Course content

The subject offers an introduction to the most important theories and methods in building conservation, and on how these metods can be used as a basis for planning of interventions in existing built environments. The work is usually based on field studies of a given building or built environment, including documentation and proposal for a strategy for future development, based on a heritage value assessment. The work can also be based on literature studies.

Learning outcome

The objective is to give the students a substantial theoretical basis for assessment of heritage value and discussion of strategies for actions in existing built environments.

KNOWLEDGE: Conservation theories and principles, value assessment in decision making, and management of the cultural heritage. Use of arhival records and documents, including critical assessment of their contents. Methods for surveying and recording buildings. Knowledge of materials and their physical properties, typical decay processes like biological degradation, necessary for the assessment of technical condition.

SKILLS: Systematic and interdisciplinary collecting of information in field work with actual buildings. The ability to read buildings as historical documents, based on knowledge of their history and building archaeology. The ability to synthesize considerable amounts of detailed knowledge into a comprehensive understanding of the pre-requisitions, qualities and utilization possibilities of a built environment.

GENERAL COMPETENCE: A basic understanding of existing buildings as resources in a wide conception of the notion. A systematic, scientifically based discussion and assessment of the historical contents and their significance for an existing built environment.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching is based on field studies/literature studies and report writing. If suitable, the subject may be arranged in cooperation with the master course AAR4825 Survey, Documentation and Analysis of Existing Buildings (autumn), possibly in a joint fieldwork with this subject. A separate report is required for the PhD subject.

Further on evaluation

There are no mandatory teaching activitites in this subject, only individual supervision. The course is evaluated on the basis of a written submission (report or essay)

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Students have to be enrolled in the PhD program.

Required previous knowledge

Msc in Architecture or equivalent, preferably including courses in building conservation.

Course materials

Information is given at the start of the course