C O N T E X T 1 1 9 : M A Y 2 0 1 1 13 CHRISTOPHER CATLING Caring for the building and the client Of the 33,000 UK architects certified by the Architects Registration Board, 350 have joined the Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation. The Architects Accredited in Building Conservation Register celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. It was set up in 2001 as a volunteer-based, not-for-profit organisation by a group of architects specialising in conservation who considered that too many architects were undertaking work on historic buildings with little or no experience or understanding. No distinction was then being made between architects who could design buildings using modern materials and techniques, and those who understood historic forms, materials and construction techniques and could deal appropriately with the many different problems encountered in historic buildings. Clients were not able to distinguish easily between those with genuine conservation skills and those who simply wanted the work. The biggest client for work on historic building fabric, English Heritage, strongly encouraged the formation of the AABC register. Prospective AABC members are asked to submit five examples of projects that they have worked on, in each case explaining what problems were faced, what solution were recommended, and why. The portfolio will be scrutinised by three assessors drawn from a panel of 60 volunteers. These not only include professional conservation architects who have themselves been through the assessment process, but also nonarchitect members drawn from parallel professions and associations (including the IHBC), chosen to represent the public interest and for their experience in assessment and conservation matters. A list of assessors can be found on the AABC website www.aabc-register. co.uk/apply.htm. The assessment panel is looking for demonstrable evidence of sound judgement in the survey, assessment and decision-making process, assessing the architect’s personal impact on the works. This in turn is rooted in a core conservation philosophy that derives ultimately from SPAB and ICOMOS guidelines. In a world of flamboyant and egotistical architects seeking to make their mark on the landscape through buildings that are distinctive and highly visible, conservation architecture is a self-effacing discipline based on a developed understanding of the significance of historic places. At its heart, AABC membership is about understanding the gritty issues of stonework, mortar mixes, leadwork, timber repairs; about materials that are no longer commonly used, such as timber roofing shingles, lead, lime and distemper; and not just about how building materials work when employed anew, but how they respond to the effects of time, weather and stresses. AABC members commonly acquire their skills through mentoring and learning on the job. The conservation architect spends a great deal of time on site, AABC members discussing leadwork repairs at 14th-century Ordsall Hall, Salford (All photos: Lloyd Evans Prichard)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjgyMjA=