Mirror facade: as one of the methods of harmonizing modern architecture within the conditions of a historical building

The scientific article examines the harmonization of modern residential buildings within a historical environment. It describes one of the approaches to solving this issue, namely the use of a mirrored facade made of metal or glass contemporary materials. The article explores both the architectural design of facades and the planning solutions of a specific example of the mirrored approach by the architects of HoG Architektur in the Austrian city of Graz. During the study, an analysis of architectural composition, contextual analysis, photographic analysis of the building, and comparative analysis were conducted. The study examines the building’s proportions, its geometry, facade rhythm analysis, the ratio of open and closed surfaces, and compares these aspects with classical architectural techniques and modern trends. Research has been carried out on the interaction of the building with the urban environment, specifically how it integrates into the existing development, its role in shaping urban space, and an analysis of its scale in relation to the surrounding historical context. The impact of the facade on the visual perception of the city and its "mirroring" effect is considered. Photographs of the building from different angles have been analyzed to study how the facade's mirror works from various perspectives, the influence of light on the facade composition, and the interaction of reflections with the surrounding environment. The quality of harmonization was assessed using an original methodology. The architectural solutions were analyzed according to each evaluation criterion, and a graphical model of different types of harmonization was presented. The study also includes an examination of the ergonomic and functional characteristics of the residential space, shaped by the chosen materials and planning solutions. Environmental aspects of such a facade were assessed, particularly its energy efficiency and its impact on the microclimate of the surrounding area. Conclusions were drawn regarding the effectiveness of the mirrored facade as a means of harmonizing contemporary architecture with the historical environment and the potential for applying similar solutions in other urban contexts.