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Preservation Brief 36: Protecting Cultural Landscapes: Planning, Treatment and Manage... Page 7 of 11
<br />historic preservation approach, as well as a philosophical framework from which to
<br />operate. Selecting a treatment is based on many factors. They Include management
<br />and interpretation objectives for the property as a whole, the perlod(s) of significance,
<br />integrity, and condition of Individual landscape features.
<br />For all treatments, the landscape's existing conditions and Its ability to convey historic
<br />significance should be carefully considered. For example, the life work, design
<br />philosophy and extant legacy of an Individual designer should all be understood for a
<br />designed landscape, such as an estate, prior to treatment selection. For a vernacular
<br />landscape, such as a battlefield containing a largely Intact mid- nineteenth century
<br />family farm, the uniqueness of that agrarian complex within a local, regional, state,
<br />and national context should be considered in selecting a treatment.
<br />When the American Elm was plagued with
<br />Dull Elm Disease, many historic
<br />properties relled on the lapanese zelkoya
<br />as a b dl [
<br />The overall historic reservation a pp av s Mum plant (see bHOw). photo:
<br />p approach and treatment approach can ensure the m a su
<br />proper retention, care, and repair of landscapes and their inherent features. In short,
<br />the Standards act as a preservation and management tool for cultural landscapes. The four potential treatments are
<br />described.
<br />Treatments for Cultural Landscapes
<br />Prior to undertaking work on a landscape, a treatment plan or similar document should be developed. The four
<br />primary treatments Identified in The Secretary of the Interiors Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties,
<br />are:
<br />Preservation is defined as the act or process of applying measures necessary to sustain the existing form,
<br />Integrity, and materials of an historic property. Work, Including preliminary measures to protect and stabilize the
<br />property, generally focuses upon the ongoing maintenance and repair of historic materials and features rather than
<br />extensive replacement and new construction. New additions are not within the scope of this treatment; however,
<br />the limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and other code- required work
<br />to make properties functional is appropriate within a preservation project.
<br />Rehabilitation is defined as the act or process of making possible a compatible use for a property through repair,
<br />alterations,and additions while preserving those portions or features which convey Its historical or cultural values.
<br />Restoration is defined as the act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property
<br />as it appeared at a particular period of time by means of the removal of features from other periods in Its history
<br />and reconstruction of missing feattires from the restoration period. The limited and sensitive upgrading of
<br />mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and other code - required work to make properties functional is
<br />appropriate within a restoration project.
<br />Reconstruction is defined as the act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features,
<br />and detailing of a non - surviving site, landscape, building, structure, or object for the purpose of replicating its
<br />appearance at a specific period of time and In its historic location.
<br />Compared to the American
<br />Elm (ahont right), it Is
<br />readily apparent that the
<br />form and scale or this more is
<br />really quite different, and
<br />a:ould he an inappropriate
<br />substitute plant material
<br />Landscape treatments can range from simple, inexpensive preservation actions, to complex major
<br />restoration or reconstruction projects. The progressive framework is inverse in proportion to the
<br />retention of historic features and materials. Generally, preservation Involves the least change, and
<br />is the most respectful of historic materials, It maintains the form and material of the existing
<br />landscape. Rehabilitation usually accommodates contemporary alterations or additions without
<br />altering significant historic features or materials, with successful projects involving minor to major
<br />change. Restoration or reconstruction attempts to recapture the appearance of a property,or an
<br />Individual feature at a particular point in time, as confirmed by detailed historic documentation.
<br />These last two treatments most often require the greatest degree of intervention and thus,the
<br />highest level of documentation,
<br />In all cases, treatment should be executed at the appropriate level, reflecting the condition of the
<br />landscape, with repair work identifiable upon close Inspection and /or Indicated in supplemental
<br />interpretative information. When repairing or replacing a feature, every effort should be made to
<br />achieve visual and physical compatibility. Historic materials should be matched in design, scale,
<br />color and texture.
<br />httn: / /wwtv.nns.,rov /tns/ how -to- preserve/ briefs /36- cultural- landscanes.htm 2/28/2014
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