The urban landscape of Norwegian cities and towns is changing, so is the valuation of historical buildings and neighborhoods. The current urge for progress in the form of compact cities, planned to handle a substantial population growth, puts pressure on the existing urban fabric. In parallel with that, however, the ongoing ‘green shift’, with its emphasis on sustainability, urban denseness and energy-friendly solutions, also comes with a renewed understanding of the built environment as part of the green wave. Demolition is not always optimal from an energy perspective, especially not if historical buildings are handled, re-used and re-cycled in skillful and creative ways. Urban structures of the past can also boost social sustainability and strengthen neighborhood identity, potentially in dialogue with new additions.

For this reason, architects and planners will increasingly be asked to handle historical material in the future. An architectural brief very seldom comes without a historical perspective of some kind. Consequently, more knowledge is needed in order to manage this interesting challenge in practice. This course seeks to define and develop precisely that competence, primarily at an urban scale, through theoretical studies and practical assignments. The main question is: How can one reflect history and direct the future in one coherent process?

The aim of this course is to explore this question by studying various forms of preservation theories and cultural heritage strategies in relation to urban planning theory and practice. Experimental preservation is a key term in this respect, as is community work – to seek the engagement of local residents in order to improve social and spatial conditions within a given environment.