UWA Handbook 2025

Unit Overview

Description

Offered with the assistance of the National Trust (WA), this unit covers the following: (1) conservation as a cultural endeavour—understanding continuity and change; (2) an illustrated discussion of the things people want to keep—what, where, why and how (assessment, protection and administration); (3) the roles of heritage organisations; (4) the Burra Charter—definitions, principles and practices; (5) the logic of the Conservation Plan—a planning and working document; (6) associated disciplines—engineer, archaeologist, historian, planner, materials scientist; (7) a building construction approach to materials conservation; (8) townscape values—illustrating the design challenges of streetscapes and precincts; (9) life after conservation planning—case studies of buildings conserved for continued use; (10) site visits to conservation works in progress; and (11) managing heritage properties—conservation, interpretation and business planning.

Credit

6 points

Offering
(see Timetable)

Availability	Location	Mode
Semester 1	UWA (Perth)	Face to face

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) gain a basic understanding of the philosophy behind conservation and the language and principles that have been developed to guide conservation practice; (2) appreciate the role of skills in research, planning, design and building construction in this specialised field, and the role of associated disciplines; and (3) experience and study a range of conservation projects illustrating the challenges that arise and the satisfaction to be had from this kind of work.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) two assessments and (2) one major assessment. Further information is available in the unit outline.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)

Dr Ingrid van Bremen

Unit rules

Incompatibility

ARCT5583 Introduction to Architectural Conservation

Contact hours

Lectures: 24 hours
tutorials/site visits: 11 hours

Note

Enrolled students can access unit material via the LMS (Learning Management System).

Texts

Feilden, B. The Conservation of Historic Buildings: Architectural Press 2003

Odgers, D. and Henry, A., eds Conservation Basics: English Heritage/Ashgate Publishing, 2013

Kerr, J. S. The Conservation Plan: National Trust of Australia 2013

The Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter: 2013

Recommended
reading

Jokilehto J . A History of Architectural Conservation: Elsevier 2002

Swadling, M. and Baker, T. Masterworks of Man & Nature: Preserving our World Heritage: Harper-MacRae 1992

Cullen, G. The Concise Townscape: The Architectural Press 1971

Pitt Morison, M. and White, J. 'Building Conservation in WA', Western Towns and Buildings: chapter 13, UWA Press 1979

The Heritage of Western Australia: the Illustrated Register of the National Estate: Macmillan Australia in association with the Australian Heritage Commission 1989

van Bremen, I. Western Building Construction. Roofs: National Trust of Australia 2013

Periodicals

The Bulletin: Association for Preservation Technology International (APTI)

Historic Environment: ICOMOS Australia

Cornerstone: The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB UK)

Journal of Architectural Conservation—The International journal for historic buildings, monuments and places: Routledge UK