module specification

In this module you will focus on studying the interpretation, conservation and restoration of the built environment in the UK and around the globe. 

Through studying building pathology, you will gain an understanding of common and more unique building defects, the root causes of them and solutions available to remedy them.  Identifying reasons for failure is one which requires you to have an enquiring mind and voyage on a journey of discovery, through which you will gain an understanding of the building fabric, its services, its users, and the wider environs, all which can impact positively or negatively on a building's preservation.  This holistic approach can include gathering historical information regarding the building, undertaking detailed inspections, including intrusive investigations, and observing the building occupants' interactions with the building fabric and services.  Building pathology is a combination of science, surveying and technology and will draw upon your knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

In addition to pathology, you will study the allied subject area of building refurbishment, covering restoration, adaption, and retrofitting.  When a building has outlived its usefulness, an option often chosen is to demolish it and rebuild something new in its place.  However, we are recognising that when we demolish, the carbon which was generated during its original construction, something we term as being embedded into the original building, is replaced by even more carbon generated in connection with the new building’s materials, manufacturing, and construction. Refurbishing and adapting buildings are the sustainable ways to meet new needs. This can include retrofitting energy efficiency measures, from the very simple options to grand schemes. Furthermore, in terms of sustainability in its wider sense, retaining the heritage of our built environment is important for the character of an area and preserving heritage value for future generations. There is a need to have an understanding as to when demolition is not the answer and refurbishment and/or repurposing an existing building is the right thing to do.  This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to be able to advise on appropriate building technology solutions to upgrade and/or repurpose a building.

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Identify and appraise a wide range of building types and their elemental parts
• Undertake simple condition surveys of buildings
• Prepare an evidence base of an existing building upon which decisions can be made as to how to remedy defects found
• Assess the impact of occupational behaviours on a budling's performance and condition
• Understand means by which you can identify deleterious materials, the implications to the building and people of such materials and managing their removal where required
• Appraise various conservation techniques on modern and historical built environment assets
• Appraise the similarities and differences between refurbishment, restoration and retrofitting
• Assess the various factors causing building obsolescence and mitigation against demolition of such buildings

The syllabus is informed by the course syllabus and reading material alongside contemporary issues, research, and practice within the built environment. Topics will include:

• Preserving our Built Environment (LO1)
• Traditional building materials and techniques (LO2)
• The application of Building Regulations in refurbishment projects. (LO1)
• A building's fate - repurposing or demolition (LO1,3)
• Dating buildings and identifying construction types (LO2)
• Condition surveys (LO3)
• Hazardous and deleterious materials (LO3)
• Conservation and restoration of our historic built environment (LO1,4)
• Modern and system builds: common defects and remedies(LO4)
• The role of technology in the pathology and refurbishment of buildings (LO4,5)
• The reasons for building obsolescence and means of mitigating obsolescence (LO1, 3)
• The concept and purpose of retrofitting and where it is suitable (LO5)

A blended/ technology enhanced learning approach will be employed in the delivery of this module. Study will be supported via online lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical activities, and guided asynchronous activities. Where appropriate, activities will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.

The contact sessions will encourage students to discuss ideas and consider a variety of case studies from the UK and around the globe, alongside surveys, walking tours and self-directed studies of buildings and building types.

Workshops and seminars will be held in which students will engage in practical activities making use of staff directed case studies, and student researched case studies to explore this rich subject area. The module will introduce students to a variety of building vernaculars, materials, and techniques using case studies from around the world.  Discussions and debates will be had to encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences to help the students to develop a deep understanding of building pathology and refurbishment in context and undertake authentic formative activities to gain an appreciation of the challenges and opportunities present in this highly relevant area of construction, surveying, and design.

Problem based learning will be used to encourage independent learning through proposing a problem based around subject buildings.  The problem will be complex with more than one right answer, challenging the students to work individually and in small groups to develop solutions, thereby developing their problem-solving abilities.  Staff will act as facilitators throughout the activities. Tasks will be performed through group and independent study, to develop critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis in building pathology and refurbishment. Throughout the module student output’s will be reviewed, and formative feedback will be given to ensure clarity and comprehension.

The learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, and case studies. Group tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments, with opportunities for students to receive forward feedback.

You will reflect on your learning which will contribute towards your online Professional Development Journal (PDJ).

On completion of the module the learner, operating independently and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

1. Explore the economic, social and political drivers behind the decision to refurbish or demolish buildings.
2. Identify the age and construction of buildings and other built environment assets.
3. Assess the condition of buildings and other built environment assets.
4. Identify defects and propose remedies in modern and historical built environment assets.
5. Evaluate and propose various technical and sustainable solutions for the retrofitting of existing buildings.

The 2 module assessments test the student’s knowledge and understanding that should have been developed throughout the module. The module assessments reflect the need for students to be able to survey and produce an accurate interpretation of a building’s type and construction, following which they can assemble an appropriate and accurate proposal as to options for conservation, restoration, and repurposing of built environment assets.  All proposals need to be backed up by detailed technical information.

Through using real and simulated scenarios to inform their assessments, students will experience the challenges of a real project.

Coursework 1: Individual Presentation (15 minutes plus Q&A) 50%

Coursework 1 is an individual presentation which will requires students to identify an existing building to which they have permitted access to.  The student will be required to undertake an inspection of the building and produce a report in presentation form which will be subject to the scoping document which will be issued, alongside further information, in the coursework briefing document. Assessment choice is provided to the student who can agree with the module team the format of the presentation which, for example, could be live in person, a recorded talking head video, or a recorded PowerPoint presentation with commentary. If recorded, then there will still be a scheduled live Q&A.

Coursework 2: Individual Project (1375 words) 50%

Coursework 2 is an individual submission and requires the students to respond to a request from a client who is considering purchasing the property the student inspected in coursework 1. The client requires the student to revisit the property and make proposals regarding its refurbishment, and where applicable repurposing. The client is interested in understanding alternatives to demolition to respond to their ESG strategic goals. The project brief will provide more detail about the scope, aims and objectives of the project.

There is no single text currently in publication that provides a comprehensive coverage of all aspects of this module. There are several books which cover various parts of the module in some detail, and these are listed in the core text list.  There is excellent coverage of the subject available via the Construction Information Service (CIS).   Many of the books you have on your reading lists for other construction technology, building science and structures modules will also prove useful in this module.

CIS is accessed via Construction Information Service  and provides a huge range of information relevant to this module. You will be directed to resources throughout the module and CIS will be your key resource for this module, in particular information published by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) around building defects and remedial work, and sustainable refurbishment of buildings.

Useful books and articles for this course are listed below:

Link to library reading list

Core:-
Watt, D. (2023) Building pathology: principles and practice. 9th edn. London: Routledge
Woolley, T. (2022) Natural Building Techniques: A Guide to Ecological Methods and Materials. Marlborough: The Crowood Press.

Additional reading and other resources :
Building Regulations - Collection Approved Documents
LETI 
Passivhaus Trust
RICS (2020) Technical due diligence of commercial property (Guidance Note).
RICS Building Surveying Standards
UK Green Building Council (UKGBC)