Can Restoration Retain Authenticity

When it comes to aging houses, it can be difficult or even impossible to preserve everything. Even, well cared for, wood floors only last so long before they need to be replaced. However, if one chooses to use the same type of wood, in the exact same dimensions, and lays it in the same direction, can one still think of it as authentic?

What is the difference between “authentic” and ”original”? Webster Dictionary defines Original as “pertaining to the origin or beginning; the first”, whereas Authentic is defined as  “Having a genuine original or authority, in opposition to that which is false, fictitious, counterfeit, or apocryphal; being what it purports to be; genuine; not of doubtful origin; real; as, an authentic paper or register.” In many ways the two words appear to have the same meaning, with the one difference that authentic, which is synonymous with reliable, bona fide and unquestionable, does not have to be the first.

Would it be possible to think of preservation as authentic? When it comes to books, there is the first edition, then the second, and so on. The reprint usually contains the same content as the first edition, although there may be editing involved. It is the author’s work, but the reprint is a reprint and with time some of it may need clarification even reinterpretation to suit a changing language. If only the edition and text initially provided by the author, is thought of as original, would the reprints be viewed as authentic? Does the author’s hand have to perform the editing for the work to keep its authenticity? In restoration, the original architect may not be available to perform the preservation, which prompts me to ask, is it the author or the content that defines authenticity? 

A Night to Remember

I could tell you when the house was built, where it is located and that the interior has been renovated to a point where much of the authenticity has gone missing, but this can be easily looked up, and more importantly, it wouldn’t convey the ambiance attained within this house’s reach. Simple, white with a straightforward appearance, this house hosts a trove of spaces to gather in, to entertain conversations with others or contemplations with one self. However one puts it; this house is invigorating.

Over grilled shrimp, served with a cilantro salsa, a perfected collaboration between an LA artist and his son, who is currently an apprentice with Alice Waters at Chez Panisse, a group of architecture enthusiasts, midcentury furniture experts, shopkeepers, designers, and artists discussed journeys of misplaced furniture, light reflections, college picks etc. while waiting for pizza delivery.

I enjoyed recognizing Schindler’s unique window mechanism from my own home, the concrete slab of bathroom flooring from the Schindler House, the rounded edges on the bookshelves from anything I know about Schindler, and the house’s capability to project LA light, but the most unique feature of this house must be the outdoor picture window that looks out over the gorge where Laurel Canyon and Mulholland Drive cross. This is pre-calculated drama to the max that is here to be experienced by anyone visiting the Fitzpatrick-Leland House.

http://www.makcenter.org/MAK_General_Info.php

Cilantro Salsa

2 Tomatillos

2 cloves of Garlic

Juice of 2 Limes

2 bunches of Cilantro

1 Jalapeno Pepper

Salt to taste

Best if prepared in a food processor.

Thank you MB, MM and Dwayne!

House Envy - Allyn E. Morris’ Studio

Stephen Chin recently sold the most dramatic house I’ve seen so far. An un-intrusive, brick-laid, carport shields the compact structure from a bystander’s view. With a steel frame and glass walls, the house stretches three stories down, hanging straight off a cliff in Silverlake. Inside, a single piece, spiral staircase connects the three levels.

Allyn E. Morris’ Studio is an awe-inducing house that Stephen perfected, cherished and restored, spending a lot of time talking to the architect, finding the perfect materials, and working with the one and only, Eric Lamers.

I look forward to seeing Stephen’s and Elaine’s next home and I welcome the new owner, Patti Marks, to the neighborhood.