A Building Preservation Trust Rescue of the Rothesay Pavilion - Assignment Example

? A Building Preservation Trust Rescue of the Rothesay Pavilion Introduction Rothesay Pavilion is a truly iconic building that was opened in 1930 and is often described as one of the finest and most significant example of an Art Deco architectural design that still survives in Scotland. It is located North West end of Rothesay Victorian (Becker et al, 2009). The building is a national architectural importance which was recognized by the award of grade A listing that still contain the original features of art during that time. The building was specifically designed to fulfill a wide range of functions and it was a hub for dancing, shows, meetings, weddings and exhibitions. Rothesay Pavilion still continues to act as the center of the island community for many activities being that it has a large carrying capacity (Primack, 2003). Until then, the building management team, the council and the entire population were not aware how important Pavilion was to the surrounding location. When it was neglected, the community came to realize how multi-activity pavilion was including fitness, leisure, accommodation, attraction site to visit to mention but a few (Eberhardt & Thomas, 2011). When the council realized the importance of the pavilion which was at a great risk of losing its Art Deco splendor, tourist center and generally how it positively impact on the environment, they ordered for a rebirth of pavilion to restore back its beauty. The process of achieving regeneration and restoration was not all that easy with pavilion managers alone but it became a successful activity with the involvement of the prince’s regeneration Trust. The regeneration of Rothesay pavilion has received support from the Heritage Lottery Fund with a great amount of development funding (Becker et al, 2009). The current state of Rothesay pavilion neglect is an explanation to a large decline of tourist in the area since it was a home for countless holidaymakers during its vibrant peak as the destination. The fact that pavilion can still be reused through the support of Heritage Lottery Fund will be a great potential to the local area by providing them with local facilities, activities and opportunities (Eberhardt & Thomas, 2011). With the endorsement of regeneration activity, the local project will therefore progress with the input of funds from the various sources in order to create and develop a strategy to the BPT as the charity group in ensuring that the project is completed early in 2016. Its completion will restore back the functions it used to serve of being a cultural center, visitor attraction which will change the Rothesay seafront and impact positively on the economy of the area and the United Kingdom at large (Fanger, 2000). The involvement of the Prince’s Regeneration trust gave Scotland a real progress in the resurgence of the Rothesay Pavilion to its initial cultural venue for the community (Fanger, 2000). It would not only serve an important heritage but also a positive regeneration of the town. The pavilion is a building that is loved by so many people because of its unique architectural style and so many memories it holds for the people. Therefore, the main goal the entire population should have is that is to bring back the beauty, magnificence and greatness back to the Pavilion its initial glorious state (Becker et al, 2009). The only challenge at Rothesay is not only to organize for the funds for restoration of this iconic building but also to reinvent as a feasible community building that will have an appeal to visitors nationally (Eberhardt & Thomas, 2011). It is therefore important for the restoration of the building in order to avoid many logistics involved in the environmental planning in setting up a new building. This initiative also helps in environmental conservation by avoiding new constructions which that can lead to land denudation as a result of ground excavation during new construction. Hence, restoration of the already existing buildings is the best alternative other than those buildings serving as a landmark, or as a cultural icon (Whitley & Prince, 2005). Rothesay Pavilion building before the regeneration process was started. A building Preservation Trust As asserted by Becker et al (2009), a building preservation trust (BPT) is a charity organization whose main aim involves the preservation and regeneration of historical buildings whose impacts can be socially, economically and environmentally in the surrounding places they are located. The BPT are mostly located in the UK and are evenly distributed within the communities, individual cities and towns, whole countries and others specialized in a particular type of building which cover the entire world location. The BPT can be formed by an individual, a group or can be formed to save just one building provided that the formation process meets the criteria set for its formation (Primack, 2003). There are over two hundred BPT that have been formed so far with most of them belonging to the United Kingdom association of building preservation trust (APT). APT is a registered charity organization that helps BPT with advices as well as organizing meeting areas for the BPT. The BPT are continually spreading to different countries of late to England with a dedication of rescuing the historic building, which is advantageous to the local surroundings (Fanger, 2000). The BPT is financed by the Architectural Heritage Fund to help restore historic buildings that may be lost through a dilapidation and neglect. They are recovered by turning them into a number of uses such as community halls, congregational chapels, visitor attraction centers and social housing and exhibition centers. The front view of the Rothesay Pavilion after regeneration process. The work BPT are undertaking into bringing back a historic building back to use, is extremely rewarding activity and require a lot of resources. Therefore, the organization is eligible to apply for grants and any other funding project development from other sources such as English Heritage, the Heritage Lottery fund and the Architectural Heritage Fund (Becker et al, 2009). These financial sources have created a specific grant scheme for any charitable organization with an intention to encourage voluntary viable and long term sustainable solution to a building which is at a risk of becoming obsolete as a result of neglect or despair in what function the building can serve. Prince’s regeneration Trust This provides a planning that can be used by BPT to inform future plans for the conservation of building by publishing a sustainability guide which is aimed at improving the environmental sustainability of historic and other listed buildings which may be at a risk of dilapidation (Eberhardt & Thomas, 2011). The green guide for historic building is a publication by the princes regeneration trust provides a step by step advice on how to carry out concerned adaptations and highlights on how effectively people are likely to save money at the same time reduces the emission from carbon and its compounds. The guide also shows the particular places where environmental efficiency has been achieved by reducing the toxic emissions which could have in the long term affects the condition of the historic buildings. The trust also participates in rescuing process and restores redundant historic buildings into active and relevant community assets for the benefit of the surrounding community located near the building. The trust also works by involving volunteers who want to make a difference in their local area since it is the most sustainable approach to regeneration (Becker et al, 2009). They do research to find out which local online resources can be made available to the people together with necessary information, tools and connection and how to collaborate them in order to make a difference in saving their heritage. Through their initiative, Rothesay Pavilion has benefited greatly as one of the buildings which were at a risk of destruction and the building has received huge important financial support. The initiative has allowed for the sustainable new use for the benefit of the surrounding community (Fanger, 2000). The procedure for conservation The building at risk strategy is an initiative formed by English Heritage and is in support of government approach to conservation of buildings. It is also a way of monitoring the conditions of buildings that are listed to the authorities and it can be easy to identify the risks of a building from neglect (Eberhardt & Thomas, 2011). Before any conservation measures are made to any building, it is important to find out the details of the building that is known to be at a risk from the building at a risk register. The significance of this register is to identify the conditions and the plight of the building that is thought to be neglected or vulnerable to be. Once confirmed, the register can then mitigate for necessary actions towards securing the building conservation. Consequently, the information about the building at risk is then updated in a computer database of the register after which negotiation with the owner proceeds (Primack, 2003).. The use of grants and enforcement of powers follows with a target to information contained in the register. At this point repair and restoration follows to facilitate long term retention or reuse of the building. Otherwise these activities can only be stopped if there is a change of owner or an individual is compromising the acquisition of the building. The register hence has numerous uses during the restoration process. In addition, it can be used when a person would like to acquire a building in order to restore (Becker et al, 2009). The urgent repair of buildings at risk requires inquiry into new uses of the building which can act as a safeguard for its future. It is also important to know the category of the listing of the building either in grade I or II listing. Grade I listing often are in critical condition and should be considered first for the conservation in a sustainable state (Eberhardt & Thomas, 2011). Individuals are now voluntarily taking the role to consider projects of saving an historic building back to a good state with experience to BPT .It is the responsibility of an individual to take good care of the environment through conservation and all that are contained in it, of which building restoration is part of conservation. The information about the physical condition of the building at risk is sought using the survey method which allows the level of risk for a building to be determined (Primack, 2003). Through a survey method, the condition of the building is determined by assessing many parts of the individual building elements such as the roofs, chimney, and walks among others with some parts like the roof and the watering system having more influence on the overall condition of a building. In case of the any building which is thought to be derelict, then it is advisable to report the case to the Historic Environment Team. The team will involve the action of the survey team to find more about the physical condition and the vulnerability of neglect. In as much as it is consequential to report such instances of neglect to the owner of the building, the team can proceed to get the building at the risk register directly (Becker et al, 2009). The acquisition of the building of the team can be done in two ways which include the cooperative routes and the coercive route which involves negotiation with the owner with an attempt to restore the building and secure its future. There are also statutory laws that govern the restoration and implementation process in buildings suspected to be at a risk. The laws unauthorized any alteration to a listed building without the owner’s consent but at the same time it compels the owners to carry out the regeneration of those buildings which act as a landmark and may be at a risk of dilapidation (Becker et al, 2009). The statutory powers under the listed building and conservation areas act enables the council to execute any work which appears to be on the preservation of a listed building within the country. Therefore, the aim of an environmentalist is to ensure that resources such as the historic buildings are conserved by ensuring that all the listed buildings are sustained in terms of physical condition together with the functions they serve. The contents of a Conservation statement This refers to a report that identify the physical condition and vulnerability of a significant building to damage by establishing feasible project that is implemented to convert the building to new use. The conservation statement once it has been used to secure funds from the funding bodies, it can then be forwarded to be used as a conservation management plan (Eberhardt & Thomas, 2011). As a result of giving a decision on the building condition, it also identifies the future use of the building. It is important for a person to understand the importance of successful restoration and re-use of a building before documenting on a historic building. This section of this paper gives a guide on how to bring back a historic building back to use. The guide is used to in restoration projects in order to conserve, repair and restore derelict historic buildings to have other new uses (Fanger, 2000). Some historic buildings become redundant as a result of the environment in which they are situated are vandalized or redeveloped to suit a particular activity. Individuals are coming together in the form of groups, community or charity bodies regenerate a historic building back to its new uses. The Prince’s Regeneration Trust has worked with these groups in many ways including helping them develop a conservation statement and conservation management plan (Eberhardt & Thomas, 2011). The process of regeneration of a historic building involves the production of documentation relating to conservation issues as the first step. There should be no confusion or difficulty about this documentation since this is the basic path that needs not to be missed out. Once this has been in place, the focus should be on new uses the building to be regenerated might accommodate. Next, people concern should be the production of reports that relate to conservation and it need to give the properties about how to secure the grant aid, listed building consent and planning permission (Becker et al, 2009). This is because it is a requirement from the funding bodies for the regenerators to produce a conservation report which will act as a proposal for accessing the resources as well as it's subsequent successful management practices (Whitley & Prince, 2005). The conservation guide needs to provide an elaborate explanation about the group conservation document because they are important to build a proposal of high standard that will ensure repair and reuse of the building. Conservation reports are often used as a stepping stone for the project to secure funds from the lottery fund and other sources. A conservation statement of Rothesay Pavilion as an iconic building Rothesay Pavilion is an iconic building that is located North West end of Rothesay Victorian that is across to the Cowal Peninsula (Baker & Kim, 2007). It is important to build in Scotland and across the United Kingdom. The building is known as a hub for hosting games, tourist attraction, fitness and wellness center, exhibition center among others. It still continues to provide a key role in the community because of its positive social, economic and environmental impacts to the community with innumerable benefits. The building is an historic art Deco with unique features that only dates back to 1930’s. Therefore, it might be the only one with these decorative features surviving at this present time (Baker & Kim, 2007). Rothesay Pavilion has created a naturally significant cultural center across the United Kingdom but with the current risk it has over the neglect, there is a great decline in the number of tourists’. This is greatly worrying as the building is landmark that affects to a much extent the growth and development of the town (Jianguo & Nan, 2006). There are other partners who have collaborated with the regeneration management team in order to restore back Pavilion to its initial greatness state. These partners include the Prince’s regeneration trust, the English heritage, the building preservation trust, the heritage lottery fund and the United Kingdom Association of Building with the Prince’s regeneration trust performing the main task in restoration (Baker & Kim, 2007). The ownership issues of the Rothesay Pavilion building is with the government who owns it but most of the activities that the building used to hold are owned by the individual citizens. The building is surrounded by a number of luxurious building structures such as the Black Bull inn, Golfers Bar, the Waterfront Bistro restaurant, the Galatea bar and the Esplanade Hotel which makes pavilion more attractive and appealing to the people other than its old art decoration (Becker et al, 2009). Rothesay pavilion is a historic building and therefore its restoration will greatly help in the conserving its unique features. The main purpose of writing this conservation statement is because I would like to include it in the initial stage of funding application from the heritage lottery fund and other funding sources. The aim of this conservation statement is also to help invite a suitable conservationist professional will assist in the execution of the project as a result of complicity in the building (Baker & Kim, 2007). The conservation statement also helps to attract funds from sources such as the Architectural Heritage Fund but in case of a charity body then it secure funds from local authority or statutory funding agencies. Understanding the building and setting The historical overview The wider historical context of Rothesay pavilion is a general cultural center, economic and environmental magnificent building (Fanger, 2000). The beautiful environmental features around the building which facilitated the construction of the Rothesay Pavilion. The site of construction is a bay which is located in the Scottish seaside town and also across the coast of Victorian. Due to these features, the building construction was strategically placed and it could serve many functions. For example, it could act as an accommodation center for the holiday-maker who could come to the beach for swimming and for those who particularly came for an adventure of the building (Jianguo & Nan, 2006). According to Baker and Kim (2007), Rothesay Pavilion was built during the era of big band sound and specifically designed to fulfill a wide range of purpose. The building is an example of an international style modernism and this explains why it was constructed and designed to be used over its lifetime. Rothesay pavilion was designed by Carrick in a competition that was adjudicated by Thomas and later the design was developed and implemented to great, beautiful and magnificent building. Eventually, what was used as a design for competition later turned out to be an iconic building that was appealing to the nation and beyond. Economically, the construction of Rothesay pavilion has benefited many people. As a result many small businesses have developed along the road and around the location of the building making people to have a good living standard from the capital they have accumulated and those contributed by Rothesay pavilion. It is also important to note that pavilion construction has facilitated the conservation of natural resources such as trees and vegetation around the town (Becker et al, 2009).. This has given the environment around the town its aesthetic beauty and more attractive to the holiday makers and visitors. Architectural overview Carrick, the architect of the Rothesay Pavilion made his architectural designed with consideration of the building to be a cultural and community life center (Baker & Kim, 2007). The design also considered the building to be used as a community social enterprise and a significant cultural venue that is an appeal to the local community and the visitors to Bute. The decoration and the art work on the building’s facade, inside, as fittings and as fixtures were done with perfection to meet its future function. The modification of the building, extension and repair of the parts will be done using original materials that will make restoration more attractive and impressive with uniqueness of its own kind. Setting of the building The townscape within which Rothesay Pavilion sits is a good location that is set within terraces and avenues (Whitley & Prince, 2005). The building is set along a wooded valley with reeds and water-mill which is an integral to the former operation of the building and now it is a habitat for important wildlife. In the event of the town around Rothesay pavilion becomes an urban center, then the wildlife would become a tourist attraction site. This will be a major boost to the development of the building, the sanctuary and the town become a locally and internationally civic area. The sanctuary can also become a site of scientific interest and conservation area making the regeneration project to be a fruitful project (Becker et al, 2009). The beautiful coast of Victoria opposite the location of the building. Archaeological overview There are other features like plazas, hotels and bars around the Rothesay pavilion which make the building to have an ancient landscape characteristic. Within the building, there is a section included about archaeological features (Baker & Kim, 2007). The nature and the history of the building makes this section necessary because they are what tells about what existed or took place before. The archaeology section is important within the building as a site because it gives the project a potential understanding of the assessment of the building. The presence of this section within the Rothesay pavilion is irrespective of it being above or below the ground, is a feature that should make this building operational. Illustration Th regeneration process of the Rothesay Pavilion will ensure all the characteristics of the elememnt and spaces are retained. There will be efforts to restore the original design features, architectural details and materials of the building to the original condition. There should be some consideration on the building can be interpreted and if possible some areas given to the public access and management. Policies will be rigorous to protect the sensitive setting of the building to development and should strive to achieve a higher standard of design than before. Plan The adoption of the plan will help in guiding the regeneration process to completion and subsequent management of the Rothesay Pavilion after completion. This plan will provide the detail oof partnership’s staff and trustees who will be responsible for the guiding of all activities of regeneration. The plan once endorsed by the regeneration principles, local authorities or other statutory bodies, will help in gide the process smoothly. It will overcome the hindrance from different authorities, individuals and organizations which are opposive to the regeneration. The plan need to be updated regularly and from time to time to help keep the process to date and allow incoration of any daily change of plan activities to be included in the on going process of regeneration. Social and community value The building demonstrates a less tangible ethics to the society especially to the sentimental bond between the community and the Rothesay Pavilion. The social and community values make a key component of the building and also it is significant that ought to be conserved as a historic and architectural characteristic (Jianguo & Nan, 2006). The building plays a big role in creating a sense of belonging and a distinctive identity as well as being associated with the main cultural, religious, and civic events of the community. With the unique qualities of the building such as acoustic, the way light falls and how air circulates in the building makes it be included in the list of historic buildings as set by the local authority. An overview of the conference room within the Rothesay Pavilion Significance This is the value that the expert, the local community and I have for the building. The value of Rothesay Pavilion is beyond the architectural interest and I must not place it at risk through the process of change or due to my proposal for the regeneration of the building for a change of its use (Baker & Kim, 2007). The entire request made should aim at safeguarding the initial use of the building and enhancing its sensitive manner. This section refines all the information in the previous section and only gives much attention to the features that makes Rothesay Pavilion significant (Whitley & Prince, 2005). The section also forms the core of conservation statement that forms the layout of the significant feature of the building (Jianguo & Nan, 2006). These include the features or the factors that make the building a heritage of significance. The landscape, parks, sanctuary and the art decor of the building refers to the particular historic interest of the building to the surrounding area and exemplary collection of the unique features at the Victorian sea shore. The woodland found integrally for the building with the sanctuary, is significant being that it is a high Arboricultural interest and this becomes an important area. Surprisingly, this is where some species of trees first grew for example the Leyland cypress. Rothesay Pavilion is a great significance to the town not only because it is significant historical information it contains but for the civic space and facilities it offers as a civic building currently (Baker & Kim, 2007). The building is strategically located and offers a range of open spaces, and beautiful scenery. The condition of the Building The condition of the building has deteriorated since the date of its construction and there has been uncertainty over whose responsibility to good care of it. The consequence of the uncertainty over Rothesay pavilion ownership has led to a lack of maintenance and under use of an important facility. The forces of nature such as rain water, infiltration, dry or wet rot and insect infestation has caused deterioration and damage to the building. Looking from the facade of the building, there has been minor movements within the structure which are seen as elevation and some have developed cracks making it more vulnerable. The cracks require immediate remedial repair (Becker et al, 2009). Ares of rot as a result of water penetration which have been identified in the roof timbers, walls need to be solved to prevent further deterioration. The interior of the house is stout but the fittings of the remaining fabric are vulnerable to absoluteness. The condition of the plaster ceilings is of concern and requires a higher degree of restoration and preservation as well (Whitley & Prince, 2005). Conservation issues and capacity for change It is possible for the Rothesay Pavilion to have the capacity to sustain a great deal of change without an adverse effect of its special interest. The pavilion capacity for change will depend on the recommendation of the local planning authority and the relevant national heritage body such as Historic Scotland (Baker & Kim, 2007). Once all the features have been understood, it is possible now to determine how far to change the capacity or if it will not be necessary. On conservation issues, it is important to consider the ownership of the building and find out whether the separate ownership of different parts has affected the importance. The aesthetic scenery of the environment around the Rothesay Bay where the pavilion is located. There should be a consideration of the size and type of the building before conservation for example the ability to convert the building without damaging its historic character (Jianguo & Nan, 2006). The historic buildings and the environment are considered by the conservationist authorities and hence any issues relating to the setting of the building should be well elaborated. The restoration team should interpret how the features could be signposted and enhanced through the conversion process (Whitley & Prince, 2005). Finally, the team needs to know how funds necessary for the implementation of the conservation project would be secured from the funding sources. Outline policies According Becker et al (2009), these are policies that will help in managing the building before, during and after the conversion into new uses. They ensure that the significance of the building is protected and not damaged or changed. The policies will form the foundation of the architect briefings for the further work. The policies will outline the characteristic elements and spaces that are expected to be retained and an explanation why this is important will be given. Opportunities for enhancing or restoring the original design features of the building need to be well outlined and lastly a recommendation on the pattern of the future ownership which will prove to optimize the conservation. Conclusion The Prince’s Regeneratioon Trust is one of the main charity groups of non-profit organizations which takes part in ensuring restoration of the buildings suspected to be in danger of being demolished due to neglect. This organization has the mandate to partner witn a building conservation Trust, heritage lottery fund and many others to ensure regeneration of the buildings back to their original state. After writing a conservation report, then writing of conservation management plan should begin because the plan can be usesd to manage the building after regeneration. All the technical documents need to be prepared after writing of a conservation report. These may include business plan, economic impact assessment, Environmental Impact Assessment, Audience development Plan and they are needed by funding bodies before giving the grants to the regeneration committee. Bibliography Baker, A. J., & Kim, J. W., 2007, A taylor weak?statement algorithm for hyperbolic conservation laws. International journal for numerical methods in fluids, Vol. 7, No. 5; Pp. 489-520. Becker, C., Kulovits, H., Guttenbrunner, M., Strodl, S., Rauber, A., & Hofman, H., 2009, Systematic planning for digital preservation: evaluating potential strategies and building preservation plans. International journal on digital libraries, Vol. 10, No. 4; Pp 133-157. Eberhardt, L. L., & Thomas, J. M., 2011, Designing environmental field studies. Ecological Monographs, Vol. 61, No. 1; Pp 53-73. Fanger, P. O., 2000, Thermal comfort. Analysis and applications in environmental engineering. Thermal comfort. Analysis and applications in environmental engineering. Jianguo, W., & Nan, J., 2006, Protective Reuse of Chinese Industrial Historic Building Heritage in the Post-industrial Age [J]. Architectural Journal, Vol. 8, No. 1. Primack, R. B., 2003, Essentials of conservation biology (Vol. 23). Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates. Whitley, R., & Prince, M., 2005, Are inner?cities bad for your health? Comparisons of residents’ and third parties’ perceptions of the urban neighbourhood of Gospel Oak, London. Sociology of health & illness, Vol. 27, No. 1; Pp 44-67. Read More