This module explores the various methods of promoting beneficial change to historic buildings. A conservation project that will be supervised on a weekly basis offers the opportunity to design an intervention to a historic site. The project will not only focus on one historic building but it will offer the opportunity to investigate the role of conservation in the broader urban environment. In parallel to this project, a series of lectures will investigate various stages in the delivery of conservation projects, examining the methods of survey, appraisal, repair, strengthening, adaption, extension, and monitoring of historic buildings and surrounding urban spaces. One of these lectures will be delivered at Canterbury Cathedral, and will give students the opportunity to observe the ongoing conservation of the monument guided by one of its chief conservators. During the course, special emphasis will be put on issues related with the preservation and management of historic cities. Encouraging the students to experiment with all the phases of a conservation project, this module provides a synthesis of theory and practice, and promotes the development of a holistic approach to architectural conservation.
Total contact hours: 30 hours
Private study hours: 270 hours
Total study hours: 300 hours
Main assessment methods
Conservation Plan (25%)
Conservation Project (75%)
Reassessment methods
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Indicative Reading List
Cantacuzino, S. (1975). New Uses for Old Buildings. London
Charles, F.W.B. (1995). Conservation of Timber Buildings. Shaftesbury: Donhead
Croci, G. (1998). The Conservation and Structural Restoration of Architectural Heritage, Southampton: Computational Mechanics Publications.
Feilden, B.M. (2003). Conservation of Historic Buildings. Butterworth
ICOMOS. (1990). Guide to Recording Historic Buildings. Butterworth.
Krier, L. (1998). Architecture, Choice or Fate. London: Papadakis Publisher.
Larkham, P.J. (1996) Conservation and the City. London: Routledge.
Roberts, P. & Sykes, H. (1999). Urban Regeneration. Sage Publications.
Watt, D. & Swallow, P. (1996). Surveying Historic Buildings. Shaftesbury: Donhead.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to demonstrate:
1 Expertise in the design of conservation-oriented interventions to historic buildings.
2 An ability to use conservation statements and plans as a basis for conservation strategies.
3 Familiarity with the methods employed in the survey of historic buildings and sites.
4 An ability to manage a design proposal and to formulate design briefs.
5 An ability to work in many different scales and conditions, ranging from building interiors to building complexes and from urban areas to landscapes and gardens.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to demonstrate:
1 An ability to guide and manage change to historic buildings.
2 An understanding of the entire process of conservation projects, including survey, conservation statement, establishment of conservation strategy, formulation of briefs,
design development, procurement and implementation.
3 An awareness of the impact of conservation principles on the way in which historic buildings are preserved, reconstructed, or adapted to new uses.
4 An inclusive, broad view of the urban environment and an understanding of historic buildings as integral parts of an urban setting.
5 An ability to integrate conservation attitudes with contemporary economic and social goals.
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