VIRTUAL ISTANBUL HERITAGE(S)
Abstract
Many post–World War II buildings have been added to the National Register of Historic Places, prompting the application of the Secretary of Interior Standards for their evaluation, maintenance, and restoration. These mid-century modern structures reflect a blend of traditional and modern materials and construction systems, characterized by sleek, minimalist design. Common masonry materials used during this era include brick, stone, terra cotta, concrete masonry units, and glass block. Technological advancements enabled innovative applications of these materials, such as thin stone cladding, stack bonded brick, flat terra cotta panels, and glass block, which defined the architectural aesthetic of the time. Although mid-century modernism fell out of favor with the rise of brutalism in the 1970s and post-modernism in the 1980s, appreciation for its design resurfaced in the 1990s as many buildings reached 50 years of age and qualified as historic. However, the aging of these facades has revealed issues not typically seen in traditional masonry, including concerns with durability, serviceability, and water management. This paper will explore these topics in three parts. The first section will introduce the materials and systems used in mid-century masonry construction. The second will examine common problems that have emerged over time. The final section will present repair strategies, supported by brief case studies to illustrate practical solutions for preserving these architectural landmarks.
Ed Gerns is a Senior Principal with the Chicago office of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. and has been with WJE since 1990. Mr. Gerns has extensive experience related to the investigation and repair of all vintages of masonry clad buildings. Since joining, Mr. Gerns has served as both project manager and project architect/engineer on assignments related to the investigation and repair of distressed conditions in existing buildings. His involvement as a project manager has ranged from diagnostics to repair design and administration of repairs.