Abstract Integrating contemporary architecture into an ancient context is no easy task. High-quality contemporary architecture must interact with older buildings while helping to protect and enhance the inherited heritage. However, the reality on the ground is ambiguous. An examination of contemporary buildings in an ancient context shows the rivalry between several divergent trends in the integration of contemporary architecture in an ancient context: the first trend, oriented towards dissidence with the ancient context, the second trend, geared towards mimicking neighbouring buildings and the third trend, in which contemporary buildings skilfully respect the ancient context in which they are located, while conveying a contemporary and sustainable feel. The distinction in practices for integrating contemporary architecture into an ancient context is an issue that needs to be addressed. We ask the following question: why this distinction in practices for integrating contemporary architecture? This article is an attempt to reflect on this question. It questions the practices of integrating contemporary architecture into old urban contexts, which has been and remains a major issue. It also shows the tangible difference between the provisions of heritage protection legislation relating to the integration of contemporary architecture into an ancient context and the reality on the ground. In terms of methodology, we have compiled a diverse body of data, made up of written documents (books, published research articles and theses) and legal documents (texts of international charters for the protection of heritage). Today, the implementation of legal texts relating to heritage protection, in particular the integration of contemporary architecture into ancient urban contexts, poses problems in the field. The ancient urban context is a whole that must not be fragmented. The traditional setting must be preserved, and any new construction that could alter the volume relationships must be avoided.
Mazouz et al. (Mon,) studied this question.