facadism

Facadism is a practice in architecture and urban redevelopment in which the exterior façade of a historic or culturally significant building is preserved and integrated into a new structure, while the interior is demolished and rebuilt. The preserved façade is typically retained to maintain the street’s historic character or to meet planning or heritage preservation requirements, while allowing greater floor area, modern facilities, and updated safety standards in the new construction behind or around it.

Historically, facadism developed in late 19th and early 20th centuries in Europe and expanded globally in the postwar period as cities sought redevelopment with minimal disruption to the urban streetscape. It is commonly used for office, retail, or mixed-use projects, where developers gain density credits or compliance with preservation rules.

The technical process usually involves stabilizing or dismantling the façade, documenting its condition, and attaching it to a new structural framework. The new building may be built behind the façade, around it, or beneath it, with renovations to align openings and harmonize scale. The approach raises structural, material, and heritage-compatibility concerns, including misalignment, weatherproofing, and the risk that the visible result satisfies appearance without preserving the building’s historical interior or social memory.

Critics argue that facadism can reduce a site’s authenticity and historical integrity and produce aesthetically discordant results. Proponents contend that it can balance conservation with urban renewal, protect streetscapes, and unlock usable space. The practice remains controversial and subject to local planning policies and heritage-status considerations.