London, December 2000 – In a joint initiative, the Bartlett School of Architecture, Building, Environment and Planning, the Institute of Archaeology and the School of Library, Archive and Information Studies at UCL, announce the launch of the UCL Centre for Historic Buildings, Collections and Sites.

In the first initiative of its kind, the Centre will offer authoritative advice on the sustainable use of historic buildings and their contents, and archaeological sites and their context. It will provide integrated architectural, engineering, conservation, design and management solutions for the movable and immovable heritage.

Professor Christine Hawley, Dean of the Bartlett said: ‘Cultural Heritage is an expanding area of interest for architects and engineers as seen in the recent explosion of construction work among museums, archives and libraries. The Centre will provide a crucial point of contact for designers and heritage clients.’ Endorsing this view, Professor Peter Ucko, Director of the Institute of Archaeology said: ‘The varied and increasing use of historic buildings, collections and sites must be balanced by sound conservation practice. The Centre will seek to work in partnership with regional, national and international bodies to deliver this objective.’ Professor Mirjam Foot of the School of Library, Archive and Information Studies said: ‘The Centre’s philosophy is one that will find support beyond UCL. Users see cultural heritage as an integrated whole, not divided into small parcels – the Centre will reflect this approach.’

The Director Designate of the UCL Centre for Historic Buildings, Collections and Sites is May Cassar, currently Environmental Adviser at Resource: The Council for Museums, Archives and Libraries and formerly at the Museums & Galleries Commission. Over the last decade she has shaped thinking and practice in environmental management in museums and galleries. A graduate of the Institute of Archaeology and the Bartlett, she is uniquely both a conservator and environmental design engineer.

May Cassar said: ‘Sustainable use of our heritage depends on interdisciplinary teamwork among designers and those responsible for managing the heritage. The Centre at UCL will provide a unique opportunity for devel-oping these partnerships. It will draw on the excellence in teaching and research in the areas of the environment, design, preservation, conservation and heritage manage-ment that are hallmarks of UCL. It will deliver innovative solutions through research, teaching and consultancy.’