This half day symposium focuses on 20th century conservation practice and policy and brings together leading international and Irish speakers in this field. Beginning with an introduction to the work method and research findings for St Brendan’s Community school, a grant initiative funded by the Getty Foundation, the project will widen out to debate our values in relation to 20th century built heritage. Consideration is given to the specific issues facing that generation’s building stock.

An exhibition runs concurrently that celebrates 40 years of the life of St Brendan’s Community School in Birr, designed by Peter and Mary Doyle in the 1970s. The significance of the school is revealed through the display of archival material, contextualising the building historically as well as displaying the current social life of the school through video, photography and social mapping.

SYMPOSIUM PROGRAMME

9.00

Registration

With Tea & Coffee

9.30

Introduction & Context

Professor Gary A. Boyd, Queen’s University Belfast

9:40

Mapping Values: St Brendan’s Community School, Birr, Conservation Management Plan

Aoibheann Ní Mhearáin & Tara Kennedy, John McLaughlin Architects

10:00

Learning to love the C20: Changing attitudes to post war buildings

Catherine Croft, Director C20 Society

10:20

Conservation at the Engineering Building, University of Leicester

Thomas Pearson, Senior Designer & Conservationist, Arup

10.40

The Architecture of Ultimology: Considering Value and Obsolescence in some Dublin later C20th buildings.

Dr Ellen Rowley (M.RIAI Hon.), Research Fellow in Architectural History, UCD

11:00

Round table Discussion Chaired by John McLaughlin

11:30 – 12.00

Coffee

12:00

KEYNOTE: Continuity and Change. Perspectives for Modern Heritage

Wessel de Jonge, Principle WDJ Architecten, Professor of Heritage & Design TU Delft

12:45

Discussion & Concluding Remarks

13:00 END

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Further information including team credits can be found on: http://makingirelandmodern.ie/birr-at-40/

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