The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) has welcomed the renewed focus on the historic environment as a part of an architect’s core curriculum for continuing professional development (CPD).
The RIBA has included the historic environment as one of only ten core topics in its newly streamlined CPD curriculum. Focussing on ‘context’ – the title of the IHBC’s own professional journal – it looks at how architects will need to maintain specialist skills in working with the historic environment and its setting.
Jo Evans, IHBC Chair said: ‘It is great to see that the RIBA has officially recognised the specialist skills architects need when working with our traditional and historic buildings and places. This extends RIBA’s focus on conservation skills, following the development of its own conservation register, and is something we can warmly welcome.’
‘This year our own professional Yearbook – the major annual publication in the sector – focused on the development of specialist skills, including especially developments in architectural skills. So we’re especially delighted to see that one important part of our industry is responding vigorously to the biggest challenge the construction sector faces in the 21st century: maximising the low-carbon, environmental benefits of conservation across mainstream practice.’
John Preston, IHBC’s Education Secretary, said: ‘The IHBC hopes that architectural training courses will follow the RIBA’s lead and include traditional building and conservation skills within the educational programmes of aspiring architects.’
‘It is ludicrous to think that architectural courses concentrate almost exclusively on new design and new build when half the construction industry relies on refurbishment and improving existing buildings. That must change, and hopefully the RIBA’s new CPD programme will mark a step-change across the industry and its training.’
IHBC President Eddie Booth said: ‘We’re keen to encourage all professional bodies to recognise the real value of dedicated conservation skills. With RIBA’s progress in this area, we hope many others will follow. As the key professional body for historic environment specialists from all disciplines, the IHBC sees these developments as a crucial ‘raising of the bar’, both for the sector as a whole and for our own work in leading specialist conservation interests’.
Notes
1. The Institute of Historic Building Conservation is the key professional body for built and historic environment conservation specialists – see www.ihbc.org.uk
2. If you are interested in receiving a copy of the IHBC’s Yearbook email your details to admin@ihbc.org.uk
3. To encourage early career awareness of conservation in development the IHBC runs the annual student Gus Astley Award – see: LINK
4. For RIBA’s announcement on CPD see: LINK
