Right across the UK there are fine examples of some of the best architecture you’ll see anywhere in the world. The history of this country has provided us with centuries worth of architecture that should be cherished and protected wherever necessary, and there is a great important to be found in architectural heritage and conservation. Some architecture firms are better suited to this aspect of architecture, with a firm footing in designing new structures and aspects of buildings that complement existing structures or through the maintenance and refurbishment of conservation properties with a nod to the past and the use of traditional materials and methods of construction. The revival of architectural heritage in some countries would do well to follow the patterns, codes and regulations, and practice of UK heritage and conservation architecture.
One of the aspects of heritage and conservation architecture that has become very important over the last few years and decades has been that of accessibility. Accessibility within architectural heritage became a talking point as there was a genuine need to update and upgrade historical buildings that might not have offered the best access for disabled persons and others with specific access needs. Within this framework there could be certain challenges, especially where listed buildings offer restrictions as to what can and can’t be done to a property in terms of function and the materials and method of construction used to upgrade these properties.
A legally binding document created in the 1980s is responsible for the approach towards architectural heritage in this country. The Convention for the protection of architectural heritage of Europe was created in October 1985. It covers the whole of Europe, with Britain as one of the founding members. There are so many fine examples of architecture that span many centuries and it is important to celebrate and cherish these examples and maintain them wherever it is practical to do so.
In the UK alone, there are many great examples still of the impact the Roman Empire had on the UK and the infrastructure that created the country as we know it today. Since then, there have been many different styles of architecture that has developed, and we see a lot of Georgian and Victorian-era architecture in structures and buildings throughout the country. UNESCO has helped maintain a list of protected World Heritage Sites of ‘Outstanding Universal Value’, with 28 found in the UK. Within these areas there is an obligation to protect and conserve areas of heritage, historic and cultural importance.
Conservation and the celebration of the heritage properties in the UK is an important part of architecture in this country. We have some of the greatest and grandest architecture the world over, with centuries worth of history to protect. Heritage and conservation architecture has to be implemented in the correct way to ensure that these structures and buildings are looked after in the correct way, protecting the traditions of time past whilst maintaining function and aesthetic pleasure in anything new that is added to these properties. If you own a heritage property or are the person responsible for protecting the legacy of a conservation building, it is important to choose a partner for any future work in an architecture firm with experience of conservation and heritage.
