Old Buildings New Ideas: A Typological Building List

By Françoise Astorg Bollack

Five Typological Schemes

1. Wraps

The old building is totally or partially enveloped by new work, with the old core remaining visible. Examples include Tempio Malatestiano in Rimini and Palazzo della Ragione in Vicenza.

2. Parasites

An addition that grafts itself onto an existing building, transforming it into a new entity. Examples include Santa Maria Novella and the National City Bank Building addition.

3. Insertions

New elements inserted into existing building or urban fabric. Examples include the Uffizi in Florence and Covered Passages in Paris.

4. Juxtapositions

New building set next to old building, forming expanded functional unit. Examples include Law Courts in Gothenburg and Lehman Collection at Metropolitan Museum.

5. Weavings

New and old woven together like a quilt, with elements not always clearly distinct. Examples include Château de Bussy-Rabutin and SESC Pompéia Leisure Centre.