An Introduction to Architectural Conservation

Chapter 3Reasons why Historic Buildings may Need to Change

One of the key concepts when working on historic buildings, reflected in government policy and planning legislation, as well as accepted conservation practice, is that there should be no changes to the historic fabric unless it can be shown that there is a reason why change is needed, whilst care is taken to preserve the building’s significance.

No buildings remain totally unchanged over time. Change comes to buildings in many ways: components decay over time, stone decays with acid rain attack, bricks and mortar erode, slates and tiles crack and delaminate, paint flakes off. Aside from weather and decay, buildings may become redundant and need new uses, for example vernacular farm buildings ...