| Architecture Studio 281 | |
| District, Fillinger
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Materials Buildings in Corvallis, like those throughout America, are made of many diverse materials from years of neglect, expediency, and fashion. However, many survive partially intact for analysis and study. The city has gone to great length to ensure its history and future, by preserving close to 150 structures. More importantly, the buildings document how Corvallis grew, culturally and commercially to what it is today.  Corvallis consisted of log homes, and lumber mills during the 1800s, but now it is not as homogeneous. Most of the historic structures are constructed of masonry load bearing walls, with a entirely different structure internally. Those multistory structures are primarily made of two materials, wood and steel. The earlier the building, the larger the quantity of wood members, due to its local availability. Local brick mills were very successful nearly a century ago, explaining the number of buildings built during that time. Those buildings were more ornamental and textural due to the thickness of the wall. Brick was used differently then, it used to arch doorways and windows, round bays, and provide for a deep window recess. In newer buildings, windows are almost in the same exterior plane as the wall itself. Bricks no longer arched windows, they were used as infill for older commercial fronts or became curtains to the structures they hung from.  In the 1950s, asbestos siding became popular due to its durability. Stucco became an alternative exterior material as did aluminum and steel. Warehouses began have structures made of concrete blocks and aluminum siding. Windows were inoperable and now tinted to block the sunšs rays. Ornate cornices of wood, disappeared completely, as did many exterior stringcourses and other architectural detailing. Today, older buildings look as if some cosmetic surgery has been done. Bricks are painted, windows infilled, stairways removed, and walls not corresponding to others. Many irregularities are made to look regular, but are not.  |
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Architecture and Allied Arts, The University of Oregon1999 |
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