Course content

The course provides an introduction to theory and methods for describing and practically investigating heritage buildings and environments. Through fieldwork, exercises in archival research and interviews, as well as an introduction to building archaeology, students learn to understand the building both as it is today and as it has been throughout history.

The emphasis is on documenting physical and material characteristics, history, and cultural value, as well as assessing technical condition. This establishes a knowledge base that can be used in planning interventions and changes in existing buildings.

For students in the architecture program, enrollment in AAR4680 Circular Studio - Tradition and Preservation is required. When choosing AAR4680 Circular Studio - Tradition and Preservation, AAR4825 - Building Documentation is a mandatory knowledge course.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE:

• The student shall be familiar with the theoretical foundations of cultural heritage conservation, value assessment, and justification.
• The student shall have knowledge of various manual and digital methods for building measurement.

SKILLS:

• The student shall be able to carry out measurement and documentation of a building.
• The student shall be able to present and communicate complex material gathered through fieldwork and archival research in a systematic and understandable way, using illustrations and text.
• The student shall be able to prepare a basic technical condition analysis based on material and building physics knowledge.
• The student shall be able to conduct basic archival research on buildings.

GENERAL COMPETENCE:

• The student has a fundamental understanding of existing buildings as resources and can recognize their values, functional qualities, and limitations.
• The student can collaborate in interdisciplinary groups and assess tasks from a cross-disciplinary perspective.

Learning methods and activities

Teaching is based on archival research and field studies of existing building environments. Guidance and lectures are provided throughout the course to support relevant topics and issues. Students conduct field studies in interdisciplinary groups and submit group reports as the course conclusion.

Mandatory activities:

• Fieldwork and group work

Compulsory assignments

• Fieald work and group work

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Interest for, but not necessarily experience with, preservation and use of existing buildings/built heritage.

Required previous knowledge

Participants must master Norwegian/Scandinavian language, both written and oral, due to the need for historical source material in Norwegian.

For Architecture students: the student must have met the progression requirements outlined in the study plan for the five-year Master’s program in Architecture and successfully completed all compulsory design studio courses during the first three years of architectural studies at NTNU or an equivalent accredited institution.

Special Conditions

Admission to the following study programs is required:

• Architecture (MAAR)
• Real Estate Development and Management (MEIENDOM)
• Cultural Heritage Management (MKULMI)
• Traditional Building Crafts (FTTRADBYGG)

Course materials

Announced at the start of the term.

Credit reductions