Saving Architectural Heritage: Climate Change Resilience and Conservation Management

This research paper will discuss the technical aspects of preserving historic to achieve resiliency to the ever-changing effects of climate change. As a case study, an updated conservation management plan will be created for Maplelawn, former estate and walled garden, that considers the architecture, the urban setting, and the landscape within the context of climate change and site constraints. This research will consist of a combination of digital storytelling and visual inspection as well as the use of a Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) to determine levels of sensitivity to change, maintenance requirements, and risk assessments. Moreover, the ramifications of climate change will be explored in greater detail focusing on effects to the aesthetics, structure, and user comfort of the building. Lastly, the context of the site will be used to determine the building's and site's ability to evolve over time to improve its resiliency to climate change.