CON7063 - Conservation, Repair, Adaptation and Retrofitting of Buildings

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

1. Advanced Understanding of Conservation Principles:
Demonstrate an in-depth and advanced understanding of the principles and theories of conserving, repairing, adapting, and retrofitting buildings

2. Proficiency in Structural Repair-Retrofitting Strategies:
Develop high proficiency skills in analysing and assessing the condition of existing buildings, identifying structural issues and developing appropriate conservation, repair, adaptation, and retrofitting strategies

3. Significance of Historic buildings to Society:
Demonstrate ability to assess the social, cultural, and environmental significance of historic buildings and the importance of preserving them for future generations

4. Technical Challenges of Adaptation and Retrofitting:
Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address challenges and considerations in adapting and retrofitting buildings to meet changing needs and sustainability requirements

5. Regulatory frameworks:
Understand and apply the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the conservation, repair, adaptation, and retrofitting of buildings

6. Collaborate with Custodians and Stakeholders:
Develop understanding of how to communicate effectively and collaborate with custodians and stakeholders involved in the conservation, repair, adaptation, and retrofitting of buildings

7. Commitment to sustainable ethical practices:
Demonstrate a high level of commitment to ethical and sustainable practices in the conservation, repair, adaptation, and retrofitting of buildings.

Content:

The Conservation, Repair, Adaptation, and Retrofitting of Buildings module explores the principles and techniques involved in preserving and transforming existing buildings.Students learn about the advanced principles and philosophies of building conservation, including the economic value of the Heritage Sector and the cultural significance of preserving historic buildings.

This module will also explore and examine the social, cultural, and environmental significance of historic buildings and economic and rationale of conservation. In light of this, attention will be given to the doctrines that govern the heritage sector, namely:
- The need to adopt strategic approaches in assessing the condition of existing buildings;
- How to identify structural issues and develop appropriate strategies for repair and conservation; and,
- Examining the typical challenges and considerations in adapting and retrofitting buildings amid the ever-changing needs and sustainability requirements of society.

Following on, considerable attention will be given to topics such as:
- Energy efficiency (hard to treat traditional-vernacular buildings)
- Legal protection: accessibility and the preservation of architectural integrity
- Legal and regulatory frameworks governing
i) The conservation, repair, adaptation, and retrofitting of buildings
ii) The contrast between building regulations and listed building consent
- Management of Conservation Projects
- Conservation in Practice
- The Landscape of Historic Buildings
- Heritage Custodians
- Building Regulations and Building Conservation Principles/Philosophies
i)Listed Building Consent
ii)Ancient Monument Consent
iii)Work in Conservation Areas/Curtilage
- Planning Consent Vs Listed Building Consent:
i)Minimum intervention/Reversibility/Like for Like/Repair and not Replace
ii)Compatibility of materials and repair techniques
- Historic Building Materials and Traditional Restoration Methods
i) The Characteristics of Historic Building Materials
ii) Timber Resin Repair Techniques/Traditional Repair Techniques

Learning and Teaching Information:

Delivery will be through case studies and practical exercises. Students will apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios, and develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement. The module will also address ethical and sustainable practices in the conservation, repair, adaptation, and retrofitting of buildings.

The Conservation, Repair, Adaptation, and Retrofitting of Buildings module employs a variety of learning and teaching methods to enhance students' understanding and application of the subject matter.

Lectures provide a foundation of knowledge, introducing key concepts, theories, and case studies. These lectures are complemented by seminars, where students engage in discussions, group work, and critical analysis of readings and case studies.

Seminars also provide an opportunity for students to share their perspectives and learn from their peers. Practical exercises and workshops allow students to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios. These activities may include site visits, building assessments, and hands-on conservation and repair exercises.

Students also could work on individual or group projects, applying their learning to develop conservation, repair, adaptation, or retrofitting strategies for specific buildings.

Guest lectures and industry visits provide students with insights from professionals working in the field of conservation and heritage management. These interactions allow students to gain a deeper understanding of the practical challenges and considerations involved in the conservation, repair, adaptation, and retrofitting of buildings.

Assessment methods may include written assignments, presentations, and practical projects. These assessments are designed to evaluate students' knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ability to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.



Lectures - Seminars
Hours: 2hrs X 10 weeks = 20 hours
Intended Group Size: All three cohorts

Workshops - Tutorials
Hours: 2hrs X 5 weeks = 10 hours
Intended Group Size: 20

Practical Simulations
Hours: 2hrs X 5 sessions = 10 hours
Intended Group Size: 20

Guided independent study
Hours: 260



Further Details Relating to Assessment

Assessment methods are designed to include written assignments, presentations, and practical projects. These assessments are designed to evaluate students' knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ability to apply their learning to real-world scenarios.

Assessment Methods: Assessment methods will align with the learning outcomes of the underpinning MSc Construction Management programme.

Attention is given to ensuring all the six strands for the Curriculum for Social Justice - CFSJ: Curriculum Design Principles and Practices are complied with, namely:
Practice 1: Race Equity
Practice 2: Mental Health and Well Being
Practice 3: Internationalisation
Practice 4: Education for Sustainable Development
Practice 5: Employability and Enterprise
Practice 6: Digital Pedagogy

Overall, all assessments are designed to evaluate students' understanding of Construction Management concepts, their ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios, and their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It is important to note that a combination of different teaching strategies will be adopted to cater to different learning styles and engage and meet the varying needs and learning potential of all students.

Please note that to ensure students can satisfy the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) requirements, a pass mark in all assessed components is needed.

Further details of assessment are available in the Assessment Handbook for your programme and in Assessment Briefs provided by Module Tutors.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Joseph Kangwa
Level - 7
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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