SECOND YEAR CURRICULUM
The second year curriculum continues activities in all three primary areas of study. However, increased emphasis is given to Conservation Planning, and to Project Management.
With the change in emphasis, there is more opportunity for team work in addition to individual work. This allows students to emphasize particular areas of interest within the class assignments, and to begin to appreciate the interdisciplinary nature of conservation teamwork.
Each second year class is involved in projects on sites throughout the Niagara region. The students also plan and implement a project within the Willowbank estate, by refining the management plan for the estate and organizing a team approach to its implementation.
More advanced assignments continue in the areas of research and documentation, and in conservation craftsmanship.
Research and Analysis
Building Research
Structural Analysis
This course looks broadly at the structural issues surrounding the understanding and protection of wood and masonry buildings. It includes understanding some of the key developments in wood and masonry building materials and technologies, and some of the typical conservation problems that arise over time. Students learn about ways of documenting and analyzing conditions, both structural and cosmetic, and will be guided in developing conservation strategies. The course includes field trips to examine traditional buildings, to record some of their defects, and to propose solutions.
Building System Analysis
This course looks at building systems, both historic and contemporary, that affect the accessibility, safety and comfort of the built environment. This includes accessibility provisions, horizontal and vertical circulation, life safety provisions, heating and cooling systems, gas and electrical systems, and plumbing. The intent is not only to understand and document traditional building systems, but to understand energy efficiency and building sustainability from both a historic and contemporary perspective.
Research
Oral Histories
This course looks at the use of oral histories in researching historic places and communities. Students are introduced to approaches to oral history, including identifying sources, preparing for visits, recording the information, and integrating oral history with other primary and secondary source material. Also, ethical issues are discussed in relation to disclosure, dissemination and crediting. There is particular emphasis on aboriginal perspectives within oral traditions.
Research Methods II
This course provides an overview of historical research methods applied to both architectural history and to broader social and cultural history. Students identify and work with primary and secondary sources, work with written, graphic and oral material, and develop comparative research methods. There are site visits to registry offices, archival collections and other reference sources important in the researching of historic places.
Documentation
Three-Dimensional Drawing by Hand
In the first year, students concentrate on understanding two-dimensional drawing. However, we see our world not only in three-dimensions, but also in perspective. We need to understand how to draw what we actually see and to understand the principles of perspective. Ideally, students should be able to translate from two dimensions to three dimensions and vice versa in drawing. Towards that end, in the second year, the students are introduced to axonometric and isometric projections for the accurate documentation and clarification of more complex elements. They also learn the theory and principles of linear perspective: the direct projection method and the measuring point method for two-point and one-point perspectives. They are also taught various geometric techniques in dividing depth and drawing perspective grids. Drawings in perspective are useful mainly for design presentations. As in the first year, accuracy of all drawings is emphasized. After the completion of this course, the students have been given a solid foundation in two- and three-dimensional drawing. They have learned the drawing types necessary for the description of any building.
AutoCAD
This program is designed to develop the skill level based upon previous experience. Students are given individual attention in an AutoCAD lab setting to master basic techniques or develop more sophisticated approaches to recording, modifying and designing within an AutoCAD framework.
Development of a Historic Structures Report
In this session students use a historic property as a case study to develop a historic structures report. Students explore different aspects of a property individually or in small groups and then collaborate on putting the information together in an accessible format. The historic structures report follows the general sequence of understanding original design intentions, tracking the evolution of the place over time, and then documenting the current conditions.
Conditions Reporting
This program explores the identification and evaluation of the importance of both interior and exterior elements. Identification of the sequence of primary and secondary spaces, features and finishes, is undertaken as well as the assessment of previous alterations and deterioration. Once careful assessment and documentation has been completed, work can begin on the task of determining which elements should be preserved or salvaged. In cases where previous work has changed the character of a structure irrevocably, it is vitally important to know what elements and procedures should be taken to salvage important original details such as baseboards, floors, doors and windows, plaster, original trim and other elements that give voice to the original building.
Conservation Planning
Planning
Conservation Theory
This course introduces students to the broad scope of conservation theory and practice, as it applies to the development of conservation plans and the implementation of conservation projects. There is a review of how conservation theory and practice has developed over time, from the antiquarian bias of the 18th and early 19th Centuries, to the commemorative bias later in the 19th Century and into the 20th, to the aesthetic bias so prevalent in the late 20th century to the present, and finally the ecological bias which is now emerging as a dominant theme. The course will identify the consequences of these biases or motives, in terms of the disciplines involved and the design tendencies that result. Students will undertake design exercises to explore their own attitudes and the consequences for historic places.
Management Plan
This course uses an existing historic place as a case study for developing a major management plan to guide ongoing treatment and use. Students are divided into areas of interest – field research, documentary research, oral history, structural analysis, documentation, etc. – to pursue individual research agendas and then bring their material together to create a multidisciplinary perspective. There is then a collaborative development of a Statement of Significance, based on the research findings. A Statement of Significance is a declaration of value that briefly explains what a historic place is and why it is important. It identifies key aspects of the place that must be protected in order for the historic place to retain its cultural value. Students then consider conservation options, including preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation/adaptive reuse, based on the findings of the research and documentation phase and evaluated in light of the values assigned by the Statement of Significance. Once the preferred option is chosen, a more detailed design and implementation program is developed. The plan is presented to interested client groups and other stakeholders.
Design
This course introduces students to the basic principles of design. The design process is explored both as an individual expression of intent and desire, and as a response to a particular place and program. The relationship of design to materials is examined, as integral both to the design process in itself and as part of relating contemporary layers to historic places. Students incorporate fieldwork into the design process.
Contemporary Design in Historic Settings
This course focuses on the particular issue of adding contemporary layers to existing places of cultural and historical value. Students are introduced to a variety of techniques that have been used over time, from imitation to evolution to contrast, and are taken on a field trip to study specific examples. There is then a design exercise in which students explore their own understanding of a place and opportunities for contemporary evolution.
Presentation
This course allows students to use their drawing and documentation skills as a basis for developing presentation skills. The session touches on various forms of graphic presentation drawings - hand drawn, digital, and a combination – as well as oral presentation skills.
Built Heritage and Business Models
Business Models in Heritage Conservation
This course looks at various business and career models for heritage consultants in the conservation field. In particular, the course considers heritage consultants in the private sector and how they operate. There is discussion of the relationship of heritage consultants with private sector and public sector property owners, with developers, with general contractors, with other consultants and design professionals, and with conservation specialists. The evolving nature of heritage consultancy is discussed, as well as prospects for the future.
Legal and Zoning Issues
Building Code
This course examines the role of Building Codes in the design and development field, with reference to Canada’s National Building Code and provincial Codes. Special reference is made to Part 11 in the Ontario Building Code, when dealing with the conservation, restoration and adaptive reuse of designated heritage properties. The course discusses the history of Part 11, and its application for specific types of code compliance issues. There is also discussion of current developments in Building Codes and related NFPA, CSA, ASHRAE and other standards.
Municipal Process and Zoning Bylaws
This course considers a variety of legal, zoning and code issues that affect the use and development of historic properties. The course introduces students to municipal, provincial, and federal roles in regulating and encouraging conservation activity. There is also discussion of problems inherent in zoning as a planning principal, its close association with utopian rather than organic models of urban development, and alternatives. The intent of the course is to provide students with a basic understanding of the regulatory environment that affects the conservation field, and a sense of current developments.
Energy Systems
Sustainability - Quantitative & Qualitative Approaches
This course introduce students to the basic issues of sustainability. It takes a qualitative as well as quantitative approach, and consider sustainability as an issue that deals with both cultural and natural resource conservation. It examines how historic properties are being dealt with in current discussions of sustainable design. Students use case studies to explore how conservation issues can be addressed in a sustainability framework.
LEED Overview
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System has been designed to encourage and accelerate global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. Students are given an overview of the LEED system and its approach to sustainability in five key areas: sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. Current developments in LEED EB and other areas is discussed.
Traditional and Alternative Energy Systems
This course introduces students to the role of different energy systems in the heating, cooling, lighting and operating of historic properties. It considers both traditional approaches and contemporary options, including new technologies that allow for sustainable design. The course considers how the design of buildings was affected by available energy systems, including issues of thermal mass, building envelope design, buffer zones, and seasonal use patterns. Students apply this understanding in designing conservation and adaptive reuse options for historic properties.
Craft Skills: Wood
Carpentry II - Conservation
This program allows students to further their carpentry skills through hands-on experience. Working with a master carpenter faculty member, students gain skills in the conservation and repair of wood elements.
Joinery
This course gives students joinery experience through a hands-on implementation project. The selected project incorporates traditional wood joinery techniques and is implemented within the house or barn complex of the Willowbank estate, or at another historic site.
Windows
This introductory course explores the restoration of period sash. The following fundamentals are covered: structure, design and profile, disassembly with minimal damage, the cause of decay and methods of repair, finishes, reassembly and glazing.
Craft Skills: Masonry
Masonry II
This course enables students to identify the different features of stone and brick wall construction, including footings, various layout patterns, and the selection of appropriate stone or brick units, and mortar. Students also acquire the knowledge necessary to apply the appropriate techniques and materials required for the construction of a masonry wall. Emphasis is on the value of new masonry structures that are in harmony with historic practices and based on traditional skills. Students also acquire the knowledge necessary to apply appropriate techniques and materials required for the conservation of old masonry walls. Students participate in the building of a lime kiln.
Stone Conservation
This course examines the various repair and conservation options available when working with historic masonry. These options range from cleaning methods to the pinning of broken masonry units, the introduction of Dutchman repairs, in situ crack repairs, Jahn mortar repairs, and the consolidation of friable masonry. Students explore these and other techniques in a workshop setting and also do some field trips.
Advanced Masonry
Students are introduced to the art of stone carving. Students are introduced to the basics of three-dimensional form through to the creation of expression and personality using shadow, depth and undercut.
Craft Skills: Fittings and Finishes
Molds and Pests
This introductory session provides an overview of identification and detection of termites and other wood-destroying pests including beetles, ants, bees, and fungi. Methods used for pest and mold prevention and control are also discussed.
Interiors
Introduction to Historic Interiors
This introductory session introduces students to the diverse interior styles of North America from early settler to the second empire. References to house styles, floor plans and types of decorative finishes and furnishings are explored.
Finishes Workshop
This workshop uses the area conservation projects at Willowbank as case studies for hands-on treatment of existing and proposed historic finishes. This course uses previous information and additional investigation to explore original design intentions, current conditions, and options for conservation. The preferred option is developed in detail and implemented as part of the course.
Finishes and Paint Colour Analysis
This course introduces students to the analysis and understanding of historic finishes, particularly paints and varnishes. Students are given some basic background on the evolution of historic finishes, including binders, pigments, and carriers. They learn some of the techniques for taking samples, analyzing layers, and understanding the sequence of colours and textures. They use case studies to understand how a variety of samples can be used to suggest early colour schemes, and how this information is combined with other kinds of research to establish the evolution of historic properties.
Graining and Marbling
This course introduces students to the practices of graining, marbling, and other faux finishes used in both historic and contemporary settings. Through hands-on workshop projects the students understand the basic materials and techniques used in this aspect of the decorative arts.
Plaster Program
Stucco Workshop
This session introduces students to the analysis and understanding of historic stucco. Students are introduced to the conservation and repair of stucco walls.
Metals Program
Forge II
In this session students build on the skills acquired in Forge I.
Roofing
Roofing II
This course further develops the students’ hands-on experience with traditional roofing methods. There is an exploration of repair options, including in situ repair, and the pros and cons of various contemporary replacement materials.
Glass Program
Glazing II
In this session students build on the skills acquired in Glazing I.