From Classic to Modern: Unique Expansions That Respect the Past

A House Inside a Shopping Mall? 🏠✨

Did you know that Kaunas Akropolis, the 4th largest shopping center in Lithuania, has a fascinating piece of history hidden inside? A house built in 1914 is now preserved within the mall itself!

Senior Hall at Eastern Washington University.

Original building was a women’s dormitory built in 1920. Expanded in 2006. They way this building was expanded without removing the outside walls.

London Kings Cross Station

London King’s Cross Station is a prime example of seamlessly blending historical architecture with modern design. Originally built in 1852, the station underwent a major renovation that preserved its iconic Victorian facade while adding a sleek, contemporary concourse. The redevelopment transformed the station into a spacious, state-of-the-art transport hub, showcasing how historical preservation can coexist with modern functionality. It’s a perfect example of respecting the past while embracing progress.

The British Museum in London

The museum, founded in 1753, preserved its iconic classical facade while undergoing significant modern expansions, such as the stunning glass-roofed Great Court. This contemporary addition respects the building’s historical integrity while enhancing its functionality, demonstrating how old and new can coexist harmoniously in architecture.

Cleveland Museum of Art

The original Beaux-Arts building, completed in 1916, was expanded with a modern addition in 2007, designed by Rafael Viñoly. The new glass-enclosed atrium, which connects the historic galleries with the contemporary ones, preserves the museum’s classical aesthetic while offering a modern, open feel.

Strasbourg’s train station, Alsace, France

Originally built in the 19th century, it underwent a significant renovation and expansion that included a sleek, modern glass-and-steel structure while maintaining its classic architecture. The new parts of the station blend seamlessly with the older sections, preserving the building’s historic charm while improving its functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Original facade under the modern canopy built in 2007

Gare de Strasbourg as viewed from Place de la Gare at dusk, showing the new and old façades