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Unit of study_
ARCH9028: Conservation Methods and Practices
2026 unit information
In this unit you will develop skills in the methods and practices of conservation management at a professional level, and apply the theory taught in the course in practical, on-site projects. The unit focuses on culturally significant structures and cultural landscapes and includes: understanding the process of significance assessment; identifying, describing and analysing elements of the chosen place; reading and interpreting historic fabric; historical and archival research methods; material and stylistic analysis; and the development of conservation policies to guide future management. A range of guests from government and industry provide insights into current challenges and accepted practice. At the end of the unit the student will successfully demonstrate an understanding of the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter and the ability to prepare, in accordance with current accepted professional practice, a conservation plan of a place or places of cultural significance.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | Urban and Regional Planning and Policy |
| Credit points | 12 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Apply professional conservation management methods to the assessment, documentation, and management of culturally significant buildings, sites, and cultural landscapes. (Aligns with CLO1, CLO5; Graduate Qualities: GQ1 Depth of Disciplinary Expertise, GQ7 Interdisciplinary Effectiveness)
- LO2. Undertake heritage significance assessments in accordance with accepted citeria to inform conservation decision‑making. (Aligns with CLO1, CLO4; Graduate Qualities: GQ1 Depth of Disciplinary Expertise, GQ2 Critical Thinking)
- LO3. Conduct historical, archival, and fabric-based research, including material and stylistic analysis, to support evidence‑based conservation management. (Aligns with CLO4, CLO5; Graduate Qualities: GQ4 Information and Digital Literacy, GQ1 Depth of Disciplinary Expertise)
- LO4. Develop conservation policies and management strategies that respond to significance, condition, use, and change, and meet accepted professional standards. (Aligns with CLO5, CLO6; Graduate Qualities: GQ2 Critical Thinking, GQ8 Integrated Professional and Ethical Identity)
- LO5. Apply the principles of the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter critically and appropriately in the preparation of a Conservation Management Plan for a real‑world client. (Aligns with CLO1, CLO2, CLO7; Graduate Qualities: GQ1 Depth of Disciplinary Expertise, GQ8 Ethical Identity)
- LO6. Work professionally with government, industry, client stakeholders, and team mates demonstrating ethical judgement, reflective practice, and awareness of contemporary conservation challenges. (Aligns with CLO7; Graduate Qualities: GQ8 Integrated Professional and Ethical Identity, GQ9 Influence)
- LO7. Communicate conservation analysis and recommendations clearly and professionally through the preparation of a Conservation Management Plan and supporting documentation. (Aligns with CLO4, CLO7; Graduate Qualities: GQ3 Communication, GQ9 Influence)
Unit availability
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