Applied Heritage Conservation Techniques

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

Admission to a graduate degree at the Melbourne School of Design

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Students will gain a theoretical and practical overview of heritage conservation techniques. The subject will introduce students to the main conservation issues affecting built heritage in relation to both structural issues, as well as those impacting interior and exterior decorative finishes. Students will learn how to diagnose common conservation issues and explore the various treatment options available. Starting with a general discussion of built heritage conservation, students will then focus on specific issues associated with individual construction materials, including stone, metal, brick, wood, glass, and concrete. Lectures will be backed by laboratory sessions and fieldwork at heritage places across Melbourne to observe conservation issues in situ.

On completion of the subject students should have:
• a theoretical understanding of the major conservation issues affecting heritage places
• an appreciation of conservation issues specific to individual construction materials, and how these manifest in the built environment
• developed practical skills for identifying and treating common heritage conservation issues

• One 1000 word technical report, due during the teaching period 20%;
• One 2500 word essay on chosen conservation material, due five weeks after end of teaching period 50%;
• One 1500 word journal documenting intensive , due at the end of teaching period 30%.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of the subject students should have developed the following generic skills and capabilities:

• Understanding of the characteristics and relative compatibility of building materials;
• Ability to accurately record existing building conditions;
• Undertaker a general survey of common conservation issues affecting heritage buildings.