| RESEARCH OF EXISTING RECORDS
 After the site visit, the recorder should obtain whatever existing records of the building are readily available from libraries, archives, historical societies and private and government offices. These will include existing design drawings (if any), land registry plot plans, and archival drawings, maps and photographs.
Existing design drawings are a useful supplement to the preliminary survey. They should be checked for conformity with the building. Legal plot plans, available from the Land Registry office, indexed according to legal description, will illustrate the latest land survey, giving the date and surveyor responsible, and may form the basis of the site plan and topographic survey. Archival material, particularly old photographs, sometimes on site, can often clarify the sequence of construction or indicate missing features. Extensive research in this area is properly undertaken by a historian as a separate supplemental study.
STANDARDS OF COMPLETENESS
The determination of the degree of detail to be recorded depends primarily upon the intended purpose of the drawings. It is an important decision because it strongly affects the amount of time spent in the recording process. Although drawings preparatory to overall restoration may require recording in minute detail, many projects cannot afford nor do they require such coverage. For general survey purposes, it is often sufficient to choose a representative sample of details for recording, but this should include both the outstanding features and the typical details of the building.
The options of overall degree of detail, or the designation of specific areas of increased coverage, should be investigated, and in the end, firmly established as project policy decisions. The unqualified recorder is well advised to consult his sponsoring organization and restoration architect on this matter. |
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The following is a hypothetical example of a possible resolution of a problem of this nature: a building is found to have a number of windows generally of a standard type, yet each one has variations resulting from repairs and modifications. Each window is measured and recorded in the field notes. However, in consultation it is deemed sufficient to draw the window most closely resembling the original, leaving a discussion of the variations of the others to the report.
PROJECT PLANNING AND ESTIMATING
In a recording project of any size, it is highly desirable to prepare a comprehensive plan which includes:
- an outline of recording procedures
- a list of drawings
- an estimate of number and type of photographs
- a progress schedule (bar chart)
- an estimated time budget and/or cost.
Whether the work is undertaken on a remunerative basis or not, the establishment of a time budget is essential, since there is generally a limited amount of time or money available for any particular project. This budget will include time for preliminary studies, layout work, sketching, measurement, photography, drawing and report. In addition, the following aspects should be allowed for: travel, start-up time (e.g. access to building), training, indexing of notes and photographs, and checking at various stages including return visits to the site. Additionally, one must figure the cost of tools, drawing supplies, photographic materials and processing, blueprinting, and other reproduction techniques.
The results of the planning phase are generally summarized in a project brief which forms the basis for funding and promotion and serves as a reference guide throughout the project for all parties involved. |
