The philosophy of building conservation together with a look at detailed examples of the repair of timber and stone.

Repair? Restore? Conserve? What do these emotively used words mean? What is 'The Philosophy of Conservation?' What is the reality of applying the philosophy to stone and timber in buildings?

The speaker will discuss these questions, differentiate between the solutions and talk through the thought and decision-making processes that can lead to the adoption of radically different approaches often in similar circumstances. He will offer guidance on what works well and what does not in the context of his particular interest in aesthetics, arguing that all repairs must please visually and intellectually as well as performing functionally.

This seminar will focus on some of the main issues surrounding the conservation of stonework and timber and will be well illustrated with a wide cross section of examples on great, grand and ecclesiastical buildings as well as some that are humble, secular or vernacular. Reference will be made to costs, programme and pragmatism within the ethics of conservation and explain all the weaponry in the conservator's arsenal, discuss their pros and cons, and demonstrate their appropriate or inappropriate use.

The seminar gives you three hours of general awareness and detailed knowledge CPD under the 'Construction Skills – Specification and Materials' section of the RIBA Core Curriculum.

Speaker: Ian Constantinides Ian is a freelance Historic Building Consultant advising on all aspects of repair and conservation. He is the founder of the nationally renowned conservation company St Blaise for whom he now acts as non-executive director. Ian has an international reputation and writes buildable specifications and Bills of Quantities for specialised conservation aspects of projects.

 

Venue: Clifton Campus Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham