New and old architecture

Our cities consist of building from different periods of time. Some solutions are better and some are worse. It’s always a big problem how to connect new buildings between these old ones the same as tough is question  to destroy ruins or give them new life. There are as many opinions as architects. 

In the text “Superposiciones modernas. The Dilemma of “Boulding on the Built”” Francisco de Gracia says that there are three different stands in this conflict. The first one is traditional. According to it, new architecture should continues the practice of classical, historicist and traditional architecture. It usually copy architecture of the past. It is known as neoclassical architecture or postmodern.

Convent de Sant Francesc by David Closes

The second is exactly opposite. Modernity is much more aggressive and hits history. As a example of this action is presented project of Convent de Sant Francesc by David Closes. Originally was built in 18-th century but because of it’s bad condition modernization was necessary. In this project Closes wanted to save it’s historical heritage and as much from the architectural tissue as possible. In the result he saved original facade but he added strongly modern elements. 

Kolumba Museum in Cologne
by Peter Zumthor

The last one stand is still exploring. It is a part of the development process in which new architecture absorbs the old one. It can be seeing in the Kolumba Museum in Cologne by Peter Zumthor. He integrated ruins with new building. New walls rise up exactly on the surviving fragments of walls. Museum is entered into surroundings but also shows us this relations of tensions between new and old. What is more, inside the building are maintained others residues as Chapel of Madonna.

Quite extrame view on this topic have futurists. They claimed that only new architecture is important. 

This animation, 

created by Pablo Llamazares,  shows the best their opinion. 

Elder & Cannon Architects + Shettleston Housing Association Offices

Nowadays, architects trying to intertwine new architecture, but sensitive to the surroundings. The best way of modernity is balances connection between old and new. It is also the matter of good composition, where no item suppresses the other. This is really difficult problem to solve but it is not impossible. This is done by patient and humble work, searching the way to create something new but with respects to the past. New building should not overshadow the old one but also can not be unnoticeable. 

Modern Retrofit: Dovecote Studio by Haworth Tompkins

It’s also very important to give existing building second chance for life. Even if it’s ruins there can be the way to save them. 

Specially old interiors are interesting because of its construction which is often uncovered. Even if it doesn’t act its role, it gives unique atmosphere.

There are many greats examples how we can save and reuse devastated buildings or how can we add contemporary architecture in historical space which seems to be completed. Particularly noteworthy is project of revitalization Poznanski’s factory in Lodz, Poland. When the factory was closed, it was standing for few years decaying. I really didn’t look impressive although it was a monument. But after revitalization it turns into one of the most important places in city. 

Before and after revitalization, Manufaktura in Łódź

“Although the latest technological solutions appeared in this project, the original historical structure of the place has been preserved. The redevelopment did not change the façades, so the unique atmosphere of the place did not vanish. It is still a place where the time has stopped…” 

source http://en.manufaktura.com/185/revitalization_of_manufaktura

Another interesting example is new academic facility of Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) among historic campus buildings.

“The new Milstein Hall provides additional program space and connects these formerly disparate buildings as a single complex. Although it serves as infill and touches Rand and Sibley Halls, seeming to disappear from certain angles, Milstein Hall doesn’t hide; its dramatic cantilevers prove eye-catching. Milstein Hall’s architectural vocabulary is simultaneously subdued but distinguished from the historic buildings. “We wanted to respect, rather than overwhelm, the adjacent historical buildings, so the end effect is very stealthy and very clean,” explains Shigematsu.Shigematsu shares that when architects are the clients, “it can be difficult to achieve consensus,” but Milstein Hall’s design proves diplomatic on a variety of levels: it defines the edge of campus while tying into the natural environment, all while connecting previously isolated departments. The new structure’s wide-open spaces will surely inspire some fruitful interdepartmental collaborations.”

Source http://buildipedia.com/aec-pros/featured-architecture/milstein-hall-how-old-meets-new

To summarizing in past were many different opinions about value of old and new buildings. Some of them was really assertive and thoughtless. Nowadays architect should be really careful and reasonably while treating historical architecture. Connecting new and old is undoubtedly very hard but effect which can be achieved is much more incredible and definitely worthwhile.