Architectural Conservation

This book provides an introductory text for students in built environment disciplines, as well as those who manage or own historic properties, and those embarking upon architectural conservation professionally. It is designed to give an understanding of the main principles, materials and problems in the field of conservation and it features a number of case studies.

Preface

Part I Theory and Principles

1 Introduction 3

What is architectural conservation? 3

Why conserve? 3

Architectural conservation 5

Conservation as a profession 6

Professional roles in building conservation 7

Craft skills 10

Studies in building conservation 10

Professional accreditation 11

Working internationally 11

Structure of the book 12

2 International and historic context of conservation 15

Historic context 16

The symbolic and nostalgic connotations of historic monuments 16

‘Restoration’ in the nineteenth century 17

The search for authenticity 17

Conservation in the twentieth century 20

Built heritage as a symbol of national identity 20

International conservation charters 21

The non-Western perspective 23

The urban conservation movement 25

UNESCO and the World Heritage Convention 26

Shifting emphases 28

Conservation-led regeneration 29

The industrial heritage 29

The legacy of the twentieth century 31

Cultural landscapes 32

Intangible heritage 33

Integrated approaches 35

Summary and conclusion 35

3 Theoretical framework and conservation principles 37

Values and definitions 38

A values-based approach 38

Terms and definitions 46

Principles, philosophy and guidance 50

Ethics in conservation 51

Principles 52

Summary and conclusion 63

4 Legislation, Policy and Guidance 66

Decision making in conservation 67

International level 67

National level 68

Local level 69

Non-governmental organisations and amenity societies 71

The private sector and property owners 72

Public participation 73

Statutory protection 74

Archaeological sites and ancient monuments 75

Monuments and buildings of architectural and historic significance 76

Area-based designation (conservation areas) 81

Historic gardens and landscapes 84

Other forms of control and legislation that impact on historic buildings 86

Summary and conclusion 87

Part II Principles Into Practice

5 Managing conservation 91

Survey and analysis 91

Understanding 91

Research 94

Survey 95

Specialist investigations 96

Information management 97

Making and evaluating proposals 98

Conservation management plans 98

Impact assessment 100

Project implementation 102

Financing conservation 102

Construction contracts for conservation 103

Implementation on site 104

Managing historic properties 105

Maintenance planning 105

Risk assessment and preparedness 108

Access management 108

Summary and conclusion 110

6 Causes of decay, environmental services and structures in conservation 112

Causes of decay 112

Climatic causes 113

Biological and botanical causes 115

Natural disasters 115

Human beings 118

Managing environmental conditions in historic buildings 120

Designing for and locating services in historic buildings 122

Heating and cooling 123

Improving environmental performance 125

Lighting historic buildings 125

Fire protection 128

Structural conservation 130

Structural failure 130

Understanding and analysing structures 131

Repair and conservation of historic structures 133

Summary and conclusion 135

7 Conservation of materials 137

Earth structures 139

Building in earth 139

Causes of decay and failure 141

Principles and techniques of repair 142

Thatch 143

Thatching 143

Causes of decay 144

Principles and techniques of repair 144

Timber 145

Building with timber 145

Causes of decay and failure 148

Principles and techniques of repair 149

Stone 152

Building with stone 152

Causes of decay and deterioration 154

Principles and techniques of repair 155

Bricks and clay roof tiles 159

Building in brick 159

Causes of decay and failure 160

Principles and techniques of repair 160

Tiles, faience and terracotta 163

Tiles, faience and terracotta on buildings 163

Causes of decay and failure 165

Principles and techniques of repair 166

Structural metals 166

Structural use of metals in buildings 166

Causes of decay and failure 168

Principles and techniques of repair 169

Sheet metals 169

Sheet metals in buildings 169

Causes of decay and failure 169

Principles and techniques of repair 170

Glass 172

Renders, plasters and mortars 172

Renders, plasters and mortars in building 172

Causes of decay and failure 174

Principles and techniques of repair 174

Concrete 175

Building in concrete 175

Causes of decay and failure 175

Principles and techniques of repair 175

Plastics and resins 176

Finishes 177

Materials used for coatings and finishes 177

Principles and techniques of conservation 178

Cleaning surfaces 181

Summary and conclusion 182

8 Regeneration, reuse and design in the historic environment 185

Urban regeneration 185

Conservation-led regeneration 185

Urban conservation 187

Economic viability 191

Adaptive reuse 194

Design in the historic environment 197

The context of townscape 197

Architectural interventions 198

Summary and conclusion 206

Conclusion 208

Glossary 211

Bibliography 215

Index 221

"This is a sound introductory basis for those embarking on the study of architectural conservation and can be recommended to anyone thinking of joining the profession." (Journal of Architectural Conservation, November 2008)

"Outlines the importance of architectural conservation on our society." (UK Construction)

Aylin Orbasli, BArch, DPhil trained as an architect in Turkey before completing a doctorate at the University of York in England. She works as a consultant in heritage management and historic building conservation, and at Oxford Brookes University. This book provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of architectural conservation today for students in built environment and related disciplines and places conservation in its wider physical, social and international context. The subject is considered in the framework of conservation thinking in the early 21st century, reflecting some of the most recent theoretical and technical developments and debates.

The book is divided into two parts: the first provides the theoretical basis for architectural conservation; the second shows the applications of the theory in practice. Each section is supported by case studies drawn from a broad international context. Recommended reading lists at the end of each chapter, an extensive bibliography and web resources are also provided.