On Altering Architecture

by Fred Scott

Bringing together interior design and architectural theory, this exciting text looks at the common practices of building alteration, reconsidering established ideas and methods, to initiate the creation of a theory of the interior or interventional design. Fred Scott examines in-depth case studies of interventional design from architectural history across the world – examples discussed are taken from the States, Europe and Japan. Scott expands and builds on the ideas of Viollet-le-Duc, structuralism and other thoughts to layout criteria for an art of intervention and change. The book draws on the philosophy of conservation, preservation and restoration, as well as exploring related social and political issues. For those in professions of architecture and interiors, town planners, and students in architecture and art schools, On Altering Architecture forms a body of thought that can be aligned and compared with architectural theory.

Genres: Architecture

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2007

Reviews

[Maria Popescu]

I didn't actually finish this book but I will be giving it up, at least for now. The essay on the houses of Pessac was great, but the overall sense I got of the attitude of the author is very much anti-restoration and anti-conservation, basically just let buildings die because any alteration changes their spirit. This is very much viewing architecture as an art. For me as an (interior) architecture student, people>architecture/art. Which strangely enough I thought was transmitted through that chapter I mentioned I liked.
Why keep building new when there are beautiful buildings all around in need of perking up... let's let another generation enjoy them in their full splendour. It is my fault for and choice to pick this book up, but I do feel like sometimes people theorise on and on about the simplest issues. I thought this would moreso talk about how to alter or applications of altering/restoring/conservation - which I am interested in and think is the way to go forward. But it was just kind of... is alteration bad, to what degree should we alter, to what stage should we restore a building, is it better to preserve as a ruin or let it die a natural death? just these questions on and on for 60 pages I endured reading.
I think I may be able to read this better when I am older, when I am working more on my dreams. It stresses me out a little to defend in my mind a practice I'm not yet partaking in but want to so so badly.
Anyways. A bit rambly.
The book might get better, I might find that out in a few years.