Columbia University Low Memorial Library

Columbia University in New York City was awarded a Getty Foundation grant to perform a sample window survey in eleven of the historic McKim, Mead & White buildings at the University’s main Morningside Heights campus. Goshow Architects assembled a team of experts to execute this project, along with two student interns from Columbia’s School of Architecture. The project team evaluated existing conditions in order to compile information for a final report. An important goal was to provide the university with the best set of options for preserving the character of this unique group of buildings so important to Columbia’s image and sense of institutional self, while at the same time, recognizing the buildings modern day functions as classrooms, offices, departmental libraries, laboratories and public spaces. Historic sensitivity, while very important, had to be weighed with end user needs such as noise, energy conservation, and environmental comfort. Several window types were selected on various floors and facades throughout each building. The individual building report, findings, and recommendations are located in the final report.

Please see our Getty Grant summary to read the final report on these Beaux Arts windows.

The Association for Preservation Technology International (APT) is a cross-disciplinary, membership organization dedicated to promoting the best technology for conserving historic structures and their settings. Membership in APT provides exceptional opportunities for networking and the exchange of ideas.

APT members, who hail from more than 30 countries, include preservationists, architects, engineers, conservators, consultants, contractors, craftspersons, curators, developers, educators, historians, landscape architects, students, technicians, and other persons directly involved in the application of methods and materials to maintain, conserve, and protect historic structures and sites for future use and appreciation.

The international, interdisciplinary character of APT - with its outstanding publications, conferences, training courses, awards, student scholarships, regional chapters, and technical committees - makes it the premier worldwide network for anyone involved in the field of historic preservation.

Along with an excellent variety of conferences and workshops, their Preservation Technology Primer is a new guide to Preservation practice, and an excellent reference work for those in this field.

Visit the APT website under the Campus Heritage Network's Resources tab.