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Structural retrofitting in historic buildings - the case of Hearst Greek theatre,

California

Article in International Journal of Engineering & Technology · January 2018

DOI: 10.14419/ijet.v7i1.4.9027

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 International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 7 (1.4) (2018) 1-7

International Journal of Engineering & Technology

Website: www.sciencepubco.com/index.php/IJET

Research paper

Structural retrofitting in historic buildings – the case of Hearst

Greek theatre, California
Kanika Bansal*

Professor, Chitkara School of Planning & Architecture

*Corresponding author E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

A modification process after manufacturing or constructing is called Retrofitting. Within the existing built forms it refers to the
transitions made to the systems in the building or the structure after it is constructed or put to its defined use. Within the present day
context, there are many historic buildings that are still in use or have the potential for future use. These may not be sometimes used to
their full potential, despite their historic character and environmental features as most of them do not satisfy the contemporary needs of
the present day user. They may also have been built for a purpose that no longer exists or has changed and often lag behind today’s
performance standards and codes. Therefore, for contemporary use of such historic buildings, Retrofitting for Rehabilitation is an
opportunity for alterations and additions to suit it to the present day context. The most significant aspect of retrofitting is associated with
structural refurbishment which aids for added strength, stability and safety of the historic buildings. Retrofitting measures in a historical
building aims to improve the overall performance of the building, facilitate techniques to alter, repair or add to make the historic building
fit for contemporary use without jeopardizing their historic qualities. Through case examples, the paper aims to bring out the trends in
retrofitting and the retrofitting techniques that are being adopted in contributing to a sustainable future of historic buildings. The
structural retrofitting techniques adopted at the Hearst Greek Theatre, California exemplify how historic buildings can be structurally
rehabilitated to become a sustainable resource for future generations.

Keywords: Historic Building; Rehabilitation; Retrofitting; Sustainability

1. Introduction
2. Need for retrofitting in Historic Buildings
Rehabilitation is a process of giving a compatible use of an
existing property through the means of repairing the damages, The basic aim of retrofitting a historical building is to improve the
appropriate alterations, and required additions yet preserving the overall performance of the building adding to its long term usage
characteristics features representing the various values associated and benefit. The retrofitting measures adopted for any historical
with it. Rehabilitation is most commonly used level of structure may be adopted for one or more of the following:
intervention which allows for contemporary alterations and
additions. Retrofitting1 is a process that transforms an object after 2.1. Updating Building Systems Appropriately
its manufacture or construction. Within the existing built forms it
refers to the transitions made to the systems in the building or the It has become imperative to provide many contemporary Interior
structure after it is constructed or put to its defined use. The Systems, such as Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning,
intention of retrofitting is improving on the existing facilities for plumbing, electrical and other technologies within the buildings
its occupants and/or the overall performance of the building as a that add to the user comfort and improve the life of the building
whole. Retrofitting for Rehabilitation is a process of makes fabric. Retrofitting helps to update the existing building systems in
changes within an existing historic building in order to adapt it for historic structures. It retains original significant historic features
new uses satisfying the used needs without intervening with the and thus accommodating new technologies and equipment.
property’s historic integrity. (De Almeida, 2014 [1]). In recent However, while updating the systems a conscious effort of
years there has been increasing activity in “retrofit”-where new minimizing the impact as far as possible should be made to retain
services and fittings have been installed to historic buildings. much of the original building fabric and thereby maintain the
Retrofitting historic buildings are sometimes also seen as a risk building's integrity.
mitigation measure against earthquake hazard impact on the
historic structure as well. 2.2. Improved Environmental Performance

The safeguarding and preserving processes adopted for heritage

1
The word ‘Retrofit’ means to “to install or fit” with parts, devices, or buildings contribute towards the sustainability. It aims to reduce
equipments not in existence or available at the time of original the energy wasted during the process of demolishing, disposing
construction. In Historic buildings it provides for installing a device or a
the produced waste and followed on construction as well as
system, for example air conditioning, disaster safety devices etc., for a use-
in or on an existing structure. conserve the embodied energy within the existing built fabric
Copyright © 2018 Authors. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted
use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
International Journal of Engineering & Technology 2

contributing to a sustainability. Recently retrofitting has claimed of lime as binding material, surkhi, terracotta for facades and
to achieve optimum energy efficiency and improving the stones for structural components in the ancient construction, the
environmental performance of the building. While 40% of energy use of cement based plaster, mortar and concrete and plaster in
consumption is through buildings; retrofitting a historic building today’s buildings the retrofit measures are invariably different.
through appropriate energy efficient measures can reduce the The most common threat of structural retrofitting in a historic
adverse effect on the environment. An outstanding example is the building is the damage caused by the proposed intervention to its
energy retrofit in the Historical Empire State Building where appearance and integrity to comply with the norms given in the
various building measures to were adopted as retrofit measures for building codes. Since the most common ways to structurally
improving environmental performance and reducing the CO2 retrofit is either to an additional structural members and to treat
emissions. irregularities without any sensitivity to the architectural detail.
Structural retrofit therefore becomes quite challenging as a
2.3. Comply with Accessibility Requirements sensitive approach in design and detailing is required regarding
the historic character of the building, even if the retrofit
Universal Access being an important concern in the modern day, components are visible. While structural retrofitting, three
therefore it becomes imperative to retrofit these historic properties preservation principles should be considered as follows:
more accessible to people with disabilities. It has become a • Retain and preserve the Historic materials as much as possible
mandate for designers to provide access for persons with and should not be compromised upon at all while adopting
disabilities while conserving our rich heritage. Adequate structural strengthening measures;
retrofitting measures allow historic buildings allow being • In the retrofit systems, the integrity and authenticity of the
accessible for people with disabilities. Alterations to historic historic building should be regarded and the intervention thus
properties to increase accessibility may vary from adding a small proposed should be visually compatible with it.
yet inexpensive ramp at the entrance besides the step or minor • As far as possible, interventions should be "reversible" for future
additions within the interior or exterior of the building to suit the use in terms of providing interior systems and repair of
needs of universal access. remaining historic materials.
For example in the Clotworthy/McMillan House, Heber City,
Utah all additions were put on rear of house. The railings were 4. Case study - the Hearst Greek Theatre,
added to front steps for support and an additional ramp was
provided to rear entrance with appropriate modifications. Ramp University of California, Berkley, California
being added on the secondary facade and does not intervene with The following case example of The Hearst Greek Theatre,
historic the significance of the building. Such measures may not University of California, shows the complete process of structural
require major interventions however care should has taken such retrofitting of a Historical Building beginning from enlisting the
that they do not alter or affect the original historic character of the significance of the Theatre, identifying the structural damages
building. done to its Very Significant, Significant features and the
retrofitting techniques thus adopted to preserve the “Values”
2.4. Repair and maintenance of structural components attached to it. (“The Hearst Greek Theatre,” 2007 [3])
The Hearst Greek Theatre is located in the north east of the
The most sensitive aspect of rehabilitation of historic buildings is University of California, Berkeley campus (fig.1) and was used as
related to their structural safety which counts for a complex an amphitheatre within the University. Originally constructed in
building assessment. The strengthening of existing buildings can 1903 as a gift of William Randolph Hearst, the theatre received an
conflict with their cultural and historic. The seismic vibrations and addition designed in the Modern style by Ernest Born in 1957
other natural and man-made causes have adversely affected the (Born Addition). Initially isolated from the rest of the campus by a
historic building fabric with the passage of time. Thus Structural eucalyptus grove, the theatre now is circumscribed by student
Retrofit gives way to transitions that may be required within a housing to the north, Bowles Hall to the southeast, and Gayley
building to reduce any irregularities within the structure, Road to the southwest. The site contains the original amphitheatre
strengthening and mass reduction of the structure along with base seating bowl and stage with its current use as an event venue and
isolation for seismic safety. It thus aims to improve structural an addition at the rear of the stage, circulation, and landscaping
behaviour of the building in accordance to the building codes and which dates to 1957.
also helps to preserve historic structure itself.

Associated with structural safety, these retrofit measures may also

address the Life Safety and Security Needs, seismic, and security
issues to preserve historic sites, spaces. Various retrofit schemes
have been devised which aid to safeguard the historic buildings
from the damages caused by natural disasters and by the various
retrofitting interventions that may have been already adopted.
Therefore, the type of structural intervention on the heritage
building depends on an intensive condition assessment of the
building, ranging from simple maintenance without damaging the
cultural value of the building, to deep rehabilitation, when it can
be retrofitted for disaster risk preparedness of the historic building
for its future use.

3. Structural retrofitting
The structural retrofitting works in historic buildings can aim to
repair and /or strengthen the building elements. Repair is done Fig.1: John Galen Howard’s plan for the University of California. (Image
when the objective is to regain the load-bearing capacity of the courtesy of The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley)
building elements, while strengthening, increases the load bearing-
capacity. Material differences of the past from that of the present 4.1. Historical Significance of the Theatre
also pose manifold challenges for the engineers. As against the use
International Journal of Engineering & Technology 3

The Hearst Greek Theatre has a high level of integrity and is per Addition (all except toilet room fixtures and finishes), the Halprin
the National Register of Historic Places. It is an excellent example landscaping, including the central court, planter boxes, north and
of a classical amphitheatre; as a site that represents the south gate landscape areas and Gayley Road landscape area, upper
development of the Berkeley campus from the 19th Century lawn seating area, and inner circumference of upper landscape
period, the Hearst Competition and John Galen Howard, and the area are Significant (Secondary Significance). The Contributing
post-World War II era; and as a venue for important campus (C) features are Born Addition toilet room plumbing fixtures, floor
events and famous performances and figures from the larger and ceiling finishes, and partitions along with the periphery of the
culture. (“The Hearst Greek Theatre,” 2007 [3]) The property is site. All remaining features like the Asphalt Paving, Fences,
significant at the state level for its association with historically Lighting Fixtures etc., are Non-Contributing (NC).
significant persons: Phoebe Apperson Hearst and William
Randolph Hearst, because of Phoebe Hearst’s role in planning the 4.3. Structural Assessment of the Very Significant
theater, her son’s role in paying for the original construction, and Components
his gift and the role of his heirs’ business in the 1957 addition.

It is significant at the National level because it symbolizes the Since the stage and its colonnade and the Auditorium seating bowl
work of a master and acquire high artistic value. This theatre is were very significant elements so their structural assessment was
one of John Galen Howard’s first buildings on the Berkeley important to prevent any damage that could be caused due to any
campus, and also one of the largest. More than any other one, it unforeseen event.
exhibits his use of classical precedent without programmatic
influences of contemporary academic needs. The theatre is also 4.3.1. Assessments of hazards relating to the colonnade
significant under Criterion C because it fully articulates the ideal
concept of a classical amphitheatre; this association is 4.3.1.1. Global Collapse of Colonnade:
strengthened by its construction as a core building of the
University when it consciously sought to become the Athens of The greatest hazard presented by the existing structure is the
the West. overturning or falling of large volumes of concrete. In addition to
its presumed lack of steel reinforcement, the colonnade is also
The Born additions of 1957 are significant at the local because divided into segments by “cold joints” or separations between
they illustrate how Modernist architects adapted contemporary concrete pours, many of which have cracked through the cement
forms, detailing, and use of materials to Beaux-Arts buildings. The plaster coating. Architect Walter Steilberg's 1954 crack survey
landscape designed in consultation with Lawrence Halprin is also drawings (Fig. 3) suggest a horizontal joint between column
significant for the use of Modernist landscape principles in capitals and architrave as well as vertical through-wall cracks
circulation and planting design. [4] within the architrave. Calculations predict that even lower levels
of acceleration could cause overturning about the base, crushing of
4.2. Historic Character defining Features of the Hearst concrete at the base, or soil bearing failure beneath a single
Greek Theatre column. In reality, these failure modes are restrained by adjacent
panels spanning to the perpendicular end walls and to the thicker
The stage surface and the roof of the stage structure are central portion. While the colonnade's C-shaped plan does provide
Significant. (Fig. 2) .The other visible materials of the Howard some inherent strength that has prevented collapse in previous
design, including unfinished concrete with exposed aggregate and earthquakes, yet it needed a treatment due to the sudden, non-
the concrete of the stage structure with a cement skim coating, are ductile failure of unreinforced concrete.
Very Significant.[5] (The amphitheatre has been repaired and
exhibits significant deterioration in places, but retains its original
form and the character of its original material and detailing so that
it continues to convey the significance of its design and historical
development.)

Fig. 3: Crack survey drawing (Image Source: Tipping Mar structural

engineering firm adapted by Author)

4.3.1.2. Local Collapse of Panels

Fig. 2: Diagram showing historic significance of the Theatre and its Another set of critical cold joints were those between columns and
surroundings (Image Source: [1] adapted by Author) wall panels. Concrete core sampling of one column in 1992
showed that a portion of wall was cast integrally with the column,
The prohedria of marble, granite, and cast stone are Very with keyways formed to accept adjacent wall panels cast later
Significant. All works of art older than the Greek Theatre and (Fig. 4). Regardless of whether the sheet metal lining the keyways
archaeological objects incorporated in or fixed to the property are represents formwork left in place after the column pour or whether
Very Significant. Very Significant (Primary Significance) are the it was added prior to the wall pour, the result is a possibility for
Stage (all except stage floor and roof structure) and the movement between column and wall. The unreinforced concrete
Amphitheater seating bowl. While the Stage floor and roof wall panels are likely to break up and/or fall during an earthquake
structure (replaced as part of the 1950s repair program), the Born unless they are reinforced and tied to the columns.
International Journal of Engineering & Technology 4

a secondary hazard from the system losing pressure and failing to

extinguish a fire.

4.4. Objectives of Retrofitting in the Theatre

Since the project called for a strategy of retaining and preserving

the most significant character-defining features of the buildings
(fig. 6) and for the Hearst Greek Theatre seismic updates, the
Standards for Rehabilitation were considered to be the most
appropriate treatment for the project.[6] Due to poor-quality
concrete and lack of reinforcement, the stage colonnade presented
a very real, urgent life safety hazard. A major seismic event could
cause the global collapse of the colonnade onto the stage and
through the stage floor into the Born Addition. Additionally, the
Fig. 4: Plan details of joints between columns and infill panels wall panels between the columns have the potential to collapse
onto the stage during a major seismic event, and the cornices at
4.3.1.3. Detachment of Cornices the architrave level could potentially fall onto the stage. As the
colonnade would have presented the most significant potential for
Cornices at the architrave level and above the central west loss of life in case of a major seismic event, retrofitting was the
doorway presented a significant falling hazard due to their weight primary purpose of this rehabilitation project. As a qualified
and projection from the structure. Seismic acceleration and/or existing historic building, Greek Theatre was reviewed for
displacement of the structure may impose forces great enough to building rehabilitation as relates to the stage structure, as well
detach these components, especially in locations with existing areas immediately adjacent to it, such as the Born Addition,
cracks. These components are assumed to lack steel including the dressing rooms in the wings and the central
reinforcement. (Fig. 5) subterranean level. The rehabilitation measures were framed for
providing life safety upgrades as prescribed by the State Historical
Building Code.

Fig.6: Proposed Retrofit components (Image Source: [1] adapted by

Author)

Accessibility upgrades for the Greek Theatre as per the federal and
state codes and regulations, as well as University of California
Fig. 5: Weak joints at the colonnade with the architrave may lead to a policy were another aspect that made its rehabilitation process
collapse as shown in the section.
significant. The building was made to meet American Disability
Act requirements as modified by state standards and conformance
4.3.2. Assessments of hazards relating to the Seating as a Public Accommodation Facility. The intention was to
Bowl preserve the integrity of the qualified historic building while
providing access to and use by persons with disabilities.
The auditorium's seating bowl is constructed partly on an
excavated slope, and partly on backfill retained by unreinforced 4.5. Retrofit Schemes
concrete gravity walls. Previous studies have noted that the walls
lack adequate factors of safety against overturning and bending Two seismic retrofit schemes(fig. 4) were developed for the stage
failure; chronic settlement and cracking may have been colonnade: an exposed retrofit scheme and a concealed retrofit
exacerbated by the alterations completed in 1957. scheme. Both schemes acknowledge the urgent need to
seismically brace the colonnade, stabilize other components of the
4.3.3. Assessments of hazards relating to the Backstage amphitheatre stage and seating bowl, and minimize impact on
historic fabric to the greatest extent possible. [5] Other factors that
1957 Addition: were considered include reversibility and permanence.

Since the backstage addition and auditorium toilets were The impact of the seismic retrofit on the historic fabric of the
completed in 1957, the construction conforms to concrete Greek Theatre was the primary consideration. Both schemes
detailing of its era,” The hazard posed by pre-modern concrete presented aim to minimize impact, though in distinctly different
detailing in the backstage addition and auditorium toilets, were ways. The exposed retrofit does not impact the interior of the
assumed to be relatively minor when compared to the building envelope, instead constructing a system of steel walers,
unreinforced concrete colonnade. The existing fire protection struts, and frames attached to the rear stage wall. The concealed
piping and equipment lacked the seismic bracing required for non- retrofit is designed to have the least impact possible on the visual
structural components by current building code. In addition to the
primary hazard of pipes breaking and falling on occupants, there is
International Journal of Engineering & Technology 5

historic fabric, or the exterior of the stage. It relies on bracing

within the existing building envelope.

4.5.1. Exposed Retrofit Concept

This concept seeks to reduce the risk associated with design

assumptions by placing reinforcement on the exterior of the
colonnade. (fig.7). While this approach has fewer performance
limitations and is more reversible than concealed reinforcement, it
has a greater impact on visual appearance, architectural program,
and envelope. Both the original colonnade and the 1957 backstage
addition will be affected. This concept proposed new drilled
concrete pier foundations outside the west wall of the 1957
addition, possibly requiring tree protection and other measures to
mitigate damage to this historic landscape area. Holes were to be
drilled into the existing colonnade for epoxy-anchored dowels Fig.8: Concealed Retrofit Concept
connecting to the new steel bracing. The solution was made less
visually obtrusive by concentrating struts at four locations and by
the use a network of horizontal and vertical walers to distribute
loads between them. The horizontal walers perform the additional To mitigate the risk of soil bearing failure and global overturning,
functions of bracing the infill panels and holding the vertical this concept involves removing and replacing the existing stage in
walers away from decorative trim elements. Constructability order to construct a new micropile-supported concrete mat filling
issues related to this concept include working in close proximity the entire rectangle between existing colonnade walls and stage
to historic fabric, particularly where foundation drilling and steel apron. Some underpinning of, and core drilling through, existing
erection must take place in or over the historic landscape area west foundation walls were required to make a connection to the new
of the backstage addition. Risks inherent in design assumptions mat foundation.[7] The existing colonnade roof must also be
include the variability of concrete strength in the colonnade and removed and replaced in order to construct a reinforced concrete
unknown subsurface conditions below the addition. The external tie beam above the cornice; this will be in place of an existing
retrofit concept is intended to mitigate the hazard of global unreinforced concrete “spine” and its profile will be designed to
collapse but should be paired with panel and cornice retrofit work minimize visibility from the audience.Existing column center
in order to address these lesser but still significant hazards. voids must be extended upward into the architrave and downward
into footings in order to install new vertical reinforcement. The
concealed column reinforcement concept is intended to mitigate
the hazard of global collapse but should be paired with panel and
cornice retrofit work in order to address these lesser but still
significant hazards.

4.5.3. Comparing the two retrofit schemes

Criterion Exposed Retrofit Concealed Retrofit

Concept Concept
Reversibility Mostly reversible Not reversible
Visual impact Highly visible from Minor visual impact due
sides and rear of to reinforced spine
colonnade profile
Fig.7: Exposed Retrofit Concept
Impact on historic Significant impact Minimal impact
4.5.2. Concealed Retrofit Concept landscape areas
Design risk due to Minimal risk Critical to column
This concept minimizes visual, program, and envelope impacts by unknown layout & retrofit
working within the existing structure, but the trade-offs are condition of voids
substantial risk associated with design assumptions, a lack of Design risk due to Affects design of Critical to column
reversibility, and an upper limit on performance imposed by the variations in anchors from new steel retrofit
existing geometry (fig. 8). into existing concrete
concrete strength
Design risk due to Affects design of new Affects volume of rock
variations in foundations west of to be removed for new
subsurface backstage addition mat foundation beneath
conditions stage
Expected damage New steel yielded and Reinforcement yielded
state after major needing replacement; and inaccessible for
seismic event existing concrete may inspection; entire
or may not be structure may need
salvageable replacement

5. Analysis
The two retrofit schemes comply with the standards of
rehabilitation as detailed below:
International Journal of Engineering & Technology 6

materials. The roof spine is

S. reconstructed as close to its
Exposed Retrofit scheme Concealed Retrofit scheme current finishes, dimensions, and
no.
The exposed retrofit concepts placement as possible.
The Hearst Greek Theatre was retain the original use that it was No chemical or physical
designed for assembly and designed for assembly and treatments are proposed for
No chemical or physical
entertainment use. The entertainment. The seismic the Greek Theatre. If these
treatments are proposed for the
1. exposed retrofit retains this bracing is placed within the treatments are later deemed to
Greek Theatre. If these treatments
use. The horizontal steel struts existing stage walls and end be necessary, care will be
are later deemed to be necessary,
are elevated 19’4” feet above pylons, under the stage floor, and taken that the treatments
treatments damaging historic
the central court. atop the roof. The building use is 7. damaging the historic
materials shall not be used. Any
not affected. materials will not be used.
future treatments will be
The concealed retrofit adds new Any future treatments shall be
evaluated by a qualified historic
structural elements within the evaluated by a qualified
preservation architect or an
existing building envelope. It historic preservation architect
architectural conservator.
does not alter the stage except the or an architectural
The exposed retrofit scheme conservator.
stage floor and the roof spine
impact the historic character The retrofit scheme requires
(Significant). Because the stage The retrofit scheme includes
of the Hearst Greek Theatre, excavation for the insertion of
floor and roof covering were both minimal excavation for the
but the impacts are restricted concrete piers and a new
2. altered in the 1950s repair insertion of micropiles. If any
to secondary facades and grade beam foundation during
program, the concealed retrofit archeological material is
features that can be which if any archaeological
does not impact original historic 8. encountered during this work,
temporarily removed and later material is encountered
fabric. The overall historic construction will be halted and a
restored construction will be halted
character is well retained and proper analysis will be
preserved with very little visual and a proper analysis will be
undertaken by qualified
evidence of the concealed retrofit undertaken by qualified
specialists.
scheme. specialists.
The exposed retrofit does not The concealed retrofit does not
The concealed retrofit does not include any additions or major
include elements that create a
include elements that create a exterior alterations that will
false sense of history or add
false sense of history or add destroy the overall stage. New
conjectural features. The
conjectural features. The only construction impacts the stage
design of the retrofit structure
visible alterations occur with the floor and roof spine, which were
does not attempt to mimic the
removal and reconstruction of the replaced as part of the 1950s
3. design of the Although the exposed retrofit
stage floor and the roof spine. repair program. The removal of
1903 stage or the 1957 Born scheme impacts the historic
Both features are reconstructed as the stage floor and roof spine
Addition. All new elements character of the Hearst Greek
close to their current finishes, does not adversely affect the
are further differentiated as Theatre, the impacts are
dimensions, and placement as 9. building, since these elements are
new construction by modern restricted to secondary
possible. The stage represents a reconstructed and any alterations
materials such as steel, facades and features that can
record of its time. do not impact the historic
modern construction methods be temporarily removed and
The Born Addition has gained The Born Addition has gained character of the building. Since
later restored.
significance in its own right, significance in its own right, as the materials used in
as recognized by the Historic recognized by the Historic reconstruction are compatible
Structure Report and the Structure Report and the entire with the historic materials of the
National Register designation. property’s National Register building, therefore the concealed
The exposed retrofit does not listing. A small portion of the east retrofit duly maintains the
4. impact the Born Addition, but interior wall of the subterranean integrity of the building and
the level is removed for crawlspace landscape.
four new 4’ wide x 22’ long access and replaced at the The concealed retrofit does not
grade beam foundations is conclusion of work. Otherwise, include any new additions or
placed in the Gayley Road the concealed retrofit retains all related construction on the site.
area of the historic fabric in the Born For the most part, the concealed
Halprin landscape. Addition. retrofit consists of structural
The exposed retrofit scheme reinforcements added within the
preserves the unique The exposed retrofit scheme is existing building envelope. The
The concealed retrofit involves reversible. The removable of retrofit is not reversible, due to
techniques, features, finishes
removal and reconstruction of the this retrofit will not impair the insertion of micropiles,
and materials and exceptional
stage floor and roof spine, which 10. the integrity and essential construction of a new foundation,
craftsmanship that sets aparts
were replaced as part of the form of the historic buildings and extensive work inside the
the Hearst Greek Theatre.
1950s repair program. These two as well as the character existing building envelope.
Changes to the material and
features are identified as defining landscape However, seismic upgrades are
5. finishes of the rear stage wall
Significant features in the rarely reversed, and this upgrade
and Gayley Road landscape
Historic Structure Report. The is anticipated to extend the life of
area is limited to attachment
removal and reconstruction of the building and provide for
of fhorizontal steel walers on
these features does not adversely public safety while retaining the
the rear wall and construction
impact the historic building or significant historic features of the
of four 4’ wide x 22’ long
landscape. building.
grade beam foundations in the
landscape area
The exposed retrofit does not The concealed retrofit includes a
include replacement of the new mat foundation with
deteriorated colonnade. micropiles, extensive bracing 6. Conclusion
Instead, it braces the rear inside the columns, and the
(west) stage wall with a frame reconstructed roof spine. The The most sustainable building is the one that exists- and therefore
6. of vertical and horizontal steel only distinctive features that are conservation of such historic buildings that have a potential for
walers. The rear wall remains visibly affected under the future use aims at the long term survival of our heritage for the
intact. concealed retrofit are the stage
The pedestal, belt course, and floor and the roof spine. The new
enjoyment of our own and the coming generations. Retrofitting for
projecting central entrance stage floor matches the old in Rehabilitation is thus a process which prolongs the life of cultural
also remain intact. design, colour, texture, and heritage for its present and future use. Appropriate refurbishment
 International Journal of Engineering & Technology 7

through a well identified and rightly documented intervention

prevents the damage of a building without damaging or falsifying
its historical evidences and values. Thus conservation through
retrofitting processes can be rightly termed as A Future For Our
Valuable & Indispensable Past.

Acknowledgement
The research was undertaken under the able guidance of Prof.
Kiran Joshi, Dean Chitkara School of Planning & Architecture as
a part of M.Arch. programme.

References
[1] De Almeida, S. L. G. (2014). Retrofitting and refurbishment
processes of heritage buildings: application to three case studies,
11-13.
[2] Ranganadhan, A., & Paul, A., Seismic Retrofitting of an Existing
Structure, International Journal of Research in Engineering and
Technology, Volume: 05 Issue: 02 (2015), 42–46, available online:
http://ijiet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/5.pdf,
lastvisit:10.09.2017
[3] Frederic Knapp Architect, Inc., Historic Structure Report, The
Hearst Greek Theatre, University of California Berkeley,
California, San Francisco, California, 2007.
[4] Dillon, David, The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial Designed
by Lawrence Halprin.Washington, D.C.: Spacemaker Press, 1998.
[5] Beatty, Russell et al. Landscape Heritage Plan, University of
California, Berkeley. Berkeley: University of California, Berkeley,
Capital Projects, 2004.
[6] http://www.buildings.com/article-
details/articleid/5837/title/adapting-an-older-building-for-a-new-use
[Accessed on 29.08.2017]
[7] https://www.witpress.com/books/978-1-84564-754-4 [Accessed on
18.08.2017]
[8] https://richardson-olmsted.com/ [Accessed on 26.08.2017]

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