Master of Arts in Architectural Conservation Programme Handbook AY2022-23

Masters of Arts in Architectural Conservation

MAArC Programme Handbook

Department of Architecture

Masters of Arts in Architectural Conservation

MAArC Programme Handbook AY 2022/23 Department of Architecture College of Design and Engineering National University of Singapore

Designed by Atul Garg

OVERVIEW

The Master of Arts in Architectural Conservation (MAArC) is an advanced programme that offers a unique perspective on diverse Asian cultures by providing students with comprehensive knowledge and essential hands-on training and experience to develop skills for a range of careers in historic building conservation and related fields.

The MAArC is distinctively Asian, with the focus on ‘living’ and ‘local’ culture, and urban in its emphasis. Located at the crossroads of East and West, Singapore stands out for its unique urban landscape: historic districts, heritage buildings, and national monuments, which blend seamlessly with modern high-rise buildings. The survival of these rich and varied historic sites amid Singapore’s rapid development has been only possible due to deliberate, conscious, and integrated urban planning. With the city-state as a springboard providing enriching backdrop, we aim to provide an architectural conservation education that is sensitive to the varied challenges facing historic Asian cities, as well as diverse opportunities provided by the richness of cultural heritage, and socio-economic elements of the region.

Historic Asian cities are often regarded as the cradle of civilisation and have played a vital role in the development of human societies. In the past few decades, cities across Asia have been experiencing tremendous transformations in their social, cultural, and economic structures due to an unprecedented rate of urbanisation and ruralurban migration. Even as millions living in these cities currently enjoy a share of ‘progress,’ they are nevertheless under the constant threat of destruction. What is at stake is the erasure of the cultural endowments and values of various communities, and the rapid and irreversible alteration of the character of inner-city neighbourhoods – these have repercussions on how people live and work, and on the preservation of urban fabric. To that end, we prepare our students with historical perspectives, cultivate intellectual tools, and acquire practical design and conservation skills to manage conservation projects of different scales and context. Our students will understand that the most pressing urban heritage management challenges cannot be solved by a single discipline but requires interdisciplinary collaborations across professions and key stakeholders.

KEY STAFF AND CONTACT DETAILS

Mailing address

Department of Architecture College of Design and Engineering National University of Singapore 4 Architecture Drive Singapore 117566

HO PUAY-PENG (DR)

Professor | Head of Department UNESCO Chair on Architectural Heritage Conservation and Management in Asia em: akihpp@nus.edu.sg

Director

Graduate Programmes in Architectural Conservation Johannes Widodo

Associate Director Graduate Programmes in Architectural Conservation Nikhil Joshi

WONG YUNN CHII (DR)

Honorary Fellow em: akiwyc@nus.edu.sg

NIKHIL JOSHI (DR)

Senior Lecturer em: akinj@nus.edu.sg

JOHANNES WIDODO (DR)

Associate Professor em: jwidodo@nus.edu.sg

STRUCTURE

The MAArC offers three streams that focus on the various demands and expertise of the profession: policy and management; design in the historic urban context; and materials and technology linking them directly to various aspects of heritage conservation in Asian cities. A candidate will have an option to choose one of the three streams as per his/her specialisation.

To qualify for the MAArC degree, a candidate must successfully attain 40 modular credits (MC) by taking a combination of core modules, stream modules, and electives.

To qualify for a Graduate Diploma in Architectural Conservation, a candidate must successfully earn 24 modular credits (MC). To qualify for a Graduate Certificate in Architectural Conservation, a candidate must successfully earn 8 modular credits (MC).

CORE MODULES

Core modules include sustainable heritage principles and policies, such as architectural history, conservation approaches, and urban regeneration that forms the foundation for heritage conservation education. The critical analyses of the contemporary discourses on heritage management and conservation, mainly in Asia, occupy the central theme in the core curriculum. Stream modules will further deepen the broader knowledge gained from core modules. Invited external professionals will share their knowledge and experience with the students along the way of the programme.

STREAM MODULES

Stream modules are designed to acquire more advanced skills in the three specialisations – policy and management; design in historic urban context; and materials and technology as per the student’s interest. Stream modules include architectural heritage management; conservation policy methodology for sustainable development; disaster risk management of cultural heritage; dissertation; design for conservation; design for adaptive reuse; historic buildings survey and recording; conservation of twentiethcentury buildings; and practical building conservation skills.

PROGRAMME ELECTIVES

Students can pick electives from a basket of graduate-level modules offered in the School of Design and Environment as well as other school and faculties, to allow them to augment core learning. While the choice is broad, there are a few suggested

areas of study: urban design, urban planning, real estate, and public policy. At the start of each semester, the Programme Director releases a list of pre-approved electives.

INTERNSHIP

The internship offers the opportunity to engage students with local and international practices, gaining practical and research experience in heritage conservation, by working as an intern/ attachment in a private company or public organization in Singapore and the region. Their work will be supervised and evaluated by the module tutor. At the end of the internship, the student is required to submit a report explaining the project(s) involved reflecting the methods and practices learned during the experience. This practical experience can also be validated as a part of the elective internship module. Students can take this module either during the semseter or semester break to put the knowledge and skills they have learned into practice and to further develop their conservation understanding and expertise.

Although an elective, most students opt to take voluntary placements as they not only provide excellent experience, but are an invaluable addition to the CV.

** In order to participate in the design stream, the student must have a first degree in architecture or design-related programme.

https://cde.nus.edu.sg/graduate/ graduate-programmes-bycoursework/graduationrequirements/

https://cde.nus.edu.sg/arch/ programmes/master-of-arts-inarchitectural-conservation/

https://www.nus.edu.sg/ModReg/

TIMETABLE

Semester 1 (Aug — Dec)

Disclaimer

The University hereby gives notice that while the information contained in this Programme Handbook is considered accurate at the time of its preparation, changes may be made subsequent to publication without prior notice.

Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility of selecting the appropriate modules for graduation must ultimately rest with the student.

Not all modules listed in the Programme Handbook are offered each year. Students are advised to check the timetable, which is available online via ModReg for module availability.

Semester 2 (Jan — May)

Disclaimer

The University hereby gives notice that while the information contained in this Programme Handbook is considered accurate at the time of its preparation, changes may be made subsequent to publication without prior notice.

Although advice is readily available on request, the responsibility of selecting the appropriate modules for graduation must ultimately rest with the student.

Not all modules listed in the Programme Handbook are offered each year. Students are advised to check the timetable, which is available online via ModReg for module availability.

MODULES

AC 5001

Architectural History of Singapore

Modular Credits: 4

Tutor:

Wong Yunn Chii

This module is a close study of architecture and related built environments in Singapore since its founding as a colonial trading settlement by Stamford Raffles, through various stages of physical developments from Independence to the present day. It examines how particular edifices and places were understood, studied and described, from within and without, under various kinds of discursive structures. They will be studied in the context of the historical moments of the island state, as a colony, a nationstate and as a global city. It covers architects and their works, unbuilt projects, lost buildings and places - by consulting various sources of evidence.

The module will consult a variety of historiesinstitutional, professional, social-political - to develop a more robust narrative of the making of Singapore’s architecture within a landscape history

AC 5002

Conservation Approaches and Philosophies

Modular Credits: 4

Tutor: Ho Puay- peng

The module will outline conservation philosophies and approaches within their cultural and temporal contexts. Various approaches arising from the guiding philosophy will also be introduced, such as, Heritage Impact Assessment, Conservation Management Plan, and Historic Area Assessment. While these approaches are rooted in Western society, the focus of the module will be to understand how and why these approaches are adopted and modified within the Asian context. Examples of Singapore and Asian practices will be cited, and students are strongly encouraged to contextualise these practices with international scenarios.

AC 5003

Urban Conservation and Regeneration

Modular Credits: 4

Tutor: Johannes Widodo

This module will equip students with a comprehensive understanding of urban conservation and regeneration’s key theoretical debates, challenges, and practices. In addition to examining the architectural issues, the module will also examine the social, economic, and environmental issues which have resulted in current Asian urban and suburban landscapes and how government policy can affect change to these landscapes for urban and economic renewal. By exploring examples from Asia, students will critically discuss the suitability, significance, and strategies employed to tackle emerging urban conservation and regeneration issues and challenges .the region faces.

AC 5004

Architectural Heritage Management

Modular Credits: 4 Tutor:

Nikhil Joshi

This module introduces the background and concepts of cultural heritage, and key heritage conservation approaches and their underlying ethics and philosophies. It will also provide with an understanding of the concept of heritage, and multiplicity of meanings, values and priorities attributed to heritage and its interpretation. It will encourage to engage critically and creatively with the current debates and potential futures of management of rich and varied architectural heritage of Singapore and the region.

1 Ratnam, Niru, and Name *. “Could Contemporary Art Be Less Wasteful?”Apollo Magazine, January 27, 2020. https://www.apollomagazine.com/contemporary-artwaste-kate-mcmillan-niru-ratnam/.

2 Audouin , Alice,and Philippe Osset.“What Are the Main Environmental Impacts of a Contemporary Work of Art?” Artofchange21, September 29, 2020. https://artofchange21. com/en/what-are-the-mainenvironmental-impacts-of-acontemporary-work-of-art/.

3 Audouin ,Alice, and Philippe Osset.“What Are the Main Environmental Impacts of a Contemporary Work of Art?” Artofchange21, September 29,

AC 5005

Conservation Policy Methodology for Sustainable Development

Modular Credits: 4

Tutor: Nikhil Joshi

This module critically analyzes various existing tools to manage conservation and the need for change in an urban landscape. It will focus on the Vienna Memorandum context, the concept of historic urban landscapes, guidelines for the conservation of historic urban landscapes, and guidelines for integrating contemporary architecture in historic urban landscapes.

AC 5006

Disaster Risk Management of Cultural Heritage

Modular Credits: 4

Tutor: Johannes Widodo

This module will provide the students with an understanding of three closely interlinked components: disaster risk management, cultural heritage management and urban planning and development. It will address the general principles of disaster risk management for cultural heritage, and will also provide focused learning for students to deal with various challenges related to disaster risk management of cultural heritage within their local context in particular, and Asian context in general.

AC 5007

Dissertation

Modular Credits: 4

Tutor : Johannes Widodo + Nikhil Joshi + Ho Puay-peng

The dissertation is an opportunity for students to engage in a critical reflection on what they already know. It should be seen as an exciting venue to apply different research methods and critical thinking tools to extend their understanding of the various topics relevant to architecture as a discipline, especially about conservation. Students will be encouraged to build upon and further develop the body of knowledge gained from their taught coursework in a dissertation (a detailed written discourse of 8,500-10,000 words) under the guidance of assigned supervisors.

AC 5008

Design for Conservation

Modular Credits: 8

Tutor: Johannes Widodo

Conservation is the management of permanence and change. This semester’s project is about a new intervention on a historical site, with conserving significance as the primary objective. The design intervention should reveal the qualities of the site and the place, including historical, architectural, cultural, and social relevance. The new function should add economic viability to the existing site/building/neighbourhood and be compatible and appropriate in responding to its immediate physical, social, and environmental contexts. Architecturally, the new design intervention or insertion should integrate well with the existing built and natural context in terms of typology, material, aesthetics, functionality, and environment

Design for Adaptive Reuse

Modular Credits: 8

Tutor: Ho Puay-peng

Heritage in motion: Tradition re-presented

Tradition is often constructed. People view tradition differently crossing generational or cultural boundaries. Everyone takes away a perspective of tradition when encountering rich culture due to its deep layering. Often time, such encounter challenges our perception of cultural phenomena and challenges the culture that is ours. Heritage is tradition valued. However, in the process of heritage making, we often take a static and narrow view of the tradition. We tend to freeze the tradition. This can be directed to the study of built heritage within the rich traditional landscape, such as Kyoto. In this most traditional of Japanese cities, there are a plethora of cultural forms covering all aspect of life. However, in such a stereotypical construction of Kyoto, we have cast the contemporary interpretation of tradition aside and focus only on the tradition forms as we see them. This studio questions such an approach and encourages the exploration of a different encounter with the tradition. The point of entry into the Kyoto milieu can be literature, crafts, rituals, world view. The site is a modernist secondary school not far from the river Kamogawa. You will propose a new use of the school buildings within the urban and cultural contexts of the site, and design new facilities to support the functional programme to enhance the significance of the built heritage.

AC 5011

Conservation of C20th Buildings

Modular Credits: 4

Tutor: Nikhil Joshi

The module reviews the extant knowledge about conserving twentieth-century buildings in Singapore and worldwide. The module will include an introduction to conservation principles, methodology, and technical solutions to the deterioration and failure of C20th building materials such as concrete and building systems. Topics explored will also include the history of modern architecture, its associated technologies, and modernist design principles. Through guest lectures, case studies and field trips from Singapore and around the world, the module will give students access to some of the best experts in the field who will share their knowledge and experience of conserving the architecture of the recent past and heritage challenges posed by the architecture and technology of twentieth-century buildings.

AC 5012

Practical Building Conservation Skills I

Modular Credits: 4

Tutor: Nikhil Joshi

Historic Buildings Survey and Recording

Modular Credits: 4

Tutor:

Nikhil Joshi

This module will equip the students with the specialised skills required for researching, analysing and recording historic buildings. It will also familiarise them with current professional guidance on standards and reports, including desk-based assessments, historic building reports, condition assessments and heritage statements. Working on-site the students will gain experience in a range of survey and recording techniques such as rectified photography, photogrammetry and other 3D recording methods, CAD drawing and BIM for heritage.

Working with experienced conservation practitioners, the students will understand the principles and practices involved in conserving historic buildings and materials mainly in Southeast Asia. The range of topics to be covered includes visual analysis, scientific investigation and understanding of materials, assessment of conservation needs, the range of remedial solutions relating to the use of traditional building materials, and hands-on experience to develop practical skills and techniques in lime mortars, plasters and renders, Shanghai plasterwork, timber, and paint.

AC 5013

Practical Building Conservation Skills II

Modular Credits: 4

Tutor: Nikhil Joshi

Through lectures, site visits and working with experienced conservation practitioners, the students will gain knowledge and hands-on experience to develop repair techniques and strategies in stained glass, roof tiles, floor tiles, stone, terrazzo, wall tiles, metals, decorative finishes, and their cleaning methods.

AC 5014

Internship

Modular Credits: 4

Tutor: Johannes Widodo + Nikhil Joshi

The MA Architectural Conservation offers the opportunity to engage students with local and international practices, gaining practical and research experience in heritage conservation, by working as an intern/attachment in a private company or public organization in Singapore and the region. This practical experience can also be validated as a part of the elective internship module. Students can take this module either during the semseter or semester break to put the knowledge and skills they have learned into practice and to further develop their conservation understanding and expertise.

Although an elective, most students opt to take voluntary placements as they not only provide excellent experience, but are an invaluable addition to your CV.

Organisations willing to offer/offered placements to date:

-Archaeological Survey of India - Bautec Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. -Fivefootway Consultants -MAEK - National Heritage Board -National University of Singapore - RAMBOLL

-Singapore Heritage Society -Studio Lapis -Takenaka Corporation - UNESCO Bangkok - Urban Redevelopment Authority -York Minster Centre of Excellence for Heritage Craft Skills & Estate Management, UK

OVERSEAS STUDY TRIP

During the Special Term [8 May - 17 June 2023], students will be offered the opportunity to explore either the United Kingdom or South Korea (TBC) for around two weeks to cultivate a deeper appreciation of diverse culture and conservation approaches and methods used

This trip is planned during the Special Term to not affect the regular academic term.

GUEST LECTURES

CONSTRUCTIVE CONSERVATION LECTURE SERIES:

Rediscovery of traditional building techniques: A case of contemporary clay roof tiles in Japan Speaker: Hikaru Kinoshita

Japan: The revitalization of urban public space Speaker: Hikaru Kinoshita

Blue House - A community based Conservation project Speaker: Christopher Law

PLAGIARISM

All students share the responsibility to uphold the academic standards and reputation of the National University of Singapore. Academic honesty is a prerequisite condition in the pursuit and acquisition of knowledge. Academic dishonesty is any misrepresentation with the intent to deceive or failure to acknowledge the source or falsification of information or inaccuracy of statements or cheating at examinations/ tests or inappropriate use of resources.

There are many forms of academic dishonesty: plagiarism is one of them. Plagiarism is generally defined as ‘the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas and passing them off as one’s own’ (The New Oxford Dictionary of English). The University does not condone plagiarism.

Students should adopt this rule:

You have the obligation to make clear to the assessor which is your own work, and which is the work of others. Otherwise, your assessor is entitled to assume that everything being presented for assessment is being presented as entirely your own work.

Any student found to have committed or aided and abetted the offence of plagiarism may be subject to disciplinary actions in accordance with the Section 1(1) of Statute 12 (Discipline) of the National University of Singapore. In addition, the student may receive no mark/ grade for the relevant academic assignment, project, or thesis; and he/she may fail or be denied a grade for the relevant subject or module.

More information at:

Updated 4th August 2022

Should there be deviation between information contained in this handbook and the relevant NUS websites, the information in NUS websites should be treated as the more updated and correct information. Information in this handbook is updated annually.