Architecture critics evaluate the relationship between a building and its surrounding urban fabric by assessing how the building interacts with its environment. Here are several factors that they consider:
1. Urban context: Critics consider the building's location and the surrounding urban fabric in which it is situated. They look at the scale, density, and character of the neighborhood or city block and consider how the building fits within it.
2. Site planning: They evaluate the design, placement, and orientation of the building on the site. They look at pedestrian access, vehicular circulation, parking, and how the building relates to the street and the public realm.
3. Massing and scale: Critics also scrutinize the size, shape, and proportion of the building. They examine how the building relates to adjacent structures, and whether it complements or clashes with the surrounding architectural styles and character.
4. Materials: Critics consider the materials used in construction and their appropriateness to the surrounding environment. They evaluate how the building's materials and finishes contribute to the urban fabric and overall streetscape.
5. Sustainability and resiliency: They analyze the building's sustainability and resiliency features, such as energy efficiency, water management, and environmental impact, as well as its ability to withstand natural and man-made disasters.
Ultimately, architecture critics evaluate how a building contributes to the quality of life in its surrounding community. They consider its impact on the social, economic, and cultural vitality of the neighborhood or city.
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