Is replacing history with high-tech, modern high street stores the real answer to the problem?

June 25, 2019

https://www.archdaily.com/387278/what-does-the-new-apple-store-in-san-francisco-say-about-commercial-architecture

After reading this article on ArchDaily about the new Apple store design in San Francisco it got me thinking about my own project Harvest and my plans to modernise Preston’s high street.

The plans for the Apple store are very on brand for the company and feature it’s now very recognisable glass facade and simple box shape silhouette. This wouldn’t look too out of place in some shopping areas around the world but in this area of San Francisco it would mean removing a fountain that has stood there for years and building a store that highly contrasts its neighbours.

Personally, I usually like this type of contrast and welcome a company developing its own style and concepts that are unique to it. However, there has been a lot of criticism to this design and I can see where it’s coming from. Creating a contrasting building which is on brand is one thing but is it okay to remove a piece of history from a place, especially when it is focused on the communities of the place, to put a big metal and glass box?

I think there has to be steps to modernise and improve high streets but history is often what keeps locals in the area and also attracts tourists. History can make people proud of where they are and stop them from moving away.

Originally with Harvest I wasn’t too bothered about keeping/promoting the history on the high street as my focus was on the future and sustainability. Another reason for focus on the future rather than the history was that I didn’t see much of the history of Preston on the high street but after discussing it with my tutor and exploring the city in search for the history I discovered there are loads of pockets of history and hidden gems that just aren’t being celebrated.

This article has also shown that when the history of a place might be removed there are people that care and that is often only seen when it is threatened. All of this makes me consider that along with updating the facades and interiors of the retail spaces I should highlight the history and make it more of a feature so the communities within Preston can be proud of them and it adds an interest for tourists.