The art of the Powerhouse: a case study for utility, beauty, and renewal
In her new book, architect Jeanne Gang uses a horticultural technique as a way of rethinking adaptive reuse and combating climate change in architecture and urban design.
Architectural grafting, an alternative to demolition, involves bringing new life to older buildings through strategic additions and adaptations while preserving their cultural and historical significance. Rather than tearing down existing structures that have outlived their original purpose, architectural grafting reimagines historic buildings, like the Powerhouse, for contemporary uses, encouraging a sustainable evolution of cityscapes.
The Art of Architectural Grafting uses the Powerhouse and other Studio Gang projects as case studies to illustrate how existing structures can be reinvented to create new utility and beauty while minimizing their carbon footprint. Short personal essays by the author are grafted throughout the book, which is illustrated with sketches, photographs, architectural drawings, and historical images from the eight case studies.
