Course - Introduction to Technical Building Conservation and Building History - TBBY6001
Introduction to Technical Building Conservation and Building History
New from the academic year 2025/2026
About
About the course
Course content
The course will give the candidate an introduction to building conservation and architectural history, where architectural and stylistic history, as well as technological development and the technical frameworks for construction in different historical periods, are central elements.
The course will provide a basic introduction to conservation theory, and the historical foundations for Norwegian and international conservation practice. It will also give practical training in archive searches, literature use, and different ways of finding relevant information.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
- Building history and architectural history, both national and international, at a basic level
- The administrative basis of building conservation, with emphasis on Norwegian development and practice
- The importance of proper documentation when working with protected and listed buildings
- Relevant archives and other written sources for their field
- Their professional and ethical responsibility as a custodian of protected and listed buildings
- Legislation related to work on protected and listed buildings at a basic level
Skills:
- Explain different styles, stylistic periods, and the geographical and chronological spread of various styles
- Document craftsmanship and craft processes at a basic level
- Use relevant archives, reports, and research in their work
- Recognize the most common historical building methods in Norway
- Justify assessments to other professionals and to clients
General competence:
- The candidate should be able to convey knowledge about historical building methods in Norway.
Learning methods and activities
Teaching in building history and architectural history through:
- Seminars
- Physical and digital lectures
- City walks, museum visits, and other excursions
- Work with archival research
Compulsory assignments
- Written home assignment
- Participation on seminars
- Practical home assignment
Further on evaluation
To be eligible for assessment in this course, the student must have attended all mandatory gatherings and submitted all required assignments.
The student will receive a letter grade based on a home exam.
If the exam is not passed, the student will be given the opportunity to retake it in the spring semester.
Required previous knowledge
Applicants must have general university admission certification (generell studiekompetanse) and a relevant vocational or journeyman’s certificate (fag- eller svennebrev), or equivalent competence. Applicants who do not meet the Higher Education Entrance Qualification may apply based on prior learning and work experience.
Relevant vocational certificates in this context include:
- Carpenter
- Joinery trades, such as: cooper, wooden boat builder, model builder, cabinetmaker, organ builder, wood turner, wood carver, joiner
- Forestry and timber trades, such as: forestry operator, skilled operator in timber processing
Course materials
Curriculum
Credit reductions
Course code | Reduction | From |
---|---|---|
TBBY1011 | 3.7 sp | Autumn 2025 |
TBBY1003 | 5 sp | Autumn 2025 |
TTBY1003 | 5 sp | Autumn 2025 |
TTBY1006 | 5 sp | Autumn 2025 |
BYG811T | 7.5 sp | Autumn 2025 |
Subject areas
- Architectural Design, History and Technology
- Architectural History