Introduction to the Conservation of the Built Environment

Course details

To introduce participants to the historical background and basis for the built heritage environment legislation, to include issues in respect of architectural conservation areas as well as protected structures. As well as looking at the philosophies and principles that inform approaches to conserving easily recognisable examples of our built heritage, the course will provide practical information in respect of caring for buildings and their composite elements. It will also look at some urban renewal initiatives aimed at conservation.

Entry Requirement

• For entry to the programme a candidate must be either a practitioner or specifier in the construction industry with an interest in learning appropriate ways of caring for, not only formally recognised elements of the built heritage, but also the traditional building stock.

Examinations

• No examinations. Ongoing assessment will take place during the programme.

Course Content

An introduction to the role of the architectural conservationist and the basic concepts - the background to Part IV of the Planning and Development Act, 2000; Practicalities - Making an application for planning permission in an Architectural Conservation Area or for a protected structure; Approaches to conserving and restoring walls and other major structural elements and the provision of acceptable interventions to eliminate or reduce damp; Approaches to conserving and restoring roofs, rainwater goods and ancillary elements such as chimneys and parapets; Approaches to conserving masonry- naked stone or rendered, brickwork, pointing techniques; Approaches to conserving windows and doors; Approaches to conserving internal joinery, other internal features and fixtures, External features and fittings; Approaches to conserving nonstandard structures- Ruins, churches, and bridges; Approaches to project management to ensure a successful outcome; Rounding up- summation of the material covered. In addition to the above, one Saturday during the latter part of the course will be devoted to site visits.