MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2004, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Architecture

The primary thesis of this project is that a successful implementation of security measures in a historic city hall must be mediated by the public function and historic nature of such a structure. Many current commonly-used measures to satisfy security requirements can easily destroy the aesthetic pleasures of a space as well as hinder the building's function as a democratic forum. Additionally, the historic nature of these buildings provides additional aesthetic and technical challenges. It is the intention of this thesis to formulate a holistic approach to consideration and design of security measures in historic city halls. In order to accomplish this, my thesis analyzes the need for security in public buildings, the inherent tensions between security and the public building, and the special circumstances of security in historic contexts. The project design applies the holistic approach to a specific historic public building—medium-scale renovation and addition at Louisville City Hall.

Committee: Nnamdi Elleh (Advisor) Subjects: Architecture