This module allows you to develop your practical skills in order to critically inform and enable practical conservation work. The module builds on the prior learning of the programme and provides the opportunity for the advanced practical application of historic building conservation surveying knowledge and skills in relation to the consideration and examination of a specific project. The module is delivered by keynote lectures and workshops which may be site-based and a short residential study trip. Assessment is by portfolio and individual reflective essay.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The module will be taught through a number of key note lectures which will be used to ensure good briefing on the issues. In support of the module, guided case-study material and independent learning skills will be developed both via directed reading and workshops and tutorial support. Practical sessions will be an important element used to help students
develop further their practical skills in relation to surveying the historic built environment. Students will also participate in a residential field trip and additionally site visits will form important elements of the module. Students will be required to maintain a reflective journal throughout the module. This will support students to consolidate their learning, develop their observation and critical skills and reflect on the mechanisms for establishing effective team working. The journal will embed the idea of Personal Development Planning leading into structures for Continuing Professional Development.
The virtual learning environment (VLE) Canvas acts as the main online location and portal for course and School information and news. Course Materials such as handbooks, module guides, timetables and information on talks, programmes, lectures and events are all accessible through the VLE.
All courses based in the Kingston School of Art offer students free access to the online video tutorial platform Lynda.com. This provides a wide range of subjects to choose from, many with downloadable exercise files, including software tutorials covering photography, graphics, web design, audio and music, CAD and Microsoft Office software, as well as courses on Business and Management skills.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | Lectures (presentation) Tutorials (small group) Workshops (large group) Laboratory sessions Residential Field Trip and Site visits (to support learning) | 90 |
| Guided independent study | Applied reading, preparation for lectures, tutorials, site work and surveys, preparation and completion of assessments | 210 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Assessment will comprise a project brief, which will include individual and group work and will be based on real life situations where possible. During this module a short residential field trip will be undertaken. Students will be expected to produce a Portfolio of work, including a client report. The report will be approximately 4000 words and may include technical appendices such as for the provision of measured or condition surveys and drawings. It will normally contain both group and individual elements. Additionally, students will maintain a reflective journal / sketchbook which will be accompanied by a reflective 3,000 word essay evaluating their own skills and developmental needs concluding with a personal Professional Development Plan.
Group seminars will guide students towards directed reading and practical work, appropriate to the specific topic for the project and informal (formative) feedback will result from discussion within these forums.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1. Determine and undertake appropriate methods of surveying historic buildings | Client Report & Portfolio |
| 2. Devise strategies for the care and maintenance of historic buildings at risk | Client Report & Portfolio |
| 3. Carry out material testing on a range of historic building materials | Client Report & Portfolio |
| 4. Reflect critically on their professional skills and developmental needs and place these within emerging professional practice | Reflective Journal/Sketchbook and Essay |
| 5. Display critical awareness of team working skills | Reflective Essay & Client Report |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Client Report (4,000 words) & Portfolio | Coursework | 70% |
| Individual reflective journal /sketchbook and essay (3,000 words) | Coursework | 30% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Fielden, B (2003) Conservation of Historic Buildings 3rd Edition Architectural Press
Forsyth, M (Ed) (2013) Materials and Skills for Historic Building Conservation Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell
Hoxley, M (2009) Good Practice Guide: Building Condition Surveys, London RIBA Publishing
Jester, T C (2014) Twentieth Century Building Materials: History and Conservation, NY Getty Conservation Institute
Rabun, J.S and Kelso, R (2009) Building Evaluation for adaptive re-use and preservation. New Jersey: John Wiley
Ridout, B (2001) Timber: the EC Woodcare Project - Deathwatch Beetles in Historic Buildings London: English Heritage
Schon, D.A (1991) The reflective practitioner: how professionals think in action. New York: BasicBooks
Swallow, P., Dallas, R., Jackson, S. and Watt, D. (2004) Measurement & Recording of Historic Buildings Donhead Publishing Ltd
Vicat, L. J. (1997) Mortars & Cements Donhead Publishing Ltd
Watt, D. (2010) Surveying Historic Buildings (2nd Edition) Donhead Publishing Ltd
Details of further reading will be supplied within the Module Guide issued at the start of the Teaching Block.