Affected Variables on Successful Infill Design in Urban Historic Context

Abstract

The development of historic preservation as a professional field has, to some extent, created a divide between the discipline of preservation and the practice of architecture. This paper is based on the ongoing research that concerns with new architectural intervention in urban historical context. In field of architectural design for new developing in historic context when designing adding within a historic context, it is important to understand the design principles that gave rise to the existing conditions. New building's appearance and its relationship to its surroundings is a serious design problem that has become a significant issue in many places.  The intention of this research is to take a closer look at the use of compatibility and contrast design for new additions to historic buildings and establishes which factors affect on architectural designing in historic context and how these factors fit aesthetically into historical context. Methodologically, a case study approach was adopted whereby the contributive elements to the quality of aesthetic fitness would be identified through quantitative and qualitative analysis and synthesis. Two initial findings showed that compatibility, visual harmony, meanings and appropriate architectural design tools are of the utmost significance to achieve the idea of aesthetic fitness when dealing with such urban environmental setting.

Keywords: Aesthetic fitness, compatibility, contrast, historic context, infill design