While multidisciplinarity is one of the most compelling virtues of an architect and urban planner's education, it can lead to a certain imprecision and deviation regarding the practical possibilities of the profession when interpreted too generically. From time to time, it is crucial to reiterate the nuances of the broad spectrum that the word "design" encompasses in this field, as these specifics yield distinct bodies of knowledge and professional niches that can and should be occupied by architects.
.jpg?1586458844 "Prudência Building Apartment Renovation / messina | rivas. Image: © Federico Cairoli")
.jpg?1586527580 "Restoration of a 1934 apartment designed by Le Corbusier, located on Rue Nungesser-et-Coli in Paris.")
In this regard, many terms associated with architecture are inappropriately used interchangeably. A clear example of this is how we refer to what can broadly be understood as interventions in existing buildings. Terms like restoration, renovation, retrofit, requalification, and rehabilitation are used extensively and almost always interchangeably, which calls for some clarification.
