CONSERVATION - COMPLIMENT OR CONTRAST?
On 09/10/14 we began to understand what architectural conservation was all about. From what I gather it is when you prolong a structures' heritage, appearance and purpose. The key role for any building to have a full life is to be cared for.
However in order to do this you need for the building to have a function as without one, it is sure to become an empty derelict shell; a loss of heritage.
Once you have a function or purpose in play for the building you need to ascertain whether it coincides with todays society. Generally speaking, to accommodate society we need to extend and refurbish spaces. However as listed buildings go it can be quite hard to get the planning commitee on your side. Needless to say if you design something that can be dismantled it is more likely to be excepted.
The next step is to decide whether this add on will be contrasting or not. It can often be a challenge to mimic something as it can be time consuming and costly. Therefore sometimes it is better to design something that is completely different which might be more acceptable for the present and future.
In my opinion I think it is about finding a balance. I believe it is better to construct something that contrasts but to make it blend in via its simplicity. The extension or refurbishment should be clean and simple so that it doesn't outshine its neighbour. The colour chart should be kept to neutrals and of a minimum range as to not confuse its inhabitants and neighbours character.
I have included pictures of the British Museum and the Guild Hall in Northampton as I think they are valuable examples of architectural conservation with different agendas at mind.
Pictures:
http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/285709-british-museum
http://www.planningprospects.co.uk/projects/northampton-borough-council/
