I Posted something briefly in the General topic a few weeks ago, but the idea is more matured. I have gathered some Volunteers, and offers of some funding, so it looks like this is getting off the ground.
Recent events in Halifax have brought to light an inadequacy in existing Heritage and Community groups. Specifically they are narrowly focused on the protecting the very old, at the expense of more recent important structures, or they are directed at opposing the very tall. By their inability to compromise, they have lost their seats at the table, and by too narrowly focusing on a specific issue have allowed communities to suffer.
Thus a new group is required that is capable of preserving both our built heritage and working for better buildings and Neighborhoods.
The Action Group for Better Architecture in Nova Scotia (AGBANS) was formed to advance the public purposes of architecture and planning. AGBANSs aims include preservation and advocacy.
1. We believe that historic structures exist in a continuum, and can be appropriately adapted for modern reuse, while maintaining their history.
2. We believe Architecture should be debated and discussed openly
3. We believe age should not be the major factor in determining a buildings historical significance.
4.We recognize "NIMBY" concerns about Wind, Shadow, traffic,reduced property values and height often are the product of fear of change, or masking someones self interest. They may also be legitimate and should be investigated
5. We believe that rather then meerly opposing elements of projects,or projects entirely, workable solutions must be presented.
6. We believe that better discourse leads to better development - as such, we are committed to clear messages.
We are looking for our first volunteers - we need 2 people to sit on the board of AGBANS. One Will sit as Treasurer, the other as a Director at Large. email us at
info@agbans.ca to volunteer.
also See
http://agbans.ca for more.