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Architectural Conservation Assessment — Assignment (see Checkist, too)

Preface

An architectural conservation assessment is the first step a property owner may take to better understand the architectural style(s), significance, and evolution of their historical house — and how these, together with the owner's goals, can help develop long-term treatments for preservation.

Below, specific reference is made to resources of the Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service. While there exist many others, this project is emphasizing th eapplication of 'peer-reviewed', established standards, practices and knowledge developed by the NPS as the principal federal entity that oversees and practices preservation.

An assessment typically includes an intitial site visit, with follow-up visits as needed, to:

1. inspect and assess the condition of the property and
2. speak with property owners, stewards to understand their stewardship practices, concerns, and capacity.

This is followed by off-site work, during which a multi-page, illustrated report is developed, along with a list of preservation resources, to provide an initial assessment that includes a description of how to proceed. 

Note: For this class, it is likely you will ideally visit the site at least two times to:

1. undertake preliminary assessment
2. after reviewing field notes, undertaking off-site research, and developing an outline of your report, field check your work, make additional investigation, field notes, photographs based on questions developed in advance of this site visit.
3. develop a final draft of your assessment; if possible, return to the site to verify assessment findings with existing conditions, limitations of the site, and review with the owner.

An assessment of this nature does not include detailed physical anaylsis, historical research (National Register Bulletin 39, Researching a Historic Property), cost estimates, structural evaluation, code assessment or investigation of potenital hazardous materials. That does not mean you might not need to proposed such work.

While general preservation recommendations are referenced, specific conservation problems may not need to be evaluated, nor may detailed treatment recommendations be prepared. In-depth historical research, employing primary and secondary resources, is also beyond the scope of this assessment. Such work is typically addressed when a Historic Structure Report (The Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports, NPS Preservation Brief 43) or a Preservation Plan is undertaken.

Architectural Styles

Refer to American Architectural Styles for a brief listing of each major style, its dates, and its features.The development and evolution of architectural 'styles' — in general and relative to a specific building — is dependent on the following influences, and others:

1. the availability of building materials,
2. contemporary construction technology,
3. monies available,
4. the influence of architectural design, both 'vernacular' and 'high-style,' and — not the least —
5. socio-cultural and spiritual mores.

The design, construction, and selection of materials for a particular 'style' directly influences the performance of a structure as a whole and, in turn, the diagnosis and conservation of its elements, in part and as a complex, interdependent system. As an architectural conservator you should be familiar with:

1. The characteristics of each architectural style and the distinction between the 'ideal' stylistic elements (the 'high-style') and the 'as-built' variations (the 'vernacular') of a particular style or combination of varying stylistic elements.
2. The use of structural and decorative features, production and construction techniques, and building materials as they help determine the date(s) and evolution of a structure.
3. The manner in which the characteristics of construction techniques and architectural styles influence the performance of a building: the materials, the individual elements, the building systems, and its entirety.
4. The uses (programs) of the structure, over time. An assessment of the contemporary uses, their compatibility to the building (and vice versa), and recommendations to meet future, changing program needs

The purpose of this assignment is to help you develop an understanding of the interrelationship of architectural styles, construction techniques, building materials, design and detail features, uses and user needs, and conservation. The way in which you understand them will help you develop analytical and diagnostic skills when examining historic structures, developing preservation strategies, and treatments.

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Resources and References for Methodology and Standards

Technical Preservation Services, Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service

• National Register of Historic Places
• Preservation Brief 17: Architectural Character
  Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic Buildings as an Aid to Preserving Their Character.
• The Walk Through Identifying the Visual Character of Historic Buildings
• Weeks, D. Kay, vol.19, no.1, NPS
• Historic Preservation Treatment Toward a Common Language, CRM,
• The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, 1995
• A Checklist for Rehabilitating Buildings, TPS, NPS (on GSA site)
• Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentive

Conservation Assessment Program (CAP), Heritage Preservation