Dr. Nikolaos Karydis on New Design in the Historic Centre of Canterbury

Dr Nikos Karydis will be giving a talk entitled ‘New Design in the History Centre of Canterbury’ as part of The Canterbury Trust on Wednesday 1st June at 7.30PM at the Friends Meeting House, the Friars.

How can cities such as Canterbury achieve a sympathetic balance between old and new?  The design of new buildings that adapt harmoniously to the historic context plays a key role in the preservation of the character of historic neighbourhoods.

This talk will be given by Dr Nikolaos Karydis, who is the Director of the MSc in Architectural Conservation at the University of Kent and a practising architect.  His illustrated talk will analyse some of the key elements in the ‘contextual’ approach to place-making, such as:

  • The role of new developments in the scale and structure of the city
  • The contribution of new architecture to urban frontages
  • The impact of new buildings on the urban scene
  • The role of building materials and their contribution to the character of an area

Different approaches will be assessed with reference to possible interventions in different parts of Canterbury.  Analysing these approaches helps to establish design methods that enable architects, designers and planners to enhance the historic environment.