Built Heritage lecture series begins

The first in a series of lectures that focus on the importance of preserving and working with our built heritage will take place tomorrow (Thursday 11 March) at Robert Gordon University.

The inaugural lecture is part of a quartet that has been organised by the University's Scott Sutherland School of Architecture in conjunction with the Scottish Traditional Skills Centre in Fyvie.

Professor Bernard Smith and Dr Patricia Warke from Queens University, Belfast, will present at tomorrow's lecture which is taking place at the Faculty of Health and Social Care on the University's Garthdee campus.  Titled "Technical Conservation and Recording of Built Heritage", Professor Smith and Dr Warke will discuss weathering, conservation and assessment of urban stone masonry.

The lecture series is aimed at all interested parties, including members of the public, students and professionals in the architectural and construction industries.  Entry is free to all four lectures in the series.  Interest in the series has been significant thus far with most delegates signing up for all four.

Professor Richard Laing of the Scott Sutherland School, who is also a Principal Member of the Institute for Innovation Design & Sustainability, is co-ordinating the series along with Marc Ellington of The Scottish Traditional Skills Centre.  He comments:    

"Marc and I are delighted to have welcomed Professor Smith and Dr Warke to kick off the series.  Their expertise in the field and experience of working with sites of historical significance reflects our own interest in preserving built heritage."  

Thursday's lecture will be followed by three more in the coming two months.  Future lectures will look into the architectural treasures of Old Aberdeen, recent conservation projects going on across the country, and on the findings from an international excursion undertaken by Professor Laing himself.  All lectures start at 6pm and are followed by informal networking opportunities.

Those interested in attending future lectures should contact University Events Manager, Barbara Jones on (01224) 262034 or via email at b.a.jones@rgu.ac.uk  for further details.

ENDS                                                                                10 March 2010

There will be an opportunity to photograph and interview Professor Bernard Smith and Dr Patricia Warke with Professor Richard Laing at the Scott Sutherland School of Architecture and Built Environment on Thursday 11 March at 4.45pm.

Members of the media should meet Communications Officer, Katy Jones, at the Scott Sutherland School reception, on the University's Garthdee Campus.

Andrew Youngson

Communications Officer

Robert Gordon University

Schoolhill

Aberdeen

AB10 1FR

Tel: 01224 262389

Email: a.c.youngson@rgu.ac.uk

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