BPR – Building Preservation/Restoration

An in-depth analysis of the historic preservation movement in the United States including the history and evolution of the movement, theoretical origins, current conditions and laws, organizational framework, and design philosophies.

The ability to communicate in a graphic language is fundamental in the field of construction, architecture, and historic preservation. This course will explore the basics of architectural drafting including line quality, lettering, and types of paraline drawings typical to a multi-story structure. Additionally, the course will study the forms and organization of our built environment. Students will learn about design elements, design principles, and basic color theory. The students will manipulate forms into coherent meaningful and useful organizations of space, structure, and enclosure.

Examination and practical application of field techniques used to document historic buildings including GIS systems, field measuring, photography, photogrammetry, and surveys.

Introduction to construction practices, tools, terminology, and safety as well as how materials are used and how technology has influenced American building practices. Students will be introduced to proper use of hand and power tools, model and mold making, paint removal, basic framing techniques used in framing, and epoxy and Dutchman repairs to wood.

A study of how and why buildings and their components deteriorate, and the various techniques used to rectify deterioration. Basic structural terminology and theory are integrated to provide the student with a broad understanding of why buildings and materials fail. Labs will focus primarily on restoration techniques on a variety of materials.

Examination of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and insulation systems: their development and applications, and approaches to upgrading, adaptation, and restoration of period systems. Methods of unobtrusively inserting systems into historic buildings are presented. Techniques are applied in the lab and on site when applicable. LEED standards will be reviewed.

Analysis and application of preservation techniques associated with the repair, restoration, and maintenance of historic doors and windows and their associated building hardware. Wooden and metal components will be addressed along with glazing and thermal retrofitting techniques.

An examination of the various materials used to provide roof and floor coverings in historic residential and commercial buildings. Slate, wood shingle, clay tile, composite shingle, metal panels, and built-up roofs will be examined. Floor cloths, carpets, terrazzo, ceramic, linoleum, and hardwood techniques like marquetry and parquetry will be examined. In addition, alternate sustainable materials for each system will be discussed. Installation, repair, deterioration problems, and maintenance concerns will be the emphasis of each material.

Introduction to building and zoning codes, safety regulations, contracts, bidding, estimating, scheduling, specifications, job site and shop safety, and the role of unions. The course uses visits to actual construction sites and student participation in a simulated construction firm to orient students to construction industry individual proprietorship.

A series of hands-on, project-oriented classes designed to provide the student an opportunity to practice learned techniques, fine tune skills, and develop confidence in a real world setting. These experiential-based classes are held at the Morristown Field Lab house or in one of the preservation workshops.

Students will work on a project(s) outside the College designed to provide a significant benefit to a non-profit, community or government organization. The course provides students an opportunity to practice techniques, fine-tune skills, and explore experiential learning while learning important lessons in regard to giving back to society.

Students will work on a project(s) outside the College designed to provide a significant benefit to a non-profit, community or government organization. The course provides students an opportunity to practice techniques, fine-tune skills, and explore experiential learning while learning important lessons in regard to giving back to society.

This course is designed to allow students the opportunity to further pursue their studies in a specific area of interest. Each student will work independently with a faculty member within the department to create a syllabus and develop a project that fulfills their specific needs. Advance academic standing and instructor permission are required.

The study of historic and modern paints, clear finishes, and faux finishes used to imitate various stone and wood finishes in an architectural context. Color theory, history of use, chemical composition, application procedures, and preservation techniques of water, oil and specialty paints, varnish, lacquer, shellac, oils, waxes, urethanes, and other modern finishes will be discussed. Preparation and repair of surfaces, medium selections, and brush techniques will be addressed and practiced in lab. Emphasis will be placed on developing fundamental techniques with experimentation on various surfaces.

The study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of wood and its deterioration process with an emphasis on basic woodworking techniques as they relate to the building construction industry. Shop based instruction in mechanical and non-mechanical joinery, architectural element reconstruction and replication, and the application of clear finishes. Epoxy and Dutchman repairs will also be covered.

An analysis of the physical and chemical properties of stone, brick, terra cotta, ceramic, concrete, mortar, and grout. Emphasis is placed on identifying and rectifying deterioration issues and learning and practicing basic installation and repair techniques.

The study of plaster, composition, and gypsum products as used in the building process. Emphasis is placed on traditional application techniques, deterioration processes, and repair techniques. Topics to be covered include traditional flat wall work, decorative plaster molding and running, the preparation and use of traditional composition ornament, and the creation of scagliola.

The study of the physical and chemical properties of metals as they relate to construction and decorative ornamentation. Emphasis centers on the analysis of galvanic action, historic metals repair, replication techniques, wrought iron work, architectural casting, repoussé, and basic welding.

The course of study emphasizes American decorative glazing practices, and the production and restoration of leaded windows. Techniques including etching and painting, and the lead and copper foil methods of production are covered.

Final culmination of student’s BPR experience. Student will complete a capstone project of their design under the direction of their academic advisor. It is expected that student projects reflect an advanced level of knowledge in one or more areas of the BPR program.