FACE School

Time and many incomplete restorations have altered the state of the building, designed by the Maxwell Brothers in 1914 and characterized by its ornately carved facades and its simple neo-classical plan. EVOQ  was  mandated to provide architectural services to upgrade the auditorium and to direct a multi-year restoration of the exterior envelope.

The award-winning interventions in the auditorium balanced modern theatrical needs with conservation objectives. They included the enlargement of the stage, acoustical upgrading; the insertion of a sprinkler systems; the re-establishment of original plasterwork and painting,  and the reinstatement of the original seating plan.

The restoration of the exterior masonry has corrected  inherent construction flaws and addressed decades of deferred maintenance. Missing terracotta pieces were recast; localized repairs and general cleaning have restored the original lustre of the walls.  The windows were selected to be easily operable and maintainable, while still recreating the original appearance. They were approved by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

The restoration project has demonstrated that the F.A.C.E. Building can provide modern learning facilities for future generations of students and staff, within a historic environment of which they can be proud.