ABSTRACT
Certainly since the early 1970s in the UK, it has generally been assumed that manifestations of facadism have been the result of decisions aimed at resolving the problems of integrating new development into historic environments or of preserving facades which have been considered to be valuable architectural features in their own right, while at the same time allowing urban areas to modernise. Facadism has, therefore, been seen in some circumstances as a means to an end in the achievement of urban conservation objectives. The previous chapter examined the validity of the concept of facadism in relation to the spirit and principles of urban conservation and considered circumstances when it may or may not be an appropriate approach to development involving the built heritage. In this chapter my intention is to explore the reasons behind facadism becoming a chosen development option, and to explain why, on some occasions, it becomes a reality.
