facadism

Definitions

1. the practice of retaining only the facade of an old building when redeveloping a site.
   uncountable
2. a method where the facade is designed and/or constructed independently of the remainder of the rest of the building.
   uncountable

Examples

“The Construction of new buildings behind historic facades, better know⟳ as facade retention or ‘facadism’, is a unique phase in the history of architecture.”

“In Chapter 10 the author goes on to explore⟳ the ways in which new development can be inserted in cityscapes through various means. In particular he examines the increased use⟳ of facadism...”

“Local officers are happy with façadism because it means the townscape stays intact — and nobody should ask⟳ what happens behind the facing walls”

“Façadism, with its emphasis on show⟳ and its disregard for authenticity, is very much a postmodern approach⟳.”

CEFR level