Historic Preservation

I became interested in historic preservation during travel and study abroad. Each place I visit, I get a new perspective or idea about how preserving built spaces has an impact on the environment, culture, and collective history of communities around the world.

Florence, Italy

I studied abroad in Florence in the summer of 2024. In Florence, I gained a new perspective on the relation of art to architecture. I learned how the use of all elements of art are used in architecture and how to pull from live references to create movement. Finallly, and most importantly, I learned how art captures the soul of its subject. Through preservation of built spaces and artistic pieces we can capture the soul of a place.

Rio de Janerio, Brazil

In Rio de Janeiro nothing felt new, but everything seemed to be youthful and alive at the same time. Older building are used spaces for current generations to enjoy. Brazil lived up to its “beach culture” and go with the flow vibes. It felt like no place was fighting against nature or the movement of people or art. Christ the Redeemer, the Selaron Steps, Rocinha Favela, and even breakfast in the botanic garden all felt like they were working with the people and the flora and fauna of Brazil. In Brazil preservation means preserving a balance of nature and built spaces.

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City felt like visiting two different cities: one ancient and Indigenous American, and another colonial and European. CDMX defies nature because it is built on a lake bed, spreads across and out of its boundaries, and somehow has lasted conquistadores, earthquakes, volcanic activity and more. Art is everywhere, and also lost in constant movement. I can see how Diego Rivera made art about average people to preserve the culture and soul of Mexico. I would love to see ancient Tenochtitlan as it was, but the colonial art created, and the modern building accentuating it are also worth saving.

Paris, France

Paris is where my love for historic preservation and the environment conflict and work together. I love that Paris has preserved the look if its buildings so that we can experience what Parisiennes in the past saw. But now that I have learned more about climate change, I know that the Zinc roofs and other things iconic to the look of Paris are dangerous for heat and are ineffecient. I also visited after Notre Dame was burned. I am so interested in how preservationists are taking action to keep the same aesthetic, while putting in safeguards to keep it from happening again to other iconic buildings.

Other Historic Experiences

New Orleans, Lousiana

NOLA is one of my favorite cities. I love how the buildings both in and out of the French Quarter define the culture of the city from the food to the speech to the street names. I am so thankful for the preservation efforts and I would love to be a part of it one day.

Cairo, Egypt

The most ancient architects and architecture I've ever experienced. The teams of archaeologists, anthropologists, advocates and more coming together to create an image of what Egypt used to be is amazing! I really enjoyed the stories about recovering a huge Ramses structure under the water.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The streets of Puerto Rico are true colonialism, but I felt like information was missing with the forts in San Juan. I wanted to repurpose the space. I saw families having picnics outside. I couldn't stop thinking about how the space could be reused for the people of Puerto Rico. Could it be housing? Could it be a market or hospital? Could it serve a purpose for emergency services? It would be so interesting to see how the people would preserve and use it like the people in Rome or Mexico City have done with some of their older buildings.

Looking ahead...

Saving this space for a personal project when I am a licensed architect. My dad and I have been collecting data on his family’s homestead in Ocilla, GA.

Through interviews, archived county data, and family photos we hope to recreate the family’s residence and curate a collection of Hadley Family memorabilia.

For now, you can follow our journey on my dad’s YouTube channel. Stay tuned!