YOUR PROJECT:

1.) Write a clear, concise, accurate description of the building you have chosen for a professional reader.

2.) Write a clear, concise, accurate description of your building for a lay reader.

An architectural conservator must be sensitive to the visual appearance of buildings; know their construction elements and their materials.

3.) Write a clear, concise accurate description of the exterior condition of your building. Begin with the foundation and end at the roof.

In addition to library research and personal observation, research in municipal archives and records is important in gathering basic information about buildings.

4.) Obtain the following information on the building you have been assigned:

• Street block and lot numbers and description of the site.

• Construction date and dates and manner of the later additions and alterations.

• Present owner and date of purchase.

• Assessed value before and after the construction of the building.

• If possible, a brief biography of the original architect or builder. (Dates, obituary, other buildings, etc.)

Presentation techniques are important skills to acquire when working in the heritage field. Drawing, photography and other graphic formats are often more effective than words in communicating your message. Public speaking skills are also important to develop as a public presentation is often more effective than a written report.

5.) Take five slides of your building which you think best show its architectural and construction features and physical condition. (Iredale Jennifer."Introduction to Historic Preservation, Assignment #4, Building Description and Research Project")