Description
This module will take London as the base for a foundational exploration of methods for understanding urban historic built environments. Its exemplar will be the work of the Survey of London and the teaching will mainly be by the Survey’s staff. Since 1894 the Survey of London has documented the history of London’s buildings in 50 volumes covering London districts (by historic parish) and 18 monographs on individual monuments. This tradition will be drawn on to address methods for survey and for the researching and recording of architectural heritage in cities, keeping it in view that urban fabric is an expression of social history. The module will also take in matters such as how to write effectively about urban environments, and how good writing and good illustrations (including photographs and measured drawings) can work together. There will be a series of pre-readings, short talks, and walks in areas as diverse as Whitechapel, Clerkenwell and Marylebone, as well as seminars and practical workshops, all conceived to explain principles and applications for understanding and documenting urban historic environments in social contexts. Overviews and case-study examples drawn from the Survey of London’s research will give students strong insights into London’s architectural heritage.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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