Practical Building Conservation: Conservation Basics: (Practical Building Conservation)

Conservation Basics examines the evolving theories and principles that underpin building conservation in England in the 21st century, and looks at their application in practice. The process of conservation planning for the maintenance and repair of historic buildings and places is described in detail, and is illustrated through case studies. Topics include understanding and assessment, surveys and recording, ecological considerations, planning and managing maintenance and repair programmes, risk management, specifying works, and contract procurement.

Table of Contents:
The Evolving Concept of Building Conservation  Current Law, Policy and Guidance  Survey and Investigation Methods  Ecological Considerations  Managing Maintenance and Repair  Emergency Planning for Heritage Buildings and Collections  Appendices  Glossary  Bibliography  Index

About the Author :
The contents reflect the work of the Building Conservation and Research Team, their colleagues at Historic England, and their consultants and researchers, who together have many decades of accumulated experience in dealing with deteriorating building materials and systems of all types. This multi-disciplinary team of architects, surveyors, conservators and scientists are responsible for standard setting and research across a wide range of Historic England activities. The team specialises in dealing with the practical, technical and scientific aspects of building materials decay and their treatment. The aim has been to provide practical advice by advocating a common approach of firstly understanding the material or building element and why it is deteriorating, and then dealing with the causes. The books concentrate on those aspects which are significant in conservation terms, and reflect the requests for information received by Historic England.

Review :
'Students of conservation, trustees and custodians of heritage assets and any practice for whom architectural conservation is a cornerstone of their business, with an interest in maintaining high standards, and a commitment to developing new talent should have a copy of this book on their shelves.' Architectural Technology 'Conservation Basics presents a very good introduction to the integrated approach required for the successful management of historic environments and the heritage assets situated within them by using appropriate maintenance and repair strategies. Each section is presented in a succinct, crisp, easy-to-read style, profusely illustrated with drawings, photographs and diagrams, (it) should be essential reading for all architectural, engineering and surveying students and practitioners who aspire to work on historic building fabric. Likewise, both contractors and specialists who tender for work on older buildings and property managers with historic assets in their portfolios will find this book worthy of their attention'. Journal of Architectural Conservation 'Conservation Basics like its sister volumes, is well-presented. It is a substantial hardback publication of 382 pages with each chapter preceded by a helpful precis. For ease of use, links to other volumes in the series are indicated by a system of symbols. There is generous use of high quality illustrations. This invaluable book is recommended for anyone serious about protecting our historic built environment.' SPAB ‘Conservation Basics is a comprehensive resource, full of authoritative material on conservation history, philosophy, and planning … it provides the reader with valuable information for practical application in historic-preservation and heritage-conservation practice.’ – Ilene R. Tyler, FAIA, FAPT, LEED AP