HSPV-601: Recording

Recording the physical and cultural characteristics of historic buildings, structures, sites, objects, urban districts, and cultural landscapes are prerequisites for the professional preservation practice. The data produced by such work forms the critical platform for analysis, decision-making, planning leading to project design and implementation associated with the management of historic resources. Accurate physical documentation facilitates property designations, aids in developing conservation plans, provides a record of change over time, and serves as a permanent record in cases where buildings and landscapes may be proposed for demolition.

Students gained field experience working in this realm by documenting the Holy Apostles and the Mediator Episcopal Church in West Philadelphia-a gothic revival church built from 1916-1928 by Philadelphia architect Walter H. Thomas. Small groups selected portions of the site to research and document using survey instruments, HABS-style photography, field measurements, and drafting by hand and AutoCAD.