| CONFLICT:
Finding
Common Ground
Design
within a Historic Context
In order to understand the development of the Berkeley High School
project, it is
essential to acknowledge the external forces acting on the design
process.
Located in downtown Berkeley, the new school buildings at the corner of
Allston
Way and Milvia Street fall within the Civic Center Historic District.
The blocks included
within this district are now listed on both the California Register of
Historical Resources
and the National Register of Historic Places.
What is the nature of the landmark
buildings that neighbor the new project and helped to establish the
historic district?
Opposition
to the Project is Voiced
Given the location within the Civic Center Historic District, local
groups oppose the lack of public process and the appearance of that
which is "modern" in the new design.
What are the points of contention and what steps are taken by
these groups to be heard?
Compromise
and Moving Forward
The Berkeley Unified School District and ELS Architects change some
aspects of the project in the face of opposition, while standing firm on
other issues. Although
those in opposition want all issues addressed, compromise is
acknowledged and the project moves forward.
What are the concessions?
A
Modern Building
While the historic buildings within the district and the campus are
pre-1950's the new construction must take advantage of some modern
building techniques. It is
also the goal of ELS Architects to have the buildings reflect the time
in which they are built. How
does this introduction of modern technique and detail deviate from the
old?
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