Charles Pipal

The documentation of historic cultural resources is critical to the field of historic preservation. By immersion, students will learn photographic, measuring and drawing methods and subsequently develop a deep understanding of the pattern language of architectural drawing. Collections management and inventory will also be addressed.

During the course, we will reference the Historic American Buildings Survey collection at the United States Library of Congress. All relevant standards and guidelines issued by the National Park Service will be referenced, as well as previous projects from the HABS collection.

By measuring and drawing extant historic objects and structures to exacting standards, students will become familiar with historic construction techniques, building materials and design principles. Students will develop skills and provide final drawings and notes which will be included in the HABS collection.

A selected neighborhood or region is studied, researched, and analyzed. The tools of preservation planning are practiced in the field-including the analysis and history of individual buildings, the study of various building types and their place in the community, the impact of transportation and institutions on the historic fabric, and the history of the community over time. Students conduct surveys of historic resources, prepare a comprehensive report, and present their findings before the community.
Learning Objectives: Develop the skills required to conduct a comprehensive historic resources survey. Those skills include conducting area research, developing survey methodology, data collection, summary descriptive writing and presentation skills, both written and oral. The subject area for this course will vary each year.