Steven Semes' New Book Argues for "New" Traditional Design

It won't come a minute too soon: Steven Semes' new book: The Future of the Past. Steven has argued eloquently about how our preservation standards and guidelines need to refocus on what they were were intended to do: preserve the style and character of historic buildings.

Richmond, VA--arguably one of America's most historic cities--is full of incompatible infill and historic buildings with inconguous contemporary features, which are required by local, state, and federal review boards. To add insult to injury, property owners--often developers--are rewarded with Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits. The image on the left shows a new building that would look better on a beach than in an urban setting where it degrades its Colonial and antebellum era neighbors. Weren't our historic guidelines supposed to protect us from this?
Steven argues that context matters and that new buildings and additions to old buildings should be harmonious with their neighbours. Look for the book in October.