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MLD,
I don't think that "everything we build new must be the same as the old" rather in most cases it should be smpathetic to it's surroundings, assuming those surroundings are pleasing. In this interesting article on the re-building of a 1930's suburb of Paris(http://www.planetizen.com/node/57600) the author makes an interesting observation about different approaches between architects. "Modernist architects design their buildings as icons, meant to draw attention to themselves, like the grand arch at La Defense. Neo-traditional architects do the much more important work of designing lively and attractive public places."

Every town and neighborhood will have sites where standing out is not only good, but desirable, given the location. But like any good piece of music or fiction, the whole work becomes stiffling and innane when every building is striving for attention. One issue is massing and another is aesthetics. Like the example you pointed to, the new buildings are larger but not incompatible with the old. In fact the varying cornice heights will make for a more interesting skyline, but the building's style is compatible with the neighbors (from what I can tell). Being different does't have to mean being hostile.

by Thayer-D on Jul 31, 2012 1:41 pm • link • report

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