Historic Conservation

What is historic conservation? How, when and where did it originate? Why do we do it, and how might we do it differently? This module examines the structure of ideas, values, principles, institutions, laws and policies upon which our current practice rests. Beginning with a historical overview that relates the emergence of the conservation agenda to developments in other fields of culture, it proceeds to analyse the dominant legal and institutional frameworks through which that agenda is pursued, primarily in the UK but also further afield.

Two linked modules taught in consecutive semesters. 

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? These are two linked modules, taught in consecutive semesters. The first module concentrates on the medieval period and provides an introduction to the evolution of the landscape and the major elements of architectural history in England up to the sixteenth century. The second module continues the narrative from the sixteenth century up to the present day.

What are historic buildings made of, what keeps them standing, and how can their physical substance be preserved and/or renewed? This module examines the properties, decay and repair of traditional and modern materials, as well as structural principles, environmental factors and the introduction of new fabric and services into historic structures.

How can we 'read' the history of a building, and how can we best communicate our understanding by visual and written means? This is a skill-based module that helps you to analyse the special architectural and historical characteristics of a particular site, building, or group of buildings, and to develop techniques for the representation of these characteristics through archival research, measurement, drawing and recording.

Who pays for the conservation of the historic environment, and how do projects secure funding? This module comprises an overview of built heritage finance in the context of cultural economics, followed by a series of themed classes given by expert speakers from outside the University. Topics covered include project costing, development appraisal, third-party funding and the relevant aspects of the property market.

How far, and in what ways, should an understanding of the historic environment inform current design decisions? This module enables you to analyse historic townscapes, to understand basic principles of urban 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, preparing design briefs for sites in historic areas and presenting design concepts.