• Ask Mark
    • Search the Library
    • Mark’s Blog
    • eNewsletter / Subscribe
    • Books
    • Links
  • Home Hardware Mark’s Choice
    • New Products
    • Hand Tools
    • Cutting Tools
    • Boots and Gloves
    • Hose and Watering Accessories
    • Bird Feeders and Bird Seed
    • Container Gardening
    • Seeds and Bulbs
    • Plant Supports
    • Gardening Accessories
  • CIL Iron Plus
    • C-I-L Iron Plus Lawn Fertilizers
  • Events
    • Calendar
    • Gardening Communities
  • About Mark
    • Mark and Ben’s Bio
    • Book Mark as a Speaker
    • Mark in the Media
    • Contact Us
December 3, 2014

When History Meets Modernity

Those of you who have been following my blogs and Green File newspaper column may be aware that I’m a bit of a history enthusiast. Specifically, I enjoy reading and learning about Canadian history and our efforts in World War II. I recently collaborated with World War II veteran and friend, Hugh Beaty, to write about his life pre- and post-war. For those of you who don’t know, proceeds from the sale of Extra Ordinary go to S.H.A.R.E. Agriculture Foundation.
dec3_1_2

My interest in WWII history drew me to an article I read recently discussing the restoration of a building condemned to be flattened following severe damage from bombings in the war. The building, located in Wierzbno, Poland, was also subject to fires and a poor restoration effort. Assessments of the building resulted in statements such as: “…cracked walls will fall by its own weight”. Not really the words you want to hear about a building that isn’t exactly located in the middle of nowhere.

Today, though, no one is the wiser.
dec3_2
Its Use
The building was once a multi-family housing complex – back in 1933 when it was built. Today, it is an office building reserved for the Foundation of Polish Science headquarters.

The Fix
It has taken about five years, but FABB Architektura has restored structural stability and then some to this historical building. Of course, the outside of the building does not appear to have been built in the 1930s but I don’t think that was the point. The architects, from what I can see, were bent on melding modern technology with historical charm. The interior of the building offers visitors a peak into the 1930s with the preservation of an historical staircase and the popular tile design from the times known as ‘corset tiles’.
dec3_3

The building now boasts low energy consumption, access to natural light in 96% of the above ground area thanks to some well-placed skylights, and, of course, the green wall: all 260 square meters of it that improves rainwater retention, and frankly, I think, looks pretty amazing. Architects say the wall’s greenery should be stabilized by 2016. Thanks to some high tech sensors, the wall can water itself when dry and feed itself when soils become depleted. Incredible.
dec3_4

The Controversy
It’s easy to see how some people don’t agree when the architects call this an “historical restoration”. If you compare the before and after photos, the exterior of the building looks nothing like it once did. With the fences removed, dead trees cleared, and brand new façade, the building is almost unrecognizable.
dec3_5
Whatever your opinion, you can’t deny that the newly refurbished building is much more inviting than the old. And hopefully, its contributions to the scientific community are just as inspiring as the building itself.

← Previous post
Celebrating Our Conservationists

Next post →
Clark and His Fowl Friends

Search

Recent Posts

  • Around the Acres This Week January 11, 2021
  • Around the Acres This Week December 9, 2020
  • Around the Acres this Week November 2, 2020
  • Around the Acres This Week October 23, 2020

Mark’s Blog by Month

Ask Mark

  • eNewsletter
  • Radio/Podcast
  • Magazine article
  • Newspaper column
  • TV

Recent Tweets

Mark CullenFollow

Mark Cullen
4h

This spring we are joining gardeners across Canada to plant yellow "Hope is Growing" gardens https://www.thestar.com/life/homes/2021/01/20/show-off-natures-best-shades-of-yellow-with-a-2021-hope-is-growing-garden.html?fbclid=IwAR0J5pqyVf-qgdqTv4wZVlk8K3G9KMmbj7bAojalXlSenjfQBofFeGOlr3Q

Reply on Twitter 1352520011378798593Retweet on Twitter 1352520011378798593Like on Twitter 1352520011378798593
17h

#tbt Last year, @MarkCullen4, pleaded for help in saving Toronto's oldest tree. This year, we are excited to be able to say that it's been saved. City Council voted to cover the remaining cost & purchase the property that this centuries-old tree resides at. https://twitter.com/HOHTribute/status/1214240219135926273

Reply on Twitter 1352327035222417408Retweet on Twitter 13523270352224174081Like on Twitter 13523270352224174083
12 Jan

A review of @suestuartsmith new book - great winter reading! https://www.thestar.com/life/homes/2021/01/12/new-book-cultivates-hope-through-both-the-physical-and-passive-acts-of-gardening.html

Reply on Twitter 1349023794342621191Retweet on Twitter 13490237943426211913Like on Twitter 13490237943426211916
3 Jan

Probably the most important house plant advice that can be given! So many plants die from overwatering! Stick your finger in the dirt. Don’t be afraid 😁 If it’s cool and moist leave it alone! Thanks @MarkCullen4! And thanks @ABurbidge! https://twitter.com/ABurbidge/status/1345484646075740160

Reply on Twitter 1345680506915074049Retweet on Twitter 13456805069150740495Like on Twitter 134568050691507404914

Comments are closed.

About Mark and Ben


Mark Cullen is an expert gardener, author & broadcaster and holds the Order of Canada. His son Ben is a fourth-generation urban gardener and graduate of Guelph and Dalhousie University.
More

Find Mark On

Sponsored Links

Highway of Heroes cullensfoods
© Mark Cullen. Go to top ↑