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Geens, T J, J., F A and Littlewood, J (2010) Is facilities management fundamental to the conservation of heritage buildings and their contents?. In: Egbu, C (Ed.), Proceedings 26th Annual ARCOM Conference, 6-8 September 2010, Leeds, UK. Association of Researchers in Construction Management, Vol. 2, 1507–16.

  • Type: Conference Proceedings
  • Keywords: building care; climate change; cultural significance; facilities management; sustainability
  • ISBN/ISSN: 978-0-9552390-4-5
  • URL: http://www.arcom.ac.uk/-docs/proceedings/ar2010-1507-1516_Francis_Geens_and_Littlewood.pdf
  • Abstract:
    Many irredeemable cultural objects and artefacts are housed and exhibited within historic buildings and estates of outstanding cultural significance. Frequently, these properties were conceived to serve a very different use than act as permanent depositories for the objects, functions and collections, they now house. Sustained performance of fabric, fixtures/fittings and services is essential, given the perceived demands of: climate-change, perils, increasing user expectations e.g. accessibility, environmental quality and legislative demand. As a consequence the cultural significance of both building and collection are tested. The aim is to establish whether a Facilities Management approach offers a solution to mitigating such risks. This research studied 50 ‘heritage’ buildings and utilized a Condition Survey pro-forma approach, to record and evaluate the management and maintenance of the building and contents. Conflicts of: conservation philosophy, accessibility, environmental monitoring, visual display, curator-ship and guardianship; are tested against established methods of building care. Whilst most heritage sites have been modified, updated and repaired, this has been undertaken in a widely, conflicting manner, displaying varying standards of care and exposing the contents to risk. It is concluded that a pro-active ‘Facilities Management’ approach has scope for effectively sustaining cultural objects, artefacts and iconic buildings, for the benefit of future generations.