Will the proposed project cause the removal of the buttress supporting
the right wall of the main altar if that wall will be torn down? And if
it will, wouldn't doing so cause some serious structural concerns? An
architectural and design expert has expressed his sentiments -- "a
structural survey or investigation based on the architectural intent
is necessary before a decision to alter the structural components is
made". Has such a survey been made or at the very least, is such a
survey part of the pre-design agenda? This expert resource continues,
"...buttresses are structural elements that neutralize not only lateral
forces caused by earthquakes but also vertical loadings." Our concern
is made manifest -- removing a buttress, by and large, proportionately
weakens the structural support of the main altar, if not of the Church
itself.
Relevant to these concerns, we are moved to ask: Who
are the structural consultants for this proposed project? Who are in
the project design team and what are their credentials? And most
importantly, has a Project Design Term of Reference been created as a
necessary first step for this proposed expansion?
Ultimately,
while in Faith we all aspire for our ultimate union with God our
Creator, we sincerely pray that this will not occur as a consequence of
the Church of San Policarpo's roof and ceiling crashing down on people's
heads.
Will the proposed project cause the removal of the buttress supporting the right wall of the main altar if that wall will be torn down? And if it will, wouldn't doing so cause some serious structural concerns? An architectural and design expert has expressed his sentiments -- "a structural survey or investigation based on the architectural intent is necessary before a decision to alter the structural components is made". Has such a survey been made or at the very least, is such a survey part of the pre-design agenda? This expert resource continues, "...buttresses are structural elements that neutralize not only lateral forces caused by earthquakes but also vertical loadings." Our concern is made manifest -- removing a buttress, by and large, proportionately weakens the structural support of the main altar, if not of the Church itself.
Relevant to these concerns, we are moved to ask: Who are the structural consultants for this proposed project? Who are in the project design team and what are their credentials? And most importantly, has a Project Design Term of Reference been created as a necessary first step for this proposed expansion?
Ultimately, while in Faith we all aspire for our ultimate union with God our Creator, we sincerely pray that this will not occur as a consequence of the Church of San Policarpo's roof and ceiling crashing down on people's heads.
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