The Repair of Old Buildings Course RC1 21

10-14th May 2021
Online

This popular short course has been presented by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings since the 1950s. As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 postponed course will now be run entirely virtually in a modified format that retains the comprehensive learning experience.  This course delivers an extensive programme of lectures and recorded site visits demonstrating building repair projects, accompanied by a series of live Q&A sessions with speakers and site hosts. 

Presented by leading building conservation professionals, the Repair Course considers British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings.  The SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance - established by William Morris in 1877 - underpins the course programme of case studies, presentations and site visits.

 

WHAT WILL BE COVERED?

The online Repair Course offers an extensive programme of lectures and virtual site visits. The first group of talks focuses on approach, with lectures on conservation philosophy, legislation, traditional construction methods and materials, structural appraisals, dealing with damp and lime. The second group moves onto look at practical repairs to different materials in more depth , including brickwork and stonework, timber, metalwork, and roofs. The final group of lectures looks at the finishing touches; inserting and maintaining services, windows and glass, plasterwork and other surface finishes. Speakers draw on their own practical experience and use case studies to illustrate their points.

In addition to the lectures, there will be a series of recorded site visits, including looking at the SPAB's Old House Project, receiving in depth tours of the works at Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace Orangery, and a look into the repair works at Orelton Manor. These visits are a key part of the course, allowing delegates to see how the principles discussed in the lectures are applied, or not, in the real world. 

There is plenty of time for questions and discussion as part of the daily programme of Question and Answer Sessions on the week of 10-14th May 2021. Delegates will get a full hour to ask each site visit host and speaker questions about their project or lecture. This will be held live via Zoom, from 12-13.00 and 16.00-17.00* each day from 10-14 May.

All lectures and site visits will be pre-recorded and delegates will have at least two months to view the recordings. Recordings will be published at the beginning of May to allow delegates time to view them before the Q&A sessions. These will be held in an accessible location so that delegates can pause, rewind and rewatch lectures as often as they like. After the Q&A Sessions have finished airing, they will also be available to view as a recording. 

To see the provisional programme, download the PROGRAMME OVERVIEW.  
 

WHO IS IT FOR?

The course welcomes students and professionals interested in deepening their understanding of old buildings, and who may be interested in developing work in this area.

Past delegates on this course have included:

Architects;

Architectural Technologists;

Builders;

Building Surveyors;

Buildings Archaeologists;

Conservation Officers and Planners;

Craftsmen and women;

Project Officers and Managers;

Structural Engineers and others.

Not sure if the course is suitable for you? Contact us at education@spab.org.uk, and we will be happy to give you a steer.

ASSESSMENT

There is no formal assessment for this course; delegates will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completion.

The Repair of Old Buildings Course is recognised by the IHBC for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and the RIBA for Career Learning.

Booking Terms & Conditions

Accessibility: please contact the SPAB before booking to discuss any special access requirements.

*Subject to change.