Even though the idea of altering an existing building is presently a well established practice within the context of adaptive reuse; when the building in question is a mnemonic building; of recognized heritage value; alterations are viewed with suspicion; even when change is a recognized necessity. This book fills in a blind spot in current architectural theory and practice; looking into a notion of conservation as a form of invention and imagination; offering the reader a counter-viewpoint to a predominant western understanding that preservation should be a still shot from the past. Through a micro-historical study of a Renaissance concept of restoration; a theoretical framework to question the issue of conservation as a creative endeavor arises. It focuses on Tiberio Alfaranos 1571 ichnography of St. Peters Basilica in the Vatican; into which a complex body of religious; political; architectural and cultural elements is woven. By merging past and present temples plans; he created a track-drawing questioning the design pursued after Michelangelorsquo;s death (1564); opening the gaze towards other possible future imaginings. This book uncovers how the drawing was acted on by Carlo Maderno (1556-1629); who literally used it as physical substratum to for new design proposals; completing the renewal of the temple in 1626. Proposing a hybrid architectural-conservation approach; this study shows how these two practices can be merged in contemporary renovation. By creating hybrid drawings; the retrospective and prospective gaze of built conservation forms a continuous and contiguous reality; where a pre-existent condition engages with future design rejoining multiple temporalities within continuity of identity. This study might provide a paradigmatic and timely model to retune contemporary architectural sensibility when dealing with the dilemma between design and preservation when transforming a building of recognized significance.
#84675 in eBooks 2016-05-03 2016-05-03File Name: B01C9OT5TQ
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Awesome book and great insight on the history and the ...By CustomerAwesome book and great insight on the history and the design of malls. I am very happy to have this book in my collection.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great book about Victor GruenBy Carl Rj KlitzkeIf you want to learn about the life of Victor Gruen; this is it. The author seems to have put a lot of work into making this book. Lots of good pictures to go with vivid descriptions of the storefront and mall designs.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Should be on every urban scholars Must Read listBy Kathryn BurkeThere are only two things to say about this book on Gruen the Mall Maker: 1) The writing must be overlooked; and 2) the substance of the book is crucial to understanding American cities and American culture as we know it today. It made me want to read more about architecture; city planning and economic trends as market forces redesigning neighborhoods; towns; cities and; ultimately; our country. It made me want to go back to school and get a degree in Urban Planning. It made me want to petition the school board to include the study of commerical design and the rise of malls in every high school American history class. It made me want to recommend it to all of my friends who live in cities; love cities; love their malls; live near malls and who shop at malls. The subject matter fascinated me; the writing - not so much so.
