Why read Old Buildings, New Ideas?

Book cover of Old Buildings, New Ideas: A Selective Architectural History of Additions, Adaptations, Reuse and Design Invention

Book description

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,…

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Why read it?

1 author picked Old Buildings, New Ideas as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Simon Unwin

Author

This book deals with one of my absolute favourite subjects: how great architecture can emerge from blending new into old.

Often architecture is thought of as being about creating completely new buildings. But often the most interesting and effective works derive from an architect working with existing fabric. This approach is not necessarily a matter of ‘restoration’ of the old fabric to its original form, but of seeing the opportunities presented by the remnants of the old in the development of something new and vital.

From Simon's 3 favorite reads in 2023.