It is time to reexamine contemporary historic preservation theory and practice in light of the developments in the field since the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and the publication of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation in 1977. The most important of these is the emergence of new traditional design practice among contemporary architects and urban designers. In the debate between traditionalists and modernists about how preservation should be carried out, Steven W. Semes sets out a comprehensive and well-written argument for "new traditional" architecture that continues the style and character of historic buildings. He makes a persuasive case that context matters and that new buildings and additions to old buildings should be harmonious with their neighbors. This book is essential read ing for architects and professionals in historic preservation, urban design, and planning.

Acknowledgments / 21

1. New and Old Architecture Together / 24

2. The Principles of Traditional Architecture / 44

3. How Traditional Architecture Works / 70

4. The Modernist Paradigm / 90

5. A Brief History of Preservation Philosophy / 114

6. Historicism and the Search for an Architecture of Our Time / 144

7. Preservation After Historicism / 158

8. Literal Replication / 172

9. Invention Within a Style / 186

10. Abstract Reference / 208

11. Intentional Opposition / 222

12. A Conservation Ethic / 242

Bibliography / 255

Index / 261

Illustration Credits / 271