Navigating the Non Sequitur City

Book Description

Navigating the Non Sequitur City explores historic preservation as a creative discipline rather than solely a regulatory mechanism. In many cities, the gradual erasure of historic context creates architectural non sequiturs that offer a fragmented interpretation of the past. By embracing unexpected juxtapositions and subtle connections, preservationists can construct new narratives and gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the city. The book’s central thesis is that preservation practice can embrace creative thinking while maintaining its core mission of stewarding the historic built environment. Rather than abandoning proven policies, the book advances new methods for understanding how historic structures relate to contemporary architecture, climate adaptation, social equity, and evolving urban development patterns. Interviews with leading preservation practitioners and theorists are woven into each chapter, expanding the frame of reference for deciding what gets preserved, what vanishes, and who makes these decisions.

What’s new about this book?

First comprehensive critique of preservation methods since the field’s foundational texts.
Integration of climate adaptation and social equity into preservation decision-making frameworks.
Inventive tools for evaluating contextual infill development and preservation approaches.
Interviews with preservation practitioners and researchers will incorporate diverse perspectives into the book.
Interviews with preservation practitioners and researchers will incorporate diverse perspectives into the book.
Framework for understanding preservation as both regulatory tool and creative practice.

Contacts: Terry, Stephanie