Preserving is to save. Defining preservation as ‘to save’ is far to vague for the context of historical preservation. The word preservation is not a ‘one size fits all’ term. The definition of preservation to one person may not be the same to the next person. There are various levels of preservation from preserving the original materials and fabrics to subjectively preserving timeless architectural style by means of reconstructing. Reconstructing as means of preserving something must be done carefully in order to ‘preserve’ historical truthfulness and accuracy.
When I visit places that have been preserved to include the original buildings and artifacts, I feel different than if I’ve visited a place that has been reconstructed to ‘look’ like the original. When I visit places that are copies of the original, I feel as if I’ve been cheated in a way. I’m a very skeptical person and I always question the accuracy of reconstruction.
Being able to view something that hasn’t been restored or recreated is beautiful in a way allows the viewer to travel back in time. It is important to preserve this timeless beauty in order to study and appreciate what once was and to analyze influences and how we got to where we are today. However, it is important to consider all aspects of preservation because if we were to preserve everything, our society wouldn’t be able to grow and evolve. Change is inevitable.
My opinion on the Marriot? Go for it! The buildings that currently stand are in horrid condition and are an eye-sore to look at. Holding on to the past is one thing, but it is also important to embrace the future. If the Marriot design streamline, like the Milwaukee Art Museum, perhaps Milwaukee would have a better chance at a more positive optimistic economic future.
Where do you draw the line between preserving timeless beauty in order to study and appreciate what once was and the buildings on Wisconsin Avenue? Could those not be appreciated for their beauty if they were restored the way the Johnson Bank Building was? How do we deal with the pull of preservation and progress? I think that your opinion on embracing the future is important, but where does the past rank?
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