CE3HBE-Historic Built Environment

Module Provider: School of Construction Management and Engineering, School of Built Environment
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites: CE1CCT Construction Technology or CE2CBT1 Building Technology or RE1IPB Introductions to Planning and Building
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: CE2CBP Building Pathology or CE3CCD Dissertation
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mr Henry Russell
Email: h.j.g.russell@henley.reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

An introduction to the built heritage of England; to building conservation principles; to legislation, procedures, policy and guidance relating to heritage assets; and to the management of change affecting the historic built environment. The module entails a significant amount of reading, project work and visits to buildings and areas of interest. Such visits may be accompanied or may be undertaken independently as directed by the module convenor.

Please be aware that students from the Department of Real Estate and Planning are required to either have already taken CE2CBP or to take this module alongside CE3HBE. 

Aims:
To provide an introduction to the built heritage of England, to building conservation practice, and to the management of change affecting the historic built environment, for students who have an interest in this subject and who are preparing to enter the building industry or for further study.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following:

' England's built heritage.
' Conservation principles.
' The content and implications of key legislation, procedures, policy and guidance relating to heritage assets.
' Materials and construction techniques relevant to heritage assets.
' Key issues relating to the management of change affecting historic buildings.
' Key phrases, words and acronyms related to the historic built environment.

Additional outcomes:

Outline content:

• Introduction and overview.


• England's built heritage (with an emphasis on the heritage of Berkshire, including the study of vernacular buildings and of the Victorian period).


• Conservation principles.


• Legislation, procedures, policy and guidance relating to heritage assets.


• Materials and construction techniques relevant to heritage assets (with a focus on timber-framed buildings and on buildings of brick and lime).


• Heritage values and significance  


• Managing change affecting historic buildings (with an emphasis on the alteration of domestic buildings and of places of worship; on issues relating to sustainability; on development in conservation areas; and on the construction of tall buildings).

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures supplemented by visits, individual and group project work and a significant amount of reading. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assignment 1: 40% - Construction and historical analysis of a building

Assignment 2: 60% - Retrofitting a historic building, based on an understanding of its heritage values

Formative assessment methods:

Informal classroom discussion and exercises. 

Penalties for late submission:

Assessment requirements for a pass:
40%

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-submission in August / September. 

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 30 March 2023