Enhancing policy and design tools for the coexistence of new and old architectural objects in historic precincts by exploring conservation principles and design approaches

Abstract

ABSTRACT New designs in historic precincts often spark considerable discourse, but there has been limited research into quality and relational aspects that allow communities to perceive the new architectural objects. A lack of understanding of these concepts, a preference for certain conservation principles, a misapplication of design approaches, and misconceptions about the character of a historic precinct can disrupt historic coherence. This paper explores conservation principles, and design approaches to form enhanced policy and design tools for coexisting new and old within historic precincts. The study employs discourse analysis, content analysis, and inductive methods to probe the matter further. The study results indicate that conservation agencies tend to pay more attention to quality indicators than relationship factors of design, leading to an overemphasis on contextual-based designs and an under-emphasis on other possible design styles. In response, the study offers policy and design-enhancing tools such as introducing a six-ranking system for conservation principles, proposing six novel design approaches, and formulating three hypotheses. These new tools can help designers, researchers, and urban planners plan, and manage historic precincts and make informed decisions, and design future interventions.