University of Vermont HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROGRAM

Mondays and Tuesdays 12:30 - 3:00 PM, Wheeler House, Room 101
Prof. Thomas Visser, Wheeler 207, email: thomas.visser@uvm.edu
Course web site http://www.uvm.edu/histpres/307/hp307syl2007.html

Date	Topics	Assignments
Aug. 27	Course introduction Preservation consulting, project proposal development and cost estimates	Feilden: Preface, Chapter 1 Introduction to architectural conservation, 1-22 Weaver: Chapter 1, Introduction Weaver: Chapter 2, Investigating Old Buildings, 3-11.
Aug. 28	Architectural conservation assessments Historic structures reports	Residential Building Systems Inspection Checklist (PDF 5.7MB) http://www.huduser.org/Publications/PDF/rehabinspect.pdf NPS Preservation Brief 43 The Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports NPS-28: CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINE/ CHAPTER 8: MANAGEMENT OF HISTORIC AND PREHISTORIC STRUCTURES HABS Historical Reports Guidelines NPS George Rogers Clark Memorial Save America's Treasures grants for HSRs
Sept. 3	No class - Labor Day
Sept. 4	Conservation and preservation philosophy seminar Charters, standards and treatment recommendations	Feilden: Appendix IV, Manifesto for the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, 359 Feilden: Appendix V, ICOMOS Charters, 361 Athens Charter Venice Charter Burra Charter Nara Document on Authenticity Conservation Principles for the Sustainable Management of the Historic Environment http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/Conservation_Principles_A4%5B1%5D.pdf The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties Interpreting the Standards Bulletins Caring for Your Historic Building- NPS PB 17: Architectural Character PB 14: New Exterior Additions PB 18: Rehabilitating Interiors
Sept. 10	Windows & doors Wooden windows and glass Energy efficiency Window & door surveys Window and door conservation strategies Non-wooden windows conservation and preservation issues Stained glass window conservation	Weaver: Chapter 11 Architectural Glass, 232-238 Secretary Standards & Guidelines - Windows PB 9: Repair of Historic Wooden Windows Window surveys Testing the Energy Performance of Wood Windows in Cold Climates- NCPTT Float glass   PB 13: Steel Windows PB 33: Stained and Leaded Glass Stained Glass
Sept. 11	Windows & doors - continued	Assignment 1 Proposal due
Sept. 17	Foundations, dampness & drainage	Weaver, Chapter 12, Foundations and Footings, 239-248
Sept. 18	Foundations - site visit
Sept. 24	Roofing, flashing and gutters	Weaver, Chapter 13, Restoring Slate Roofing, 249-253 PB 34: Composition Ornament PB 4: Roofing for Historic Buildings PB 19: Repair of Wooden Shingle Roofs PB 29: Slate Roofs PB 30: Clay Tile Roofs
Sept. 25	Roofing - site visit	Assignment 2 Window Survey due
Oct. 1	Architectural metals	Weaver, Chapter 9, Architectural metalwork, 175-215 NPS metals - preservation guidelines   TPS Metals #2: Restoring Metal Roof Cornices TPS Metals #3 In-Kind Replacement of Historic Stamped Metal Exterior Siding TPS Metals #4 Rehabilitating a Historic Iron Bridge
Oct. 2	Outdoor sculpture and monument conservation - site visit	http://www.heritagepreservation.org/PROGRAMS/SOS/aboutsos.htm
Oct. 8	No class
Oct. 9	Museum conservation issues and conservation assessments	Conservation Assessment Program (CAP) New Orleans Charter Feilden: Chapter 18 Presentation of Historic Buildings, 261-271 GSA Historic Preservation Technical Procedures Assignment 3 Door Survey due
Oct. 15	Site visit: Shelburne Museum Conservation in a Museum Context Conservation lab, collections care Meet at 12:30 PM at Shelburne Museum Conservation Lab, Route 7, Shelburne, VT. Parking lot is on east side, opposite the covered bridge.	Guests: Nancie Ravenel, Chip Stulen, Shelburne Museum Weaver: Chapter 14, Synthetic Resins, 254-259
Oct. 16	Site visit: Shelburne Museum Conservation in a Museum Context (continued) Environmental management and collections care Meet at 12:30 PM at Shelburne Museum Conservation Lab, Route 7, Shelburne, VT. Parking lot is on east side, opposite the covered bridge.	Guests: Richard Kerschner, Shelburne Museum PB 39: Controlling Unwanted Moisture in Historic Buildings
Oct. 22	Wallpaper	Weaver: Chapter 15 Historic Wallpapers, 260-264
Oct. 23	Wallpaper	Assignment 4 Foundation Survey due
Oct. 23	Internship Presentations 8:30- 12:00 PM	417 Davis Center
Oct. 29	"Green" building conservation Sick Building syndrome Rehab hazards Molds Lead paint hazard mitigation Asbestos Preservatives Solvents, strippers and adhesives	EPA Sick Building Syndrome EPA "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" EPA Lead in Paint, Dust and Soil EPA Asbestos EPA Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) and Its Use as a Wood Preservative OSHA methylene chloride CMHC Humidity and Moisture CMHC What You Can Do About Your House to Help with Asthma Indoor Mold: Health Hazard Identification and Control Lead Poisoning Prevention Fact Sheets LEED Existing Buildings
Oct. 30	Preventative maintenance Maintenance plans Building envelopes Emergency stabilization and mothballing	Feilden, Part I & Part II, 25-188 Feilden: Chapter 16, Preventative maintenance, 235-250 Feilden: Chapter 21, Special techniques, 295-326 Visser, Thomas. "A Primer on Conservation Assessments and Emergency Stabilization for Historic Farm Buildings." Association for Preservation Technology Bulletin 25, no. 3-4 (1994): 64-69. (Handout) PB 31: Mothballing
Nov. 5	Mechanical & electrical equipment and systems	PB 24: Heating, Ventilating, and Cooling PB 44: The Use of Awnings on Historic Buildings Repair, Replacement & New Design
Nov. 6	ADA and accessibility strategies	PB 32: Making Historic Buildings Accessible Assignment 5 Roof Survey due
Nov. 12	"Green" building conservation continued Rehab strategies
Nov. 13	Flooring & floor coverings
Nov. 14	Comprehensive Examinations	8:30 - 12:30 PM Wheeler 103
Nov. 19	No class	Thanksgiving recess
Nov. 20	No class	Thanksgiving recess
Nov. 26	Code Compliance for Historic Buildings Fire and life safety strategies	Feilden: Chapter 17, Fire, 251-260 Assignment 6 Green Rehab Plan option due
Nov. 27	Structural and seismic issues	Preservation Brief 41 http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief41.htm USGS Earthquake Hazards USGS Earthquake Probability Maps Assignment 6 Wallpaper/Flooring/Metal/Mechanical/Electrical Survey due
Dec. 3	Security issues Emergency management and disaster preparedness	Feilden: Appendix II, Security in Historic Buildings, 347-352 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) FEMA Environmental, Historic Preservation, and Cultural Resources Programs ACHP/Federal Emergency Management Agency Model Statewide Programmatic Agreement NTHP: TREATMENT OF FLOOD-DAMAGED OLDER AND HISTORIC BUILDINGS Heritage Preservation/FEMA Heritage Emergency National Task Force National Trust for Historic Preservation see Disaster Assessment Teams link
Dec. 4	Professional practice, ethics and career development in architectural conservation	AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice Feilden: Chapters 13-15, 189-234 Feilden: Chapter 19, Cost control of conservation projects, 273-276 Feilden: Chapter 20, Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings, 277-294 Feilden: Chapter 22, Conservation of Modern Buildings, 273-336

Course goals, assignments and expectations

• This final semester course emphasizes professional and academic applications of architectural conservation and historic preservation research and technical skills through a series of seminars, site visits, research projects and oral and written summary reports. The goal is prepare students for the world of professional practice by simulating typical activities, schedules, and research questions that may be presented to a generalist professional preservationist. Another goal of the course is to help develop knowledge and skills in the areas of project management and preservation advocacy, as well as an understanding of how various components of heritage preservation projects and professional services interact.
• In order to develop the ability to efficiently evaluate situations, obtain information, and conduct research in the field, laboratory and archives, the course assignments are based on a series of projects that are to be completed within the prescribed allotment of time. Only work which is completed by the due dates will qualify for credit. This is not an extended credit course. Plan your research and preparation time carefully.
• Each student is to complete a series of projects, described below, that assess the condition and provide treatment recommendations for the conservation of various building components and systems. The projects may be based on one or several buildings. These should not be the same buildings used for projects in other courses.
• Each project should be submitted as a professional bound report. The report should follow a professional format and include information, observations, illustrations, measured drawings, sketch plans, charts, tables, proper credits and notes (see Chicago Manual of Style). The project reports should be illustrated with digital images or scanned photographs and annotated drawings of the features being researched. Projects and reports are to be completed individually.
• To supplement the class lectures and assigned readings, plan to conduct additional research on your own through web sites, articles, trade journals, and books in the library, as well as through interviews and site visits. A HP 307 course reserve shelf in Wheeler 103 will offer background articles and other printed information.
• Course log book. Students are encouraged to record field observations, questions, references, site sketches and other information in a course log book. Log books could also include your research notes, field notes, sketches and laboratory observations for your projects.
• The class lectures, site visits and seminar discussions are all important parts of this course. Attendance is expected at all unless due to a medical reason or an emergency. Please contact the professor before class if you cannot attend. Cell phones are to be turned off during classes. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date specified.

Assignments

Assignment 1 Proposal

Develop a formal proposal for your window survey project. In addition to a formal cover letter, provide a separate proposal that includes the following information:

The criteria for grading your proposal will be how effectively it communicates your plan for the project in a professional manner.

Assignment 2 Window Survey

Conduct a window survey of at least ten windows on a building. For each window, document the location, design, and features. Assess the condition and functionality of the each visible component feature. Determine the causes of deterioration or malfunctions. Offer appropriate treatment recommendations. The window survey report should use the outline at http://www.uvm.edu/histpres/307/windowsurveys.html as a guide. Include in the final report, annotated measured drawings of the applicable building facades and an annotated measured drawing of at least one sample window elevation. These drawings should be bound into the report. Also include digital images of all windows surveyed.

Assignment 3 Door Survey

Conduct a door survey of at least five doors on a building. For each door, document the location, design, and features. Assess the condition and functionality of the each visible component feature. Determine the causes of deterioration or malfunctions. Offer appropriate treatment recommendations. Include in the final bound report an annotated measured drawing of at least one sample door and annotated digital images of all doors surveyed.

Assignment 4 Foundation Survey

Conduct a survey of the foundation of a building. Select a building for which you will access to both the interior of the basement and the exterior of the foundation. Document the materials, construction techniques, design, and features. Assess the condition and determine the causes of deterioration. Offer appropriate treatment recommendations. Include in the final bound report an annotated measured drawing or annotated digital images of all the exterior foundation elevations and at least one representative basement wall from the inside.

Assignment 5 Roof Survey

Conduct a survey of at least one roof plane on an older building. Select a building for which you can clearly see the roof from the ground or adjacent buildings. For safety reasons, this project is to be done without the use of ladders or access directly to the roof. Document the materials, construction techniques, design, and features of the roofing and flashings. Based on your observations from the ground and from inside the building, assess the conditions and determine the causes of deterioration. Offer appropriate treatment recommendations with estimates of the urgency of any repairs. Include in the final bound report annotated digital images of the roof and copies of commercial product literature about any recommended replacement products.

Assignment 6 Wallpaper/Flooring/Metal/Mechanical/Electrical Survey or Green Conservation Rehab Plan

Conduct a survey of the wallpaper, wall covering, flooring or floor covering in one room in an historic building or an historic metal object, mechanical or electrical component of an historic building or site. Document the materials, installation techniques, design, and features. Assess the conditions and determine the causes of deterioration or malfunctions. Offer appropriate treatment recommendations with estimates of the urgency of any repairs. Include in the final bound report annotated digital images of the feature and copies of commercial product literature about any recommended repair materials or replacement products.

OR

Develop a "green" conservation rehab plan for Wheeler House. This option for a possible team project will be discussed in class.

Grading

Grades on assignments will reflect the quality of the work and its professional appearance and organization.
Grades in the "A" range will reflect work that has achieved a professional level of expectations in the preservation field.
Grades in the "B" range will reflect work that would require additional work to be well-received by a client or supervisor.
Grades below "B" will reflect professionally unacceptable work that could be rejected by a client or supervisor or could diminish one's professional reputation. Course grades will be computed as follows:

Texts

Feilden, Bernard. Conservation of Historic Buildings. Architectural Press. 2003.
Fram, Mark. Well-Preserved. Erin, Ontario: Boston Mills Press.
Weaver, Martin. Conserving Buildings. New York: John Wiley. 1997.
Preservation Briefs. National Park Service. (Available on the web at http://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/briefs/presbhom.htm )
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. National Park Service. (On the web at http://www2.cr.nps.gov/tps/secstan1.htm)
Paper versions of the Preservation Briefs, Well-Preserved and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties are on reserve for reference in the UVM Historic Preservation Program Reference Library in Wheeler House.

Recommended readings

Feilden, Bernard. Conservation of Historic Buildings. Architectural Press. 2003. (Chapters not assigned)

Fitch, James Marston. Historic Preservation. Charlottesville: Univ. of Virginia Press. 1992.

Garvin, James. A Building History of Northern New England. Hanover: Univ. Press of New England. 2001.

Green, Sara Wolf, ed. The Conservation Assessment. Washington: National Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Property. 1990.

Jandl, H. Ward, ed. The Technology of Historic American Buildings. Washington: APT. 1983.

Jester, Thomas C. Twentieth-Century Building Materials. Washington, D. C.: National Park Service, 1995.
Moss, Roger. Lighting for Historic Buildings. Washington: Preservation Press. 1988.

Nylander, Richard. Wallpapers for Historic Buildings. Washington: Preservation Press. 1992.

Rosenstiel, Helene. Floor Coverings for Historic Buildings. Washington: Preservation Press. 1988.

Shivers, Natalie. Walls & Moldings. Washington: Preservation Press. 1990.

Spennemann, Dirk H. R., and Look, David W., ed. Disaster Management Programs for Historic Sites. San Francisco: National Park Service. 1998.

Visser, Thomas. Various examples of Architectural Conservation Assessment professional reports

Waite, Diana S. Ornamental Ironwork. Albany: Mount Ida Press. 1990.

Weaver, Martin. Conserving Buildings. New York: John Wiley. 1997. Chapters not assigned.

Welchel, Harriet, ed. Caring for Your Historic House. Heritage Preservation and National Park Service, ed. New York: Abrams. 1998.

 

Additional online resources

Journal of the American Institute of Conservation

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©UVM Historic Preservation Program
histpres@zoo.uvm.edu

updated 10/20/07