Human Resources in Canada's Built Heritage Sector: Mapping the ...

MAPPING THE WORK FORCE AND SETTING STRATEGIC PRIORITIES• Architects who lack experience in the built heritage sector may impose designs that are incompatiblewith the architectural or historical values of a heritage structure. Consequently, original features orcomponents of the heritage structure may be unnecessarily replaced, lost or submerged throughinsensitive renovations and additions.• Structural or civil engineers without experience in the built heritage sector may not understandthe engineering properties of traditional building materials or methods. This may lead to designspecifications that are inappropriate. Mechanical engineers may not understand the way in whichheritage structures can be more vulnerable to humidity, condensation or vibration. In retrofittedprojects, mechanical systems may be designed and installed in a way that unnecessarily detracts fromthe heritage character of a building.• Project managers who lack experience in the built heritage sector may underestimate timerequirements, fail to recognize the need for conservation specialists, and use trade contractors and otherprofessionals who similarly lack the skills that are distinctly required by the built heritage sector.Heritage features of a building may be unnecessarily replaced.As noted in Chapters 5 and 6, the experience of the US and the UK lends significant credence to theconcerns raised. However, based on the consultations that inform this study, we cannot conclude with certaintythat the concerns raised in our interviews and workshops constitute systemic problems. To draw such a conclusionwould require a more systematic canvassing of the owners of heritage properties in both the public andprivate sector. Professional bodies for engineers, architects and project planners also should be involved inany such research.Engineers:In the case of engineers, the interviews and workshops do not make a strong case for a specialist “heritageengineer” designation. While there are distinctive engineering issues in the built heritage sector, these maybe factors that can be dealt with by continuing professional development and advice to the owners ofheritage properties to engage appropriately experienced or trained engineers. It should be noted that mostprofessional engineering associations in Canada have adopted (or are adopting) policies which makecontinuing professional development a condition of licensure.In the engineering profession, there is an exceptionally well developed institutional capacity to delivercontinuing professional development. The various engineering discipline associations are active in the fieldof professional development, as are the free-standing professional development centres. The largest of theseprofessional development centres is the University of Toronto’s Centre for Professional Development, whichis affiliated with its Faculty of Engineering. It may be appropriate to explore with the major deliverers ofprofessional development training the possibility of specialized courses in the application of engineering tobuilt heritage structures.Architects:In the case of architects, the interviews and workshops suggest a stronger justification for exploring a specialized“heritage architect” designation. Architects play a pivotal role in the built heritage sector. Most commonly, itis architects that are responsible for the initial conceptualization and design of a project, including thespecification of which features will be preserved. Architects may specify the use of particular materials ortechniques. In many cases, architects also function as project managers. In this capacity they either select or©CULTURAL HUMAN RESOURCES COUNCIL47