ABSTRACT
Will’s article reviews the debate surrounding the practice of façadism. On the one hand, there is the question concerning the complete demolition of historically important city landmarks – their disappearance being wasteful and destabilizing any sense of place. On the other hand, façadism does ensure, albeit as a paper-thin presence, a veneer of heritage. Will concludes by quoting an entry on façadism in a UK conservation glossary that states: “while it is a practice much condemned by conservationists, in fact there can be arguments in its favor, but it needs careful handling.”
