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Context of Conservation and the Built Environment

  • Module code: AR4204
  • Year: 2017/8
  • Level: 4
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

The module introduces you to the history and development of the conservation movement within the built environment and considers the various bodies, both national and international, which promote historic building conservation.

Aims

  • To provide students with sufficient background knowledge and supporting skills to enable them to undertake successfully the foundation degree in Historic Building Conservation.
  • To provide students with a thorough grounding in basic construction methods and structural behaviour, including the study of building materials, components and elements.
  • To provide some context within which can be placed conservation movements, both in general and more specifically within the area of the built environment.

Learning outcomes

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

  • Conduct independent research and prepare and present reports in a variety of suitable formats
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the different functional elements in buildings, including different floor types, wall and roof construction
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the basic structural behaviour and decay of common building components
  • Develop an understanding of the development of the conservation movement, both in the UK and overseas
  • Show an awareness of different approaches to conservation in the built environment
  • Convey an understanding of the sustainability agenda and its impact on historic buildings.

Curriculum content

  • Reports and report writing including current software options
  • Basic research skills
  • Interpretation of drawings and terms
  • History of the conservation movement in the built environment, both in the UK and overseas
  • UK and international bodies associated with conservation
  • Development of the conservation movement
  • Understanding building elements and components
  • Structural behaviour of common building components
  • Heritage and sustainability: Social, environmental and economic.
  • Beneficial use

Teaching and learning strategy

The module will be taught by lectures to introduce topics and guide students in directed reading in preparation for workshop discussion and seminars sessions. Tutorials will also be arranged to provide 'feed-forward' advice in relation to the formative tasks set and to the development of work for summative assessment.  A series of visits and follow-up workshops may be organised to show conservation projects in action and to reinforce knowledge of concepts introduced during lecture sessions and support practical work respectively.

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 running in partnership with 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.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching activities Lectures (presentation) Tutorials (small group) Workshops (large group) 120
Guided independent study Applied reading, preparation for lectures, tutorials, preparation and completion of assessments and practical experience on placement or at the students place of work 180
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Assessment will be through coursework including the compilation of a range of different forms of written and graphic submissions into a structured portfolio.  This will enable students to demonstrate the development of a range of skills, whilst communicating understanding of key aspects of the module content.  In order to support learning an initial essay of 1500 words will consider aspects of conservation theory. Formative assessment will be a key strategy for the module. Continuous feedback and feed-forward sessions will consequently form an important element of delivery.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1. Conduct independent research and prepare and present reports in a variety of suitable formats Structured Portfolio
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the different functional elements in buildings, including different floor types, wall and roof construction Structured Portfolio
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the basic structural behaviour of common building components Structured Portfolio
4. Develop an understanding of the development of the conservation movement, both in the UK and overseas Structured Portfolio
5. Show an awareness of different approaches to conservation in the built environment Essay
6. Convey an understanding of the sustainability agenda and it impact on historic buildings Structured Portfolio

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Structured Portfolio Coursework 80%
Essay (1500 words) Coursework 20%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Emmitt, S., and Gorse, C. (2008) Introduction to the Construction of Buildings. 2nd ed. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing

Chudley, R. and Greeno, R. (2008) Building Construction Handbook. London: Butterworth Heinemann

Foster, J. S. (2006) Mitchell's Structure and Fabric: Part 1. 7th ed. Prentice Hall

Marshall, D. and Worthing, D. (2006) The Construction of Houses. 4th ed. London: Estates Gazette

Reekie, F. (ed. McCarthy T) (1995) Reekie's Architectural Drawing. 4th ed. Architectural Press

Stubbs, J. H (2009) Time Honored: A Global View of Architectural Conservation New Jersey: Wiley

Bibliography recommended reading

Greeno, R. (2006) Mitchell's Introduction to Building. 4th ed. Pearson Prentice Hall

Halliday, S. (2007) Sustainable Construction. London: Butterworth Heinemann

Riley, M. and Cotgrave, A. (2008) Construction Technology 1: House Construction. 2nd ed. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

Riley, M. and Cotgrave, A. (2011) Construction Technology 3: The Technology of Refurbishment and Maintenance. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan

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