Product Description

Since its publication in 1982 Sir Bernard Feilden's Conservation of Historic Buildings has become the standard text for architects and others involved in the conservation of historic structures. Leading practitioners around the world have praised the book as being the most significant single volume on the subject to be published. This third edition revises and updates a classic book, including completely new sections on conservation of Modern Movement buildings and non-destructive investigation.

The result of the lifetime's experience of one of the world's leading architectural conservators, the book comprehensively surveys the fundamental principles of conservation in their application to historic buildings, and provides the basic information needed by architects, engineers and surveyors for the solution of problems of architectural conservation in almost every climatic region of the world. This edition is organized into three complementary parts: in the first the structure of buildings is dealt with in detail; the second focuses attention on the causes of decay and the materials they affect; and the third considers the practical role of the architect involved in conservation and rehabilitation. As well as being essential reading for architects and others concerned with conservation, many lay people with various kinds of responsibility for historic buildings will find this clearly written, jargon-free work a fruitful source of guidance and information.

* Gain a valuable insight into the building conservation world
* Benefit from the world's leading authority
* Easy to understand, jargon-free source of guidance and information

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #218799 in Books
• Published on: 2003-06-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 408 pages

Review
'Through its 22 chapters, Conservation of Historic Buildings provides a considered and, above all, practical reference for all engaged with the historic built environment. It is as relevant now as it was back in 1982, with appeal to practitioners as well as students in countries around the world.'
- Journal of Architectural Conservation, No 2 July 2004

Reviews of previous editions:

'There must be many well thumbed copies of the first edition of this highly regarded book on the shelves of older members of EASA because upon its first publication in 1982 it quickly established itself as a standard work of reference and information. It keeps its rightful place as a most readable and stimulating book and anyone who aspires to a professional standard of excellence in the field can hardly do without owning a copy.' - EASA Newsletter

'Bernard Feilden is a monument to conservation.'
John Fidler - The Architect's Journal

'Is it a book to buy? Definitely. It is an icon and a classic of its kind; but more importantly, it is a true working book. Students will use it to garner the essential knowledge they need, the experienced professional will use it as an aide memoire.' - ASCHB Newsletter

About the Author
By Sir Bernard Feilden, DUniv. DLit, Hon FAIA, FSA, FRIBA, AADipl

Customer Reviews

A good reference book, worth having on your bookshelf.
If that opening title seems a bit like damning with faint praise it's because this book isn't for everyone. It's touted as a textbook for people like Conservation Officers and in that role it probably serves its purpose, although quite what impact it's likely to have in that quarter I'm still pondering, because none of the COs I know have read it which is a shame because it does offer the kind of thinking that would temper some of the more extreme purist views currently in fashion in the conservation establishment - he even suggests that it's OK to guage a lime mortar with a little cement. Heresy indeed!

I've had the book for a little over a year and so I've lived with it for some time, dipping into it occasionally to find a reference to make a point in discussion with someone who believes there is only one way to do it, and that's their way.

It's a worthy book for people who are involved in conservation work as part of their work, but as a book of general interest to someone about to undertake the work of restoring their own property then I'd question its value. Go to David J. Swindells 'Restoring Timber Framed Houses' or Pamela Cunnington's excellent 'Caring For Old Houses' as a very good start that should give you all you need.

Excellent book for Conservation
If you want to know how to detect a structure of a building, how to recognise the causes of decay or how to make a project or report to conserve a bulding, this book tells you everything. The bibliography of it was also a nice guide for me.