Learning from Tragedies During Historical Building Renovations
CAMD/CEE Associate Professor David Fannon provides insight into the risks of renovations that may lead to tragedies like the recent fire at the Old Stock Exchange in Copenhagen.
This article originally appeared on Northeastern Global News. It was published by Alena Kuzub. Main photo: Firefighters work as smoke rises out of the 400-year-old Børsen, or The Old Stock Exchange, in Copenhagen, Denmark, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. Emil Nicolai Helms/Ritzau Scanpix via AP
What lessons can we learn from the fire at the old stock exchange in Copenhagen? Expert discusses the risk of renovations
Flames ripped through the old stock exchange in Copenhagen Tuesday morning, causing heavy damage to the 400-year-old building and destroying its 183-foot spire.
The blaze hit nearly five years after fire destroyed much of the 861-year-old Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, which is expected to reopen in December after a massive restoration.
Also known as Børsen, the old stock exchange was being renovated when the fire broke out. First responders helped save hundreds of artifacts before flames destroyed most of the interior.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the building “irreplaceable cultural heritage” and “a piece of Danish history.” King Frederik said the building is “an important part of our architectural heritage.”
Northeastern Global News spoke with David Fannon, associate professor of architecture and civil and environmental engineering at Northeastern, about the significance of the historic landmark, the risks associated with renovations and the lessons that can be learned from tragedies like this.
Read full story at Northeastern Global News