Date Approved
3-21-2006
Date Posted
10-1-2009
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Engineering Technology
Committee Member
Louise Jones, ArchD, Chair
Committee Member
Jiang Lu, MArch, MA
Committee Member
Norman Tyler, PhD
Committee Member
Robert Black, MArch
Abstract
This conceptual project generated an adaptive reuse proposal for the Book and Tower Building in a registered historic district. Louis Kamper designed the thirteen-story Book Building in 1917, in the Beaux Arts style, to create elite shops and offices. In 1926 the thirty-six-story Tower Building extended the leaseable space. This proposal preserved and rehabilitated the historic features in the lobby area and renovated the retail spaces. An Asian Café was designed to contrast, but blend with, the Beaux Arts style. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation were followed in the lobby area so as to make the renovation eligible for federal and state tax credits. LEED for New Construction & Major Renovation Criteria grounded the proposal so as to reduce the potentially negative environmental impact associated with renovation of urban high-rise buildings. The contrast of new and old, East and West, created an intriguing tension in this Detroit landmark.
Recommended Citation
Luo, Chi-Ying, "A conceptual plan for the Detroit Book and Tower Building: Exploration of the conjunction of historic preservation and sustainable design concepts" (2006). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 106.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/106
Included in
Environmental Design Commons, Historic Preservation and Conservation Commons, Interior Architecture Commons