Buildings Recording - ARC00128M
Module summary
Recording historic buildings provides documentation (a record) and also primary data to inform our understanding of sites, their significance, and their potential for change. This module explores the context and practice of building recording, providing an introduction to the key techniques and approaches, from traditional hand survey and record photography, to the latest photogrammetry and laser scanning techniques.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
This module aims:
- To understand the context in which building recording commonly takes place
- To introduce students to the range of techniques used in the recording of historic buildings, and their appropriate application.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of this module, students should:
- Have a systematic understanding of the range of recording methods used to capture and process measured survey data from historic buildings
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques used in hand, instrument and photographic survey of historic buildings
- Demonstrate a practical knowledge of the basic techniques of processing historic buildings survey data in the computer lab using appropriate software environments
- Compile a critical reflective report that meets relevant professional standards
Module content
This module provides an introduction to the measured survey of historic buildings. It offers students practical experience of evaluating and applying the most common techniques employed for recording standing fabric. From sketch planning and record photography to traditional and digital survey methods, the strengths, weaknesses and application of each technique is considered. These are set within the historical and modern context of building recording in the UK, and elsewhere. As well as capturing data, the module considers how that information is processed, including photogrammetric modelling and producing professional-quality output drawings in AutoCAD. The module is aimed at students with no prior knowledge of building recording, but who are interested in how architectural drawings of historic buildings are produced.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Formative: oral feedback from module leaders
Summative: written feedback within the University's turnaround policy
Indicative reading
Historic England (2016) Understanding Historic Buildings: A Guide to Good Practice. London: Historic England.
Historic England (2016) Drawing for Understanding: Creating Interpretive Drawings of Historic Buildings. London: Historic England.
Historic England (2017) Photogrammetric Applications for Cultural Heritage: Guidance for Good Practice. London: Historic England.