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Symposium: Building Resilience

and the Evolving Role of Preservation Technology
Friday, October 2, 2026
9:00 am

Kleinman Energy Forum, Fisher Fine Arts Library, 220 South 34th Street, Philadelphia PA

Early Bird pricing through August 15, 2026
Register
Presented By

Co-organizers

APT-DVC logo APT-DVC Website

About

The Weitzman School of Design Department of Historic Preservation and the Association for Preservation Technology Delaware Valley Chapter (APT-DVC) present a one-day symposium focused on the subject of building resilience, referring to both the structures that demonstrate this quality and the actions needed to ensure it in our built environment.  How have so many buildings survived, and thrived, for so long?  What can we do to ensure their continued survival and relevance?

Focused on the historic built environment of Philadelphia, we will present a series of speakers, panel discussions, and case studies that will define what we mean by building resilience, particularly as we look to a future with a rapidly changing climate.  Presentations will include multiple investigations of resilience, providing attendees with an understanding of the concepts and the tools to carry them forward.  

Submitted for AIA Continuing Education credits approval.


Friday, October 2, 2026 | 9:00 am-5:00 pm |  Symposium Sessions
Friday, October 2, 2026 | 5:00 pm-6:30 pm |  Reception 
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | Tours | Included with In-Person Ticket Price only

 

If you require any accessibility accommodation, such as live captioning, audio description, or a sign language interpreter, please email news@design.upenn.edu. Please note, we require at least five (5) business days’ notice.

 

Cancelations will be accepted until September 15.

 

Thank you to our sponsors!

 J&M Preservation Logo​​

Sessions
Schedule
Friday, October 2, 2026
Introduction & Opening Remarks

Roy Ingraffia (University of Pennsylvania Architectural Conservation Lab; International Masonry Institute)

What Is Resilience?

This session will cover our definition of resilience, as it applies to the built environment in general, and preservation technology specifically.

 

  • Lori Ferriss and Billie Faircloth (Built Buildings Lab)
  • Fernada Cruz Rios (Drexel University Circle Lab)
The Resilient City

We will begin with a brief history of Philadelphia’s built environment; will cover policy issues and their impact on the city’s neighborhoods; and will examine the role of adaptive reuse in contributing to a resilient city.

 

  • Bruce Laverty (Drexel University)
  • Christina Rosan (Temple University)
  • Justin Kaplan (Odin Properties)
The Resilient Enclosure

A diverse panel of practitioners will explore and debate how current sustainability practices and materials may be applied to older buildings, to improve performance without sacrificing their inherent value.  Topics will include a broad range of repair and restoration situations and treatment approaches.  Moderated by Michael Falstad (RWDI).

 

  • Suzanna Barucco (sbk+partners, LLC)
  • Jim Dossett (RWDI)
  • Josh Harmony (Hive Mind Construction)
  • Cory Rouillard (Henson Architecture)
The Resilient Repair

A series of 5-15 minute presentations by members on successful – or unsuccessful – repairs to building materials. The focus will be on what has worked, what hasn’t, and what are the current best practices.

 

  • Laura Stokley (John Milner Architects)
  • Suzanna Barucco (sbk+partners, LLC)
  • Scott Bennung (Acrymax Technologies)
  • Marissa Zhao (Cicada Architecture)
  • Libbie Hawes (Cliveden)
  • Nic Tenaglia (Wagner Free Institute of Science)
  • Alfred Lohmann (AP Lohmann General Contractor/Fine Carpentry)
Closing Reception
Tours
Schedule
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | Included with In-Person Ticket Price only
Cliveden National Trust

Preservation Director Libbie Hawes will lead a tour at Cliveden, the historic country house of the Chew family. Recent repairs to the original stable building, featured in the last session of the symposium program, will be discussed, along with additional pointing work and paint color identification and selection. Tours of the 1767 house, lived in my seven generations of the Chew family, will be offered as well.

The Wagner Free Institute

The Wagner Free Institute was incorporated in 1855, and the current building completed in 1865. The building, lecture hall, and exhibits are all relatively unchanged from that time. Site manager and APT DVC board member Nic Tenaglia will talk about the challenges of maintaining this National Landmark building. A tour of the museum is included, along with any lectures or presentations that may be taking place. Please note that the Wagner is not wheelchair accessible.

Historic Rowhouses

Lecturer and historian Bruce Laverty will lead a tour of the neighborhoods featured in his Friday morning talk. This will be a walking tour, rain or shine – please dress appropriately.