservation and demolition becomes greater in this day and age, especially as the world starts to combat the issues from overpopulation.
Demolition, typically seen as a last resort, becomes necessary when a building poses a significant threat to public safety, fails to meet modern building codes (e.g. fire hazards, asbestos contamination), or if a building becomes inoperable or abandoned. Cultural preservation should be a priority whenever possible, especially as preservation in many cases is more sustainable and a method to celebrate and commemorate the legacies of historical and cultural heritage.
The historical significance of architectural techniques, classical design influences and history should be heavily considered when deciding between preservation or demolition. The art of such design may be scarce in a modern world, so the preservation of these structures should be maintained and restored to its former glory, serving as a testament to the hard work and dedication by the original masons. For example, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has undertaken major restoration efforts following the 2019 fire that destroyed most of the roof and spire. Over 1 billion euros was pledged for the restoration of the cathedral, emphasising the importance of personal connections to such historic buildings, preserving the beauty and tradition for generations to come.
Additionally, architects are urging property owners, rather than demolishing buildings, to renovate and restore old buildings. Carbon emissions from creating and making the steel, cement and bricks for new buildings are profound - around 35% of the lifecycle carbon from a typical office development is emitted before the building is even opened. Therefore, prioritising a more sustainable method of preservation is crucial in an era dedicated to climate change and becoming more carbon efficient.
In sum, there are many considerations when it comes to the question of cultural preservation or demolition - a decision that has a great impact on its surrounding environment. Many believe that maintaining a historical building’s natural charm is important, but what do you think?
Works Cited
Anvelt, M. (2022). Preserving historic property is better than demolition. [online] Washington Post. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/01/20/preserving-historic-property-is-better-than-demolition/.
Colliva, C. and CNN (2023). Inside the $760M restoration of Notre Dame cathedral. [online] CNN. Available at: https://www.cnn.com/style/notre-dame-cathedral-restoration/index.html.
Grantmackaydemolition.com. (2022). \r\n \n Balancing Demolition and Restoration\n \r\n. [online] Available at: https://www.grantmackaydemolition.com/balancing-demolition-and-restoration.
Harrabin, R. (2020). Don’t demolish old buildings, urge architects. BBC News. [online] 4 Aug. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-53642581.
Nag, T. (2024). Navigating the Challenges of Demolishing Historic Structures. [online] Diamond Demolish Excavation. Available at: https://diamonddemolish.com/challenges-of-demolishing-historic-structures/.
www.knockitdown.com. (2022). Should Old Buildings be Preserved or Demolished? | Alpine. [online] Available at: https://www.knockitdown.com/2022/10/10/should-old-buildings-be-preserved-or-demolished.
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