Image Courtesy of Curb Philadelphia
Often overshadowed by centuries-old buildings, mid-century Modern structures sometimes aren’t considered “historic” enough to restore or even leave intact for future generations. For example, Richard Neutra’s 1961 Hassrick House in Philadelphia was left abandoned and deteriorated before its most recent owners bought it in 2008. Now the public face of Thomas Jefferson University’s Center for the Preservation of Modernism, the residence is an exemplar case study of the challenges posed by mid-century Modern houses. On Tuesday, May 31st at 1 p.m., it will be both the subject of and venue for an upcoming talk from AYON Studio principal Angel Ayón.
“Yo! Richard Neutra! A Modern House Conservation Panel, Tour and Demonstration” will feature Ayón and fellow panelists Kelly Sutherlin McLeod and Tara Ikenouye in a discussion of the Hassrick House’s new lease on life. They’ll share their specialized expertise on how advanced preservation techniques—such as thermography, photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning and reglazing—can help similar structures endure and flourish. The presentation will be followed by an in-depth tour of the home, during which the speakers will demonstrate ways to conserve specific materials and details, such as concrete block, glass doors and windows, flat roofs, and cork flooring.
The event kicks off the 2022 Docomomo US National Symposium, confirming architectural conservation’s critical role in securing the future of the contemporary building