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Sustainable Conservation Challenges - ARC00015M

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  • Department: Archaeology
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Louise Cooke
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

This module introduces the range of contemporary issues that impact on the historic environment in the UK and internationally. This includes thematic issues such as climate change, post conflict and post disaster recovery and the challenges of 20th century building conservation. From these broad themes we consider case studies (ranging from UNESCO World Heritage properties through to locally significant structures) that will provide an introduction to the sustainable adaptation and responsible retrofit. By focussing on the environmental value of the built historic environment this module will consider the role of policy and practice, and the needs for imaginative responses to planning for heritage and conservation with sustainability in mind.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

This module aims:

  • To introduce students to a range of contemporary issues in built heritage conservation in a national and international context
  • To critique the role of policy and changing practice within the nexus of conservation and sustainable heritage
  • To understand the role of creative and sustainable approaches developing in the UK and internationally to sustain built heritage in relation to the Sustainable Development Goal
  • To understand the relevant techniques and approaches to address sustainability through adaptive reuse and retrofit of historic buildings

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a systematic understanding of current UK and international concerns in relation to the nexus of sustainability, climate change and built heritage conservation
  • Critically assess the principal policies, strategies and techniques developing to address sustainability and built heritage including retrofit and adaptive reuse
  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of contemporary conservation issues in approaches to urban regeneration, heritage-led regeneration and post-conflict reconstruction
  • To evaluate critically the role of creative and sustainable approaches developing in the UK and internationally to sustain built heritage in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals

Module content

This module introduces the range of contemporary issues that impact on the historic environment in the UK and internationally. This includes thematic issues such as climate change, post conflict and post disaster recovery and the challenges of 20th century building conservation. From these broad themes we consider case studies (ranging from UNESCO World Heritage properties through to locally significant structures) that will provide an introduction to the sustainable adaptation and responsible retrofit.

By focusing on the environmental value of the built historic environment this module will review case studies and examples to consider the role of policy and practice, and the needs for imaginative responses to planning for heritage and conservation with sustainability in mind.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Report : Sustainability assessment report		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Report : Sustainability assessment report		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Formative: oral feedback from module leaders

Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy

Indicative reading

Harvey, D & Perry J (eds). 2015. The Future of Heritage as Climates Change: Loss, Adaptation and Creativity. Routledge, Key Issues in Cultural Heritage Series.

Prizeman, O (2015) Sustainable Building Conservation: Theory and Practice of Responsive Design in the Heritage Environment London: RIBA.

Woodward, S and Cooke, L. 2022. World Heritage: Concepts, Management and Conservation. Routledge.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.