The APT Bulletin: The Journal of Preservation Technology recently published Kyle Normandin’s in-depth review of Reglazing Modernism: Intervention Strategies for 20th-Century Icons, a book co-authored by Angel Ayón, Principal of AYON Studio. The review outlines the content of the book and highlights its contribution to preservation’s academic and practical knowledge base. “Reglazing Modernism will certainly be of interest to practitioners across a number of disciplines, including architects and engineers.”
Why should they care? As Normandin points out, “The timeliness of Reglazing Modernism underscores the critical nature and importance of this publication for many of us as we focus on the vast number of buildings constructed in the mid- to late twentieth century—in particular, Modern glazed assemblies…The sheer volume and inventory of buildings with glazed curtain wall assemblies, and how to maintain and improve them, raises questions about their continued use and viability. It also invites consideration of how we can sustain and reuse these buildings in the future.”
The book’s 20 case studies include World Heritage Sites in the US and Europe, including Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and the Fagus Factory and Bauhaus Dessau, both in Germany. According to Normandin, “Understanding the value of historic constructions and how to protect them is critical…Lessons learned from interventions in twentieth-century buildings will lead to responsible stewardship of our built environment tomorrow.”
The APT Bulletin is published by the Association for Preservation Technology International.