Historic Conservation

You will study two linked modules that are taught in consecutive semesters. You will critically explore questions such as, how did our present stock of historic buildings and sites come into existence? What social, political, economic and artistic factors influenced their initial construction and subsequent alteration?

In your first module your focus will be on the mediaeval and early modern periods, looking at the evolution of the landscape and the major elements of architectural history in England up to the seventeenth century. Your second module continues the narrative from the seventeenth century up to the present day.

Through these modules you will build up your architectural vocabulary and gain a thorough understanding of the evolution of building practices over time in England.

How can we 'read' the history of a building, and how can we best communicate our understanding by visual and written means?

To help you address these questions, this skills-based module will introduce you to methods for analysing the special architectural and historical characteristics of a particular site, building, or group of buildings. Through a hands-on project, you will develop your techniques for archival research, measurement, drawing and recording.

What are the common traditional building materials, what are their benefits and how do they weather and decay?

Focusing on both retaining original fabric and improving environmental performance, you will examine the structural principles and physical properties of a wide range of traditional and modern materials and methods of repair. You will learn about and build your understanding in remediating previous repairs as well as environmental factors and the introduction of new fabric and services into historic structures.

How do we judge the historical significance of our buildings, monuments and towns? What are the underlying values we are aiming to conserve? What legal and practical protections are in place, here in the UK and elsewhere, that protect historic places? What is the balance between heritage and sustainability?

Through extensive reading, lectures, discussion and debate, you will explore the range of ideas that have developed over time underpinning the conservation of historic buildings and places. You will navigate the moral, political and conceptual problems that arise with conservation and the legal regimes put in place to put conservation into practice. Most importantly, you will bring those strands together to develop your critical skills in making reasoned judgements in our ongoing efforts to maintain our diverse culture and adapt to changing social and environmental conditions.

How do we adapt historic environments to meet changing needs? How can new buildings best fit into historic contexts? What are the economic consequences of historic conservation and how do we ensure projects are economically sustainable?

You will study conservation projects from two perspectives. Firstly, you will analyse historic townscapes to understand their underlying structure and character as a context for design and to formulate design guidance and codes for sensitive historic areas. You will acquire skills in the critical appraisal of existing or proposed buildings and preparing and presenting design concepts.

Secondly, you will explore the economic context for historic conservation and the principles of different economic models. You will identify and assess the range of values attributed to heritage assets, the costs involved in construction, operations and maintenance, undertaking viability assessments and identifying funding sources

You will take a critical overview of research methods and progress the skills that are relevant to investigative work in the fields of conservation and design.

This is your opportunity to carry out an individual research project with the supervision of a member of the teaching staff. You will discuss and agree with your academic supervisor on the conservation-related topic that you will focus on in your capstone project. You will utilise the knowledge and skills you have gained so far on the course to produce your capstone project to a high standard that will also help prepare you for the professional world of Historic Conservation.