Historic Preservation: The Politics of What We Keep

Ever wonder why one old building is treasured as a landmark while a similar one is torn down? The answer often lies not just in architecture, but in politics, power, and competing stories about the past. This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of historic preservation, focusing on the critical question of 'significance.' You will move beyond simply admiring old buildings to understanding the complex decision-making processes that protect our shared heritage and develop the skills to critically analyze preservation projects. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental theories and historical development of the preservation movement. - Analyze the political, economic, and social factors that influence which sites are deemed 'historically significant'. - Learn to deconstruct the arguments for and against preservation in real-world case studies. - Explore contemporary challenges, including adaptive reuse for sustainability and the preservation of 'difficult heritage'. - Examine the role of community advocacy and public policy in shaping preservation outcomes. - Practice applying preservation frameworks to evaluate buildings and landscapes in your own environment. The course begins with the core terminology and foundational concepts of preservation. From there, we explore the politics of memory and significance through a series of compelling case studies, building your ability to think critically about the built environment. This course is designed for beginners. No prior experience in urban planning, architecture, or history is required to get started. Begin your journey into understanding the stories and struggles behind the places we choose to remember.