Façade Retention

Abstract

Listed buildings are evidence of our predecessors and how life was sustained. Buildings become listed through their architectural features and historic interest, and to be protected by policies and guidelines set out whether it is through local authorities, the Government or by law. Many of these listed buildings are retained so that the original purpose of them being built can commence once again when the need to arises; however, with modern technology many of these buildings become redundant as the use is no longer sustainable or needed. This ultimately leave’s these buildings and their heritage to be forgotten about and fall into disrepair and ultimately become demolished. Research for this dissertation has looked to see what society may feel towards façade retention. Façade retention involves replacing the interior of historic buildings while retaining the original building façade. This normally happens with vacant listed buildings when viable new uses cannot be found. This is not a modern method and has been successful in the past. Many guidelines and policies state that the protection is there to sustain the buildings so that the public and future generation can enjoy, however the research has been undertaken to see the public’s judgment on using these vacant buildings as an alternative purpose, as there is a lack of literature out there to support these claims. A quantitative method was undertaken with the use of a web link to ask as many of the public as possible, and the research showed that 90% of people asked approved of implementing façade retention as a way to conserve the heritage. Further investigation is recommended by the use of a mixed method, research to compare and obtain updated feedback by issuing it all to the same location, followed by asking conservation officers and comparing it.