Contemporary Architecture in the Historic Environment

70
Case Studies
tion and architectural insertions in historic districts in San Francisco, and recognized
that cities are built in layers: “It is the juxtaposition of old and new that
gives cities their interesting corners, their urban surprises, their texture” (p. 4).
Historic preservation is considered to be a tool to manage change that can serve
the community with varying success.
The exhibition outlined that historic preservation uses three ways of mixing old
and new: adaptive reuse (when old buildings are repurposed for a use they were
not originally designed to serve), incorporation (when elements of a new building
are incorporated into old buildings), and juxtaposition (when a new insertion
responds to but does not mimic the old). The types of buildings illustrated
in the case studies range from shopping centers, former aircraft hangers, apartment
buildings, and streetscapes. (L.M.)
Venturi, Robert, and Denise Scott Brown. 2004. Architecture as Signs and
Systems: For a Mannerist Time. William E Massey, Sr. Lectures in the History
of American Civilization. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press of Harvard
University Press.
This publication is a retrospective of the life work and theoretical underpinnings
of Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown and is based on lectures given
by the authors at Harvard University in 2003. The book comprises lengthy
photo-essays on architecture and urban planning. The text emphasizes a tendency
toward humane mannerist architecture for the present and future society.
Concepts are discussed in context of their work, including Las Vegas and other
examples that illustrate the architects’ thoughts on symbolism, mannerism, patterning
urban design, and communication.
Scott Brown's essays 8, "Context in Context," and 9, "Essays in Context," are of
particular relevance to this bibliography. Essay 8 discuss different concepts of
context and how new buildings can fit into the existing context. Essay 9 explains
how several of Venturi and Scott Brown's projects attempt to engage with different
contexts. Projects discussed include the Perelman Quadrangle Student
Center at the University of Pennsylvania (1988–2000) and the Hôtel du
Département de la Haut Garonne in Toulouse, France (1990–1999). (L.M., S.L.)
Contemporary Architecture in the Historic Environment: An Annotated Bibliography - Getty Conservation Institute - 2015