Architectural Conservation

Why do we preserve and why does it matter? This is the underlying question of this module, which we will explore through the analysis of the concept of heritage, how it developed from Antiquity to the present, and how it is still very much an open debate. You will learn about meanings and symbolisms behind our understanding of what heritage is, and how these have been shaping conservation attitudes and philosophies. Weekly lectures and seminars introduce different themes, periods, and instances, at both individual and large scale, focusing on the European tradition but with a world outlook. This provides you with a solid introduction to architectural, urban, and conservation history and philosophies, which allows you to navigate the complex quest underlying the module. You will develop critical thinking, learn about research methodologies, and a variety of communication skills, alongside how to read, write about, and record historic environments. By the end of this module, you will never walk around a historic environment as you did before! And you will understand both complexities and opportunities of a career in heritage.

How has the environmental dimension of building design changed over time in the UK and beyond? You will learn how to evaluate past environmental technologies and strategies, combining historical research methods and technical analysis. You will research the historical, geographic, and cultural context of the development of environmental technologies and scientific principles. Over the course of the term, you will conduct a detailed case study in order to gain a critical understanding of the environmental considerations underlying the design, operation, and adaptation of historic buildings, including the current challenge of adapting historic buildings to climate change. Students from MSc in Architecture and the Sustainable Environment and MSc in Architectural Conservation will come together in this cross-disciplinary module to explore how to reconcile the requirements of heritage preservation and environmental design.

Why is it important to manage and protect historically significant buildings and sites which represent our social, cultural past? This is the principal question we will seek to answer in this module as we explore how policies and legislation guide the protection of historic assets, including those that are at risk of loss. Introducing you to the historic development of protection and guardianship of historic sites since the emergence of the conservation movement, we will then explore the ethical and administrative challenges and debates in place today. Focusing on heritage protection and planning systems in the UK, we will examine various kinds of statutory designation locally and nationally. The course will also explore the importance and impact of international designations, charters, and policies. Exploring the broad range of consultancy roles in this sector, the module will evaluate how change, repair, and refurbishment of historic sites is consented, funded, and managed together with the procurement strategies relevant to undertaking work on conservation projects.

This module explores the structural behaviour of traditional buildings and examines their response to environmental phenomena. It helps students to analyse the causes and patterns of damage and cultivates a critical understanding of the techniques employed in the repair and strengthening of historic buildings. The module will include lectures delivered by the conservators of Canterbury Cathedral and will constitute an opportunity to observe the methods employed in the conservation of the cathedral. The module assignment, a structural report on a historic structure, will provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge gained in the lectures and articulate their findings using the relevant presentation skills.

How can we preserve the value of historic buildings while adapting them to new uses and requirements? This module explores the tools and methods necessary to redevelop historic buildings in a way that preserves them for future generations. You will gain hands-on expertise in these methods by working on a historic site in Kent. Your weekly tasks and site visits will help you to engage with all aspects of interventions to historic sites, from the initial survey and appraisals, to the drafting of conservation plans. You will learn to articulate strategies for the adaption, extension, and monitoring of historic buildings. Covering all the phases of a conservation project, this module will help you to synthesise theory and practice in a critical way and develop a personal holistic approach to architectural conservation.

This is an exciting time to be exploring the repair of historic buildings. While our understanding of how buildings age is better than ever, long-forgotten building materials and skills are being revived in sustainable, ‘like for like’ repairs. Responding to these developments, this module provides you with hands-on, detailed expertise in the repair of historic buildings. Looking at historic structures from different periods and materials, we will explore different repair methods, from non-invasive, reversible interventions to large-scale consolidation and restoration. You will apply this knowledge in practice by working on a historic site in Kent. By the end of the module, you will cultivate a forensic understanding of historic buildings enabling you to diagnose the causes of their decay and develop detailed specifications for their repair.

What perspectives and research methodologies do different disciplines offer? How can these be utilised to address questions related to the built environment? How can they help you to address the particular challenges associated with the development of research methods for use in creative processes or industry-based projects? This module brings you together with peers from different PGT programmes in order to encourage the exploration of cross-disciplinary approaches to research on the built environment. You will develop a proposal for a written dissertation, research-led creative project, or industry-based project in a topic of your own choice. Delivered over the course of two terms, the aim of this module is to support you in developing project proposals in preparation for your final module Dissertation or Industry-based project. You have the options to develop proposals for three kinds of projects: (1) traditional written thesis, (2) research-by-practice, and (3) industry-based project. Through a programme of seminars and practical workshops, you will develop the knowledge and skills required for designing projects within academic and professional settings. You will apply these skills in the development of project proposals that cover a literature review, outline of the methodology, project schedule, and where required, will also involve full research ethics approval.

You will develop your research skills through a large project under the guidance of a supervisor. This can be undertaken within an academic or professional setting. You can choose between research-based or practice-based projects in a topic related to their field of study. This provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your capacity to work as independent researchers in your chosen area of specialism. You will have the choice between three options. You can choose to produce a substantial piece of written work, undertake a creative project, or a project undertaken in the context of external placements within industry or public sector organisations. During the development of your proposal, you will have chosen between three pathway options for your project, distinguishing between projects in which you can demonstrate the application of advanced skills and knowledge within the context of academic research, creative projects, or professional placements. The pathways are: - **Research project**: You will undertake an independent research project on a topic related to their discipline, which will be assessed on a written dissertation of 12,000 words. This is the pathway for students on the MSc Urban Planning & Resilience. - **Creative project (practice-as-research)**: You explore your research questions in the context of a creative project within their field of study. This will be assessed on a portfolio, together with a 4,000-word written essay, which will frame and discuss the project theoretically. - **Industry-based project**: You explore your research questions through projects within the professional settings of a work placement within the public or private sector. This will be assessed on a project portfolio, together with a 4,000-word written essay, offering a critical reflection on research in practice.