RESTORATION GUIDELINES: FRANKSTON CITY

Building, Landscape and Garden Conservation

The process of making conservation decisions is the same for landscapes as it is for other significant places, such as houses. It requires a keen understanding of the property's history, significance, and existing condition. Though the process of conserving a building, historic landscape or garden may vary from each individual property, it generally involves four major steps:

• undertaking historical research
• listing the building, site or landscape's elements and recording their existing condition
• conducting a site analysis to ascertain the building or landscape's evolution and the possible location of archaeological remains
• selecting an appropriate conservation program.

1. Historical Research

Historical research is essential prior to beginning work on a historic place. The place's historic period(s) and its comparative significance is revealed through information that is gathered from a variety of sources such as historical photos, plans, nursery records, household records, personal correspondence, and oral histories.

2. Inventory and Documentation

A list or an inventory provides a detailed record of the existing fabric, and documents materials, features and their condition. A survey plan should be prepared at a suitable scale, accompanied by photographs and videotaping to at least record the state of the place prior to any proposed changes.

3. Analysis

Analysis of the site provides a basis for understanding the change in the landscape over time. The landscape's current features and layout are compared with those shown in earlier research and the inventory. Defining features of the landscape may be ascribed to particular times or periods of development.

4. The Selection of an Appropriate Conservation Program

An appropriate conservation program can be prepared which will determine the type and scope of work for each element of the landscape, and an overall direction for the heritage management of the place.