M.Arch. Architectural Conservation

Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

Hi readers! In this post, we will deal with a Master’s Degree courses related to Architecture. Here, we will have an in-depth analysis of M.Arch. Architectural Conservation course.

  Technically, it is a Master’s Degree course. This makes it fall under the category of PG (Postgraduate) level course.   It is an ideal PG course for B.Arch. graduates. Graduates who are looking to further their knowledge and skills will benefit from this course.   Here is an overview of the course –

• Name of the course: M.Arch. Architectural Conservation
• Type of course: Master’s Degree
• Field: Architecture
• Duration: 2 years
• Eligibility: Completed B.Arch. or equivalent qualification

This is a specialization program. It is also known by other names such as – M.Arch. Conservation Technology, M.Arch. Conservation and Regeneration, M.Arch. Restoration and Maintenance etc.   Though the names of the above mentioned courses are slightly different from each other, they share the same course content.   What is Architectural Conservation all about? What’s the scope and potential associated with this domain? What is it like to become an Architectural Conservation specialist? You will find answers to these questions in the next section.   Here it is –

What is Architectural Conservation?

Architectural Conservation is very essential for preserving the structural and cultural heritage of buildings and structures.   In simple terms, it is the process through which the material, cultural, historical and design integrity of any built heritage are prolonged through carefully planned interventions.   Heritage buildings and structures and very special. Both from cultural as well as architectural point of view, they are special and magnificent. As part of preserving our culture and history, there arises a need to preserve these heritage structures.   In countries across the world, there are dedicated Government agencies that identify, label and classify heritage buildings. India is no different either! We have our own set of heritage buildings and other structures.   They are classified on the basis of their age, historical importance, tourist and cultural value. Like any other built structure, heritage structures wear down too. If not maintained well, they will simply fall apart, like any other built structure!   But preserving a heritage structure is not an easy task! First of all, we can’t just modify it according to our taste! And we just can’t alter the original look and feel of the structure.   Heritage structures must be restored in such a way that the original essence is not lost. All this must be done without compromising with the structural integrity of the structure.   The professionals who perform this task are known as architectural conservator-restorer. As the title suggests, their main tasks include conservation and restoration of heritage structures.   In order to restore a heritage structure, a professional performs the following two main tasks –

1. Assessment of the structure
2. Restoration Treatment

The first stage is assessment of the structure. In this stage, the conservator analyzes the structure. He/she identifies problems that lays within the structure. As part of assessment, he/she carries out site survey. He/she collects vital data, which will be used to plan the treatment process.   Treatment process consists of aspects such as –

• Cleaning
• Preservation
• Restoration
• Re-modeling
• Rehabilitation
• Reconstruction

M.Arch. Architectural Conservation programs trains students in the above mentioned areas. It is a specialization program.   There are two types of M.Arch. programs available in India – General course and specialization course. This one is a specialization program.   Come, let us take a closer look at the course details. In the next section, you will find details such as – course duration, eligibility criteria and syllabus.

Course Details

Type of course

It is a Master’s Degree course.

Duration

The academic program is 2 years long. Each academic year is divided into two semesters. Each semester is six months long. Thus, the entire program consists of four semesters.

You may also check – Architecture courses in India

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum educational qualification required is – completed B.Arch. or equivalent qualification.

Colleges

Here are some of the popular courses offering this course in India –

• CEPT
• Nirma University
• MSU, Vadodara
• RKU
• Saurashtra University
• HNGU

Syllabus

Here are some of the important subjects present in the curriculum –

• Interpreting Historic Places
• Recording and Documenting
• Traditional Building Materials
• Building Conservation
• History
• Conservation and Planning
• Urban Regeneration

Career Prospects

After completing this academic program, one will have access to multiple job opportunities. Some of the popular opportunities include – Government jobs and Private sector jobs. Some of the prime recruiters are –

• Government Bodies (Archaeology, Municipal Corporation etc)
• NGOs
• Consultancies
• Architecture Agencies

Salary

Starting salary of an architectural conservator-restorer depends upon a number of factors. Some of the prominent factors are –

• Institute from which the candidate completed the course
• The domain he/she has chosen
• Job location
• Status of the employer

On an average, starting salary could be anywhere between 50-80K INR per month. In case of a Government job, the salary will be as per the pay scale and grade.