Architectural Communication through Extension Methods

Abstract

Many historic buildings have been abandoned or underutilized due to functional limitations and regulatory constraints. Architectural extension has therefore become a crucial mechanism to balance between preserving original values and accommodating contemporary needs. This study investigates and analyzes architectural communication through the process of architectural extension, employing the theoretical framework of architectural communication and the concept of the relationship between the old and the new (Contrast and Continuity). The aim is to understand how extension can convey the architect’s intention and establish a dialogue with the past. The main research question is In what ways does extension generate forms of architectural communication ? The methodology is based on typological analysis and the interpretation of the architect’s intention in relation to the structural, material, and heritage dimensions of extension works. Three case studies are examined Shanghai Foreign Language School, Music School Louviers Extension, and Vast Gallery & Artist Residency. Findings reveal that extension produces three primary modes of architectural communication 1) Respect for the past through the exposure of original structures and materials. 2) Transition expressed in connecting spaces such as halls, courtyards, and corridors that reflect the passage of time. 3) Reinterpretation employing contemporary forms and materials to question or propose new perspectives on the past. Thus, extension is not merely the addition of functional space, but rather a design process of communication that creates continuity between past and present across dimensions of concept, aesthetics, and contemporary cultural values.