Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
AGENCY TESTIMONY
Frank Mahan's approach and philosophy on historic preservation
0:40:34
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64 sec
Frank Mahan outlines his approach to historic preservation, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and understanding of a building's history and context before shaping its future.
- Mahan's approach is described as 'both sweepingly philosophical and obsessively detailed' by architecture critic Justin Davidson.
- He views preservation as an opportunity to adapt cities to new living patterns, address climate change, and maintain cultural continuity.
- Mahan stresses the importance of understanding the original architect's intent, a building's changes over time, and its role in the community.
Frank Mahan
0:40:34
We must understand the original architect's intent, the way a building has changed over time since all buildings do change and how it has served its community.
0:40:44
These influences ranging from buildings changing meaning to its historic construction technologies must be understood and woven together to create a new future.
0:40:55
Noted architecture critic Justin Davidson recently wrote in New York Magazine of my work at the Waldorf Astoria and at Lever House, his approach to historic preservation is both sweepingly philosophical and obsessively detailed.
0:41:10
Our collective history and culture, relationship with the environment, and changing patterns of living all come together in preservation.
0:41:18
I cannot think of another field that deserves such careful stewardship by diverse and experienced professionals.
0:41:26
Through preservation we have the opportunity to adapt our city to new patterns of living, address climate change by caring for the buildings we already have, and preserve cultural continuity within our communities.