Examination arrangement

Course content

The course offers an introduction to current theory, methods and practical techniques for surveying, documenting and analyzing existing buildings and built environments with respect to their physical and material properties, technical condition, history and cultural value. Further will the course include input on legal matters, planning and other relevant issues on the topic. The aim is to establish a basis for decision making in planning of interventions in existing buildings with focus on retaining their historic content and cultural values. The course is followed by and linked to the design course AAR4551 - Building conservation

When choosing the specialization area Building Conservation within AAR4680 Circular Studio - Buildings, AAR4825 - Survey, Documentation and Analysis of Existing Buildings is a mandatory knowledge topic.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE: Conservation theory and cultural heritage valuation. Searching for, and use of relevant records and documents in public archives. Methods for survey and documentation of buildings with analogue and digital tools. Physical properties of building materials/physics, including decay processes and biodeterioration for assessments of technical condition. SKILLS: Systematic and interdisciplinary collecting of information in field work on case buildings. Documenting and assessing technical condition on a summary level. Ability to read buildings as historical documents, based on knowledge of their history and building archaeology. Ability to synthesize large amounts of detailed information into a comprehensive understanding and presentation of the prerequisits, qualities and use possibilities of a built environment. GENERAL COMPETENCE: A basic understanding of existing buildings as resources in a wide conception of the notion, and ability to identify values and potential qualities for use, as well as limitations. Ability to produce and convey a complex body of information in a concise written form. Cooperation in interdisciplinary groups.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching is based on field studies of existing buildings or built environments, where instruction and guidance in the use of various methods is given on site. An exercise in searching for historic records and documents in public archives is included. Throughout the course, lectures and seminars will be given on topical themes and aspects. The students will work in interdisciplinary groups, submitting a report at the end of the course.

Compulsory assignments

• Seminar and group work

Further on evaluation

The report will form the basis for examination grades. The report must be delivered both printed and digitally. Each group is given the opportunity to present their work and receive feedback from the examiner. Assessment guidelines will be prepared and posted on Blackboard shortly after submission.

Mandatory activities: There is a requirement of 75% participation in the field work, in lectures and exercises during the field work and in the preparation of the group's report.

The students are required to participate both in the field work and the report writing to be assessed for grading. Postponed exams are usually scheduled for the next regular exam period.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Interest for, but not necessarily experience with, preservation and use of existing buildings/built heritage.

Required previous knowledge

Bachelor in architecture or equivalent. The course is also offered to master students in Cultural Heritage Management.The course is based on a real situation where the students are working with collection of information from various oral and written sources. As most of the information will be in Norwegian, good knowledge in Norwegian/Nordic Language, both oral and written, is required.

Course materials

Announced at the start of the term.