REMF59-Heritage and Development

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: h.j.g.russell@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Historic buildings and sites are a major part of the built environment. Many will be hundreds of years old, but there are also more modern buildings considered as heritage. The construction industry’s work is evenly split between new-build and work to existing buildings, some of which will have some statutory protection, such as being listed.  

This module introduces students to concepts and practices in conservation of the historic environment, both in the UK and internationally, and explains the roles of the actors involved. The underlying philosophies of conservation, their history and how heritage is managed through legal frameworks and policy form an important component. The module also considers matters relating to real estate processes and the shaping of both urban and rural environments. In so doing it covers aspects of architectural and landscape history, and practical building conservation. Examples and case studies are used throughout. 

Aims:

The aims of this module are to: 

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  provide an understanding of current approaches to conservation of the historic environment in the UK and internationally; 

  
  

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  develop the skills necessary to manage heritage in urban and rural environments; 

  
  


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  provide an understanding of heritage planning law and policy, and its practical application;  

  
  


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  develop a basic understanding of architectural and landscape history; 

  
  


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  provide a basic understanding of how to assess historic structures and to understand traditional building materials and their repair and adaptation; 

  
  


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  develop an understanding of the economics of heritage.  

  
  

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to demonstrate: 

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  an understanding of conservation philosophies in the UK and internationally;? 

  
  


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  an appreciation of how real estate and heritage interact and how conflict can be resolved; 

  
  


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  an understanding of the actors involved and conflicts associated with decision-making in heritage planning; 

  
  

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  an understanding of the architectural and construction history of buildings and landscapes; 

  
  


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  how to assess the condition of historic buildings and structures; 

  
  


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  an understanding of traditional building materials and their repair, including the management of the agencies of decay. 

  
  


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  how historic buildings may be adapted to meet requirements of energy efficiency and access.  

  
  

Additional outcomes:

Typically, on completion of the module, students should be equipped to: 

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  comprehend and explain complex issues and debates surrounding policy and decision-making in the historic environment;apply and set out critical analyses of heritage issues 

  
  

Outline content:

Topics to be covered in the lecture and programme will include: 

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  Key concepts in international conservation philosophy, by understanding the history of the conservation movement, and international charters and conventions; 

  
  


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  Architectural, building and landscape history; 

  
  


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  Developing heritage assets, viability of uses, enabling innovative development; 

  
  


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  Heritage law and planning policy frameworks in the UK, including listed buildings and conservation areas; 

  
  

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  Conservation stakeholders, including owners, occupiers, national heritage bodies, local authorities and the third sector; 

  
  


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  Practical building conservation and repair; 

  
  


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  Managing the historic environment as a process.  

  
  

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will consist of lectures, and independent study on an individual basis. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

None

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Individual assignment of 5,000 words - 75% of assessment 

Formative assessment methods:

Group work project –25% of assessment 

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment will be by the same method as for the module’s original assessment requirements, subject to variation by the Examination Board where appropriate. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 26 July 2019