FIRST YEAR CURRICULUM
The first year is based on a tightly-organized curriculum, with all students following the same course pattern. Short term units by visiting faculty, of a few days or a few weeks, are combined with ongoing courses such as measured drawing and forge work. This ensures a broad exposure to the challenges of conservation theory and practice, with a combination of class work, studio work, shop work, case studies, and field visits.
The curriculum covers all three of the primary areas of study. The courses provide a broad introduction to the range of cultural heritage places, and the many conservation challenges and skills involved in understanding and addressing them.
Evaluation of student work is based on participation and assignments within each area. There is a balance of written work, graphic work, hand work, and oral presentations. Because many of the courses operate within an apprenticeship format, active participation in all courses is a crucial element.
Generally Willowbank operates within the grading framework of fail, pass, and pass with distinction.
Research and Analysis
Cultural Landscape Research
Upper Canadian History
This introductory session provides an overview of the political, social, and economic history of Upper Canada, from the beginning to the present.
Cultural Landscapes
This session introduces students to the concept of cultural landscapes. This concept is increasingly used as a basis for both theory and practice in the conservation field. The course will examine the development of cultural landscape theory, both in Canada and abroad, and its increasing use by the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO and others as a basis for understanding and protecting important historic sites. It will look at ways in which it unites cultural and natural resource conservation, and the importance of aboriginal perspectives in developing this more holistic approach. Students will be introduced to ecological analysis, approaches to conservation, documenting cultural landscapes, and commemorative and ecological integrity.
Aboriginal Perspectives
An introduction to First Nations perspectives on understanding and documenting cultural practice and cultural landscape. In particular, this course explores the intimate relationship between natural and cultural heritage and the ways in which traditional knowledge supports an ecological understanding of this relationship. The course builds on First Nations experiences in the Niagara area, but also look at the experiences of indigenous communities worldwide.
Archaeological Research
Archaeology Program
Archaeological sites are a non-renewable resource and can be as large as a town or as small as a bone bead, and exist at any locality where the material remains of ancient human activity are found. Archaeological sites are often our only avenue into a distant past not recorded elsewhere. They are protected from vandalism and unauthorized excavation by a range of provincial, territorial, and federal laws and regulations. In this introductory course to archaeology in Ontario, lectures focus on how and when the First Nations People and the European settlers appeared in Niagara. Students participate in the archaeological Field School at the Willowbank estate. Lab workshops include lab washing and processing procedures with the artifact collection.
Building Research
History of Architecture
Canadian Architectural Styles
An ability to recognize the characteristics of different architectural styles is an essential ingredient of good architectural conservation. To that end, this course provides a brief introduction to the principal styles dominant in Canadian architecture since the 18th century.
A deeper understanding of architectural style is gained by recognizing that architecture is one manifestation of the cultural and philosophical interests and values of society. Architecture may be a demonstration of governmental authority and power, or it may symbolize the democratic power of the people. It can be the vernacular expression of tradition, the high design of modernism, or the functional requirements of commercialism. That architectural style is never entirely neutral or academic is what makes it so interesting. The course will cover classical architecture, the diverse styles of the 19th century, the principles governing modern architecture and the rise of post-modernism.
Cultural, Economic, Technological and Social Aspects
The course objective is to give students a general understanding of the forces that shape architectural history. This course focuses on specific buildings, building techniques and architects, in order to give the student an insight into the relationship that buildings have with culture, economics, materials, technology and fashion. This course complements ‘Canadian Architectural Styles’ and includes two sections: ‘Architecture to 1800’ and ‘Twentieth Century Architecture.
Architecture to 1800
Starting with the origins of buildings in the Middle East, selected aspects of architectural history, both buildings and movements that have had influence upon the built environment in Canada are considered.
Twentieth Century Architecture
This element takes a selection of major architectural themes and follows their development through the 20th century. These include the Arts & Crafts Movement, Futurism, the Modern Movement, the Chicago Style, and some Canadian 20th century design. For each of these, the causes and origins and ultimate influence are discussed, as well as consideration of some of the buildings and architects associated with them.
Building Technologies, Cellar to Attic
In addition to social influences or architectural qualities, different types of construction technology and building materials are also significant in the history of architecture. Houses in wooded parts of the province for example were built of logs, reflecting the fact that many early settlers lacked capital and that milled lumber was scarce and costly. In such instances, building materials and the way they were used arose from the social and economic conditions of the area. This introductory program examines the origins of masonry, timber and metal used as construction materials and how the methods to construct have developed into traditional techniques that were used consistently until the twentieth century. Early construction methods in the Niagara area from the late 18th to late 19th century are discussed in more detail.
Research Methods
Research Methods I
This course provides an introduction to historical research methods applied to both architectural history and to broader social and cultural history. Students are introduced to identifying and working with primary and secondary sources, incorporating oral history, working with both written and graphic material, and developing comparative research methods. Students also work on communicating research findings through written reports, oral presentations, and involvement in conservation planning.
Case Studies
Field Investigations
Case studies of historic resource places and their conservation planning approach is an important exercise in determining best practices. During the course of the school term various field trips to conservation projects take place.
Documentation
Introduction to Drawing by Hand
Throughout the year, students will train their eye in translating actual three-dimensional parts of buildings into two-dimensional freehand drawings in their sketchbooks. This course concentrates on the fundamentals of orthographic projection to fully describe three-dimensional buildings accurately to scale in two dimensions on paper by hand. Constructions of geometric forms including the golden rectangle and ellipse, terminology, scale and line choices, dimensioning, lettering, architectural symbols, layout and sequencing of drawings are covered. Specific problems of constructing different roof shapes that intersect, stair details as well as window and door details are studied. The proportions and elements of the 5 Classical Orders are examined. Students take a hands-on approach by measuring the exterior and interior of an actual building. They are shown the techniques in hand-measuring and taking field notes accurately. Photography is used to find a visual scale for difficult to reach areas. The students then do the documentation by completing a set of archival measured drawings to scale in ink of the existing building. Accuracy is emphasized.
Photographing Buildings
The cardinal rule to be observed in undertaking a conservation project is that everything that seems even remotely significant to the history of the property being studied, should be saved. If the period of significance or interpretation is known from the beginning, evidence from all periods should be documented in order to record crucial material evidence. This course introduces students to the techniques involved in taking valuable images of historic resource places, with an emphasis on technical image documentation of built heritage projects. Students learn basic photography techniques, recording architectural details and existing conditions of a historic place (ie how to illustrate decay, size and proportion), how to deal with the raw image, cropping, adding text, reducing size, how to deal with images embedded in a report, digital copy and printable copy.
Introduction to Historic Structures Report
A thorough architectural assessment and investigation is the crucial first step along the path of planning for historic places. Documenting the building’s history, preparing schematic plans, and assessing the conditions of the building provide necessary information on which to set priorities for your management plan. The study of the way in which a structure has evolved over time reveals many important facts about its use and occupants. It can also reveal critical information that could be instrumental in obtaining an historic designation. Creating a record of important elements of a structure is, in essence, architectural genealogy. This course introduces students to developing a Historic Structures Report. It details the findings of the research and documentation phase, and provides insight into original design intentions, subsequent evolution, and current conditions. The course considers a variety of existing reports, and then uses a historic property as a case study for the students to develop their own reports.
Conservation Planning
Cultural Heritage Landscapes and Historic Gardens
An appropriate overall conservation approach along with more detailed treatment approaches can ensure the proper retention, care and repair of landscapes and their inherent features. Landscape treatments can range from simple, inexpensive conservation actions, to complex major restoration or reconstruction projects. This introductory course explores methods for investigating and documenting heritage landscapes and developing appropriate treatments.
Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places
This course introduces students to Parks Canada’s Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. This is a document developed jointly by the federal, provincial and territorial governments that has become a basic reference tool in the field. Other international reference documents, including the Venice Charter, the Burra Charter, and the U.S. Secretary of the Interior’s Standards, are also studied.
Ontario Heritage Act
This course considers a variety of legal, zoning and code issues that affect the use and development of historic properties. Students are introduced to the recently revised Ontario Heritage Act, the Provincial Policy Statement, relevant planning regulations including environmental assessments, the role of municipal zoning bylaws, and the National and Provincial Building Codes.
Craft Skills: Wood
Introduction to Wood - (Types and Properties of Wood and Local Woods in Early Niagara)
This introductory course provides the basics involved in tree identification through the exploration of woods in the Niagara area. We discuss the type of local wood found in the nineteenth century and the use it had in period homes of the area. A survey of different types of wood and their properties es examined. The merit and importance of proper wood identification in conservation and heritage restoration projects is also discussed.
Logs to Lumber
The felling and cutting of first growth forest leads to the construction of the most common to the most complicated shelters of early settlers. Tree felled to pit sawn operations of the early 1700’s can still be seen today. Rich in history the local area can provide several examples of early technology that transformed the pit sawyers job into one that would eventually disappear, as water and steam driven devices took over, all of which would enhance the carpenter’s trade to new heights.
In this course students examine surface treatments to assist in determining methods of milling. Students also participate in hands on work consisting of hand planed finishing, and scraping, to produce lumber for use in restoration.
Introduction to Woodworking Tools
Hand tools are as unique as hands themselves. Each simple tool can accomplish the most complicated task, for students this entails the hands on approach to learning in order to gain the fundamental experience of chisel work, planing, paring, inlaying, etc. as it relates to restoration practices. The elements of tool handling are essential. This course provides a survey of the various early hand tools from the adze to the plane in order for students to gain an understanding of the form and function of tool design. From heavy framing to fine detail work, the identification, and maintenance of many common, as well as, project specific tool examples is covered. A basic understanding of the design and function of hand tools enables students to assess and appreciate the craft of the carpenter.
Timber Framing
The fundamental structure of early 19th century building is the timber frame. Unlike today’s framers, early framers were in fact the most highly skilled carpenters. Timber framing brings with its craft some of the most complicated joinery related to stress and load, yet simplest in its delivery.
Students are introduced to bent construction, rafter configuration, wall construction, mortise and tenon.
Carpentry I
Best conservation practices in carpentry requires an understanding of a variety of different skills, but the main requirements for a carpenter are good hands, an inventive mind and an eye for colour and detail. This introductory course concentrates on learning the basic skills and principles of carpentry so that any project can be approached in a controlled manner and with great confidence.
Craft Skills: Masonry
Geology of the Niagara Area
This introductory course examines the properties of stone and stone identification. The emphasis of the course is on Niagara area historic building stones. The characteristics of stone is discussed and observed and diagnostic criteria are established for identifying each building stone type. The course covers various properties such as mineralogy, texture, bedding, hardness, etc. and discusses how these properties affect the quality of building stones in terms of desirability, strength, and durability. Physical and chemical deterioration of various rock types is discussed in detail. Visits to 19th century quarries in the Niagara area provide the student with accessible type reference sections for the local historic building stones for a number of localities in Ontario beyond Niagara.
Quarrying
Stone was quarried in North America as a building and paving material before the Revolutionary War, and the North American cut stone industry lagged behind European production until the development of a railway system during the mid-1800s. Mechanized cutting and finishing tools and methods during the late 1800s and early 1900s significantly boosted industrial activity, as did the building boom of the 1920s.
Masonry I
This introductory session will introduce students to the basic stone-cutting methods in shaping and working with stone.
Dry Stone Walling
This introductory session provides students with dry stone walling techniques including safety, batter, hearting, throughs, and coping.
Craft Skills: Fittings and Finishes
Conservation Science
Introduction to Conservation
This introductory course explores the principles of conservation by examining the properties of materials, how and why those materials deteriorate, the external agents that cause or promote deterioration, and measures that can be taken to minimize or prevent damage and deterioration. Emphasis is on interactions with light, temperature and relative humidity, with assignment of a related group project. The course also explores various approaches to preservation and how those may be practically applied.
Plaster Program
Introduction to Plaster
The conservation of historic plaster may at first appear so laden with problems that its total removal seems the only alternative. There are however, sensible and historical reasons for saving it. Three-coat plaster used in all historic buildings is unmatched in strength and durability. It resists fire and reduces sound transmission. Original lime and gypsum plaster is part of a building’s historic fabric. Its smooth trowelled or textured surfaces and subtle contours evoke the presence of earlier craftsmen. This plaster workshop explores techniques and applications involved in the fabrication and conservation of plaster walls.
Introduction to Plaster Conservation
This introductory session introduces students to specialized stabilization techniques for in-situ plaster, and the recording and documentation before during and after intervention.
Metals Program
Forge I
In this introductory course students cover how blacksmithing has developed over the centuries, how it was used and is currently being applied today, forging techniques, materials of construction and safety, how to light and maintain a coal forge fire, safety around the forge and using hammer/tongs for basic hammer control. Ultimately students expand into forging basic shapes and learn to navigate around the anvil.
Introduction to Metals
This course introduces students to architectural metals – chemical and physical properties, production, fabrication and finishes, forms of deterioration, and conservation treatments. The session approaches metals from a materials conservation perspective – how to analyze them and what options there are for repair.
Roofing
Intro to Sheet Metals
This course introduces students to the use of sheet metal in buildings and structures, with an emphasis on historic materials still in use today. Students work with copper, lead, steel, aluminum, and various coated metals and alloys, and discover their properties, installation details, performance, and repair and restoration options. The emphasis is on sheet metal in roofing and ornamental work.
Roofing I
This course introduces students to a variety of historic roofing materials and methods, including wood shingles and shakes, copper, and slate. There is an overview of the history of roofing practices, with case studies. Students practice installing different roof systems including related starter course and flashing details.
Fittings
Locks and Fastenings
This introductory course explores the hardware component of a conservation project. Topics discussed include identification, research, manufacturing, window hardware, hinges, locks and finishes.
Lighting
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of historic lighting – the development of gas lighting in the 19th Century, electrical lighting in the 20th Century, and hybrid gas-electric fixtures during the turn-of-the-century period of overlap. Students dismantle and repair period light fixtures to understand their fabrication and to explore repair and restoration options.
Glass Program
Glazing I
Glass windows can last for centuries; careless workmen can destroy them instantly. Extreme care must be exercised, even in the most minor work. Regardless of the size or complication of the project, a professional must do the repair or restoration work. This introductory course surveys the history, cleaning, repair, conservation and protection of glass, with a strong hands-on component.