Built to Stand Forever: The Design, Materials, and Construction Philosophy of Old Buildings

C. J. Frost, Traditional Building Specialist, Historic Preservation/Restoration Professional, Licensed Michigan Builder/Contractor

Fridays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. October 4, 11, 18. 25. In person. Class size unlimited.

Take a walk around almost any community built prior to 1940, and you’ll see a wide variety of architectural styles, construction methods, and design elements that are uniquely specific to that place and time. Depending on the age of the community, you’ll also see buildings that are well over a century or two old, maybe more. Most of us are familiar with the phrase “they don’t build them like they used to” when talking about old buildings, but have you ever wondered how they built them to last so long? Or perhaps you’ve wondered what gives some buildings a look and feeling of timeless elegance? What forgotten black magic did those old builders practice to design and construct these masterpieces of our built environment? And perhaps the most important question: Can we learn it again in time to save our past and our future? This course seeks to engage students in illuminating exercises and thought-provoking conversations about the designs, construction methods, and attitudes regarding buildings of the past and how they influence our communities, ourselves, and our future.