Grown from the Palimpsest
Before a building can be constructed, the site has to be demolished or cleared. A blank slate must be swept over, providing a clean template to present the new project. But does this have to be the case? With more constructions than ever before, it is more likely that a site will have a footprint of some previous building than not. Dealt with often in urban environments, the site must be analyzed for a demolition/removal or a partial to full restoration. If there is a new project proposed for the site, however, it is unlikely the previous element will remain. While in some cases necessary, it is critical and cost effective to examine the site's current structure for considerations. To start in the furthest and most extreme condition, a completely intact building and healthy structure can continue to serve its purpose. With effective testing to ensure structural stability and longevity, maintaining a previous structure and/or shell of a building is the most effective design s...
