ON ALTERING ARCHITECTUREexplores the alternative to the sequence of

demolition and new building that makes up the usual practices of architecture.

Bringing together ideas of what might constitute a theory of interior, or

interventional, design, Fred Scott fills a wide gap in the literature covering the

evolution of interior space.

This new text examines the craft of altering buildings, reconsidering

established ideas and practices. The masterworks of interventional design

found in architectural history are compared and contrasted in a compelling

way, in order to show how theory might be derived from previous practice.

Extending the ideas of Viollet-le-Duc in particular, via Structuralism, this book

aims to outline the criteria for an art of intervention and change.

Beginning with a rehearsal of the arguments for works of architecture

remaining unaltered and sacrosanct versus the case for alteration, the

philosophy of conservation, preservation and restoration is also introduced.

Exploring the many social and political issues involved, the scale of change is

analysed, suggesting that processes applied to the individual building can be

echoed at the neighbourhood and city scale.

Of interest to those in the 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.