ABSTRACT
The introduction of a new independent element into, between or beside an existing structure can often be seen as confrontational, but a single large powerful element can establish surprising dialogues between itself and the existing structure or volume. It is often argued that this is most sucessful when the clearest possible distinction between the crisp new contemporary work and the crumbling antiquity of the existing is established and therefore the style, the language, the materials and the character of each are different, however there are many examples of additional elements that blend well with the original building. The addition is independent, but particular qualities will always be derived from the original building. This is inevitable because there is always a direct architectural relationship with the absolute physical properties of the existing space. Factors such as the scale and the dimensions, the proportions, the rhythm and the structural composition of the existing building influence the design of any new additions.
