A layered conservation response to the layers of built history

Abstract

RESEARCH QUESTION How can differing conservation responses and approaches maintain and enhance those layers of history within a historical building?

ABSTRACT The Conservation and Heritage Research stream in Unitec’s School of Architecture explores the theory and practice of heritage conservation and adapting historical places, as well as incorporating new design into heritage environments, both internationally and in Aotearoa New Zealand. Research addresses conservation, and the future use and development of historical and modern buildings, from preservation through to adaptive reuse.

Dedicated to design-led research, engaging design and its methodology as research, this paper proposes an approach to building conservation that recognises the value of utilising various conservation methods in accordance with the ICOMOS New Zealand Charter, based on a detailed investigative analysis of the varied layers of embodied history. The meticulous and meaningful analysis of applied conservation principles in the selected precedent – the Neues Museum in Berlin – critically inspired and influenced the design response for the 2010- and 2011-earthquake-damaged Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings in Christchurch, where the various conservation approaches were tested.