Some architectural transformations are modest, some are revolutionary. Shining a light on the hidden side of the accepted narrative of the history of architecture, this book explores works which transform existing buildings to build a way forward, through adaptations, additions and visual shifts.
Some architectural transformations are modest, some are revolutionary. Shining a light on the hidden side of the accepted narrative of the history of architecture, this book explores works which transform existing buildings to build a way forward, through adaptations, additions and visual shifts. Examining 30 buildings across Europe, North America and South America, spanning from the early Middle Ages to the end of the 20th century, it demonstrates the creative possibilities of working with existing buildings. The book reveals how formal inventions can shape architecture and our environment over time in a built world constantly in a state of becoming. As we face a climate emergency, it taps into our deep cultural knowledge about the inventive use and re-use of buildings. Generously illustrated with architectural plans and over 300 colour images, it provides an alternative to the dominant view which sees conservation and preservation of historic buildings as a 20th century creation.
Foreword by Robert Bruegmann Introduction
Chapter 1: 6th to 15th Century: Roman Ruins as Shelter
1.1 Lucca, Nimes, Arles & Florence
Chapter 2: 15th to 18th Century: Continuity and Change
2.1 Stylistic Overlays
2.1.1. Tempio Malatestiano, Rimini, Italy
2.1.2. Completion of the faēade of Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy
2.1.3. Chāteau de Bussy-Rabutin and Chāteau de Chāteaudun, France
2.2. Two Urban Renewal Projects in the 1550s
2.2.1. Palazzo Della Ragione, Vicenza, Italy
2.2.2. The Uffizi and the Vasari Corridor, Florence, Italy
2.3. Roman Ruins as Palazzo, Shops and Housing
2.3.1. Palazzo Savelli-Orsini: Re-use of the Theatre of Marcellus, Rome,
Italy
2.4. Change and Stylistic Constancy
2.4.1. Audley End, Essex, UK
Chapter 3: 19th to Early 20th Century: Change in the Historic City
3.1. New Urban Forms
3.1.1. Covered Passages, France, UK & USA
3.1.2. Regents Park and Regent Street, London, UK
3.1.3. Haussmanns Paris, France
3.2. Early Preservation Projects in the USA
3.2.1. First National Bank of the United States Addition, New York, USA
Chapter 4: Early to Mid 20th Century: Modern Architects Attitudes to the
Built World
4.1. German Pavilion at the Barcelona Universal Exhibition, Barcelona,
Spain
4.2. La Maison du Docteur Dalsace (the Maison de Verre), Paris, France
4.3. Addition to the Law Courts, Göteborg, Sweden
Chapter 5: Mid 20th Century: New Perspectives, Reclamation of Urban
Fragments Post-WWII
5.1. Robert Motherwell House & Studio, East Hampton, USA
5.2. Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Germany
5.3. Museum of Modern Art, New York, USA
5.4. Castelvecchio Renovation, Verona, Italy
5.5. The Invention of the Loft Apartment, New York, USA
Chapter 6: Late 20th Century: History as the Subject of Design
6.1. SESC Pompeia Leisure Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil
6.2. Lehman Collection, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
6.3. Temporary Contemporary, Los Angeles, USA
6.4. Addition to the Former Pepsi Cola Headquarters, New York, USA
6.5. Royal Academy of Arts Painting Gallery, London, UK
6.6. The Harvey Theater Restoration, Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York,
USA
6.7. Jewish Museum Expansion, New York, USA
6.8. 172 Duane Street, New York, USA
Appendix: Insertions, Parasites, Wraps, Juxtapositions, Weavings:
Typological Building List
Bibliography
References
Index
Image Credits
Franēoise Astorg Bollack is an architect, architectural historian and an educator. She is a practicing architect and the founder of Franēoise Bollack Architects, whose practice focuses on the design opportunities of working with existing buildings.
