Design Buy Build Issue 22 2016 | Page 20

Editors Choice Recognising the specialism of conservation within architectural practice Dr Noora Kokkarinen, Assistant Education Director at the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists Despite continuing global growth within the construction industry, the majority of building stock has already been built. While some structures are demolished to allow for better use of the land; others are spared. Often the reasons for this are that the site has substantial cultural or emotional significance to the local or wider community. In order to maintain these buildings, a growing team of professionals specialising in refurbishment, repurposing, protection or preservation are called upon. Conservation work is an assembly of knowledge which results in incorporating a piece of history within the present by using conventional construction techniques. Best practice from similar projects and up-to-date research is applied, rather than following a strict set of conservation ‘rules’. These guidelines stem from the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) which is the body associated with preservation internationally. Individuals who are Accredited Conservationists, must demonstrate competence within five key areas which are: • philosophy of conservation • site analysis and intervention • investigation, materials and technology • social and financial issues • implementation and management of conservation works Conservation practitioners must have the ability to identify, determine and understand what is important about buildings and their surrounding areas. They must also understand how the building worked, what materials were used to build it, and in turn make assessments as to how the existing structure will interact with any modern alterations. It is unlikely that one individual or practice will have sufficient expertise to carry out a conservation project without involving another specialist or at least by referring to technical guidance from accepted sources. It is this process of constant learning and sharing of knowledge and resources which assists in maintaining and spreading the knowledge and body of professionals who are capable of appropriately serving our built heritage. Although there are professionals who carry out conservation work without professional Accreditation, they are not able to apply for funding to carry out projects from certain national bodies* unlike those who achieve CIAT’s Accredited Conservationist status. Therefore professional Accreditation should be considered by those already active in this field as a hallmark of their specialist skills. *CIAT Accredited Conservationists are recognised by Historic England, Historic Scotland, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and The Heritage Lottery Fund to act as lead consultants on grant-funded bodies. For more information on becoming a CIAT Accredited Conservationist, please contact Amina Khanum, Specialist Registers’ Coordinator [email protected]. FREE NOTTS SPORT SEMINARS WILL SHOW HOW A NEW SPORTS FACILITY COULD PAY FOR ITSELF! Making Recycling Cups Easier Notts Sport is hosting free seminars in November to showcase Fast Track Funding – its initiative for installing state-of the art community sports facilities. The unit is available in black and ivory with a boat blue liquid hub and comes with a recycling label as standard. Black unit is made from 95% recycled plastic. An A4 signage kit is available as an optional extra, as well as bespoke personalisation labels and unit colours. The unit is priced RRP £169.99 per unit. It’s the only non-traditional funding route for artificial turf facilities that’s compliant with Education Funding Agency requirements and local authority, so instead of applying for grants and waiting for funding, Notts Sport can provide a flexible funding solution with repayments spread over an agreed timescale. Ideal for schools and local authorities, it provides high-quality, synthetic turf pitches with little upfront cost required, as most sports facilities can generate revenue through community use. Leafield Environmental has launched a new EnvirocupXL recycling unit to collect larger coffee cups (up to 103mmm), providing a solution to prevent huge amounts going to landfill for facility managers. Suitable for food serving areas and offices. Notts Sport works closely with customers to design a bespoke sports facility specific to their needs. To find out more or book a place, visit: http://www.nottssport.co.uk/fast-track-funding.html. The cups can be dropped through the circular apertures and easily stacked inside the collection tubes, making it extremely easy to empty and clean. It also features a new improved liquid hub, to hold up to 7.5 litres of liquid reservoir to avoid access spillages. Dimensions: H: 803mm, W: 444mm, D: 444mm. 20 For further information: Email: [email protected] Web: www.leafieldrecycle.com Tel: 01225 816541 Facebook: www.facebook. com/Leafield.Environmental Twitter: www.twitter.com/ Leafield_enviro