M.S. Historic Preservation

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Kemuning Adiputri, Elaf Alsibyani, Daoxin Chen, Jerry Schmit, Meghan Vonden Steinen

Spring 2022 - GIS for Preservation
Bilge Kose

Studio

Spring 2021 - HP Studio II
Erica Avrami, Morgan O'Hara

Andres Alvarez Davila

Fall 2021 - Advanced Studio III-Joint Historic Preservation/Architecture Studio
Jorge Otero-Pailos

Seo Jun Oh

Fall 2019 - Advanced Studio III-Historic Preservation Technology Studio
Carlos Bayod Lucini

The Columbia Community: Promoting Inclusion Through Preservation

Studio Publication

Fall 2016 - Advanced Studio III - Joint Historic Preservation/Urban Planning Studio
Erica Avrami

Studio Publication

Spring 2017 - HP Studio II
Erica Avrami

Zhiyue Zhang, NinaLang

Fall 2018 - Advanced Studio III-Historic Preservation Technology Studio
Adam Lowe, Carlos Bayod Lucini

Micah Tichenor

Fall 2018 - Studio 1-Historic Preservation Studio
Andrew Dolkart, Kim Yao, Claudia Kavenagh

Drew Barnhart, Claire Cancilla

Fall 2019 - Advanced Studio III-Historic Preservation Technology Studio
Carlos Bayod Lucini

Valerie Smith

Spring 2021 - GIS for Preservation
Bilge Kose

Field Trip to the Glass House in New Canaan by the “Building Conditions Assessment” course led by Faculty Kyle Normandin

Overview

The M.S. in Historic Preservation Program curriculum educates students to create new, future-oriented roles for built heritage that promote inclusive and resilient communities. With a particular focus on adapting to climate change and promoting social justice, the curriculum integrates humanist, scientific, and technological approaches necessary for students to shape the future of the profession: including the reuse of buildings, the design of adaptation technologies, planning and policy innovations, social and historical research, materials science and digital computation applied to the 3D scanning, documentation, assessment, monitoring, and care of built heritage. The program frames preservation both as an experimental form of creative expression and as a critical form of collective action guided by philosophical, ethical, and critical thinking, supported by evidence of its benefits to society, and enabled by emerging technologies and policy tools. We teach preservation as a social, material, and environmental process; as a way of thinking and acting through buildings and places of cultural significance to improve the built environment and people’s quality of life. The program’s curriculum and academic activities express an ongoing commitment to anti-racist systemic change as reflected in its anti-racism statement of purpose and the 2021-2022 anti-racism task force summary report.

Founded in 1964 as the first Masters Program in Historic Preservation in the United States, the program embodies a pioneering spirit by continually questioning how the discipline actively responds to the changing social values and climate challenges associated with architectural and cultural heritage, so as to ensure that the historic built environment better serves present and future generations.

The program prepares its graduates in the theoretical and practical foundations of preservation so they can be agents of positive environmental, cultural, and social change. Students are drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds such as architecture, art history, history, urban planning, engineering, science, art, urban design, archeology, anthropology, sociology, philosophy and jurisprudence. Students bring to bear their respective interests on preservation. By focusing on historical, aesthetic, technological, environmental, social and political questions, the program cultivates deep engagement with the ideas and practices that constitute preservation, and the broad multi-disciplinary skill sets that it draws upon.

The program reflects a global outlook in its diverse faculty, alumni, visiting scholars, advanced researchers, as well as in the locales where students work. It emphasizes real-world engagement with buildings, sites and communities near campus and beyond. Through study and engaged research in New York and New Jersey, as well as countries such as Italy, Cuba, Ethiopia, France, Haiti, Mexico, Norway, and the United Kingdom students apply skills in the real world and co-create knowledge with multiple publics. Learning beyond the lab and classroom is likewise enhanced through faculty-led publications, studio reports, research, public lectures and events such as the annual Fitch Colloquium.

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Index

Jump to the sections below to learn more about the MSHP program:

People

Jorge Otero-Pailos, Program Director

Sarahgrace Godwin, Program Manager

Preservation Technology Laboratory

Jorge Otero-Pailos, Director of the MS Historic Preservation Program at Columbia GSAPP introduces the School’s newly renovated laboratory.

Visit the Preservation Technology Laboratory website.

Up next

Preservation Technology Laboratory

Up next

Advanced Technology Studio III

Up next

Preservation Technology Lab

Curriculum

Columbia’s Historic Preservation Program provides a comprehensive foundation in the discipline through place-based studios, field work, laboratory research, lectures, and seminars. The curriculum encourages students to apply theoretical concepts, critical thinking and problem-solving in real-life contexts. With core strengths in design and technology, planning and policy, and history and theory, the curriculum mirrors the disciplines preservationists must engage and collaborate with in the professional world. The course of study provides fundamental knowledge of the spectrum of the discipline, and then affords each student the opportunity to develop an area of deep focus through a one year thesis.

The centerpiece of the curriculum is a three-semester studio sequence, supported by core coursework. These interdisciplinary and cross-cultural learning experiences encompass skill-building in historical, social, and technical research, data collection and visualization, community and stakeholder engagement, formal and material analyses, condition surveys, planning and policy development, interpretive and adaptive design, and the formulation of evidence-based proposals for action. Exploring questions of research and interpretation, cultural identity and values, justice and equity, sustainability and resilience, creative expression and process, these studios position the work in the field within broader societal and environmental contexts, and within broader realms of critical inquiry.

During the summer between the first and second year, the Historic Preservation Program strongly suggests the completion of one or more internships or work experiences as part of a student’s education and career development, and provides support in identifying opportunities in New York and elsewhere.

A capstone of the curriculum is a student thesis. As a critical piece of independent research, the thesis allows students to augment their course and fieldwork to further develop specialized knowledge in an aspect of the preservation enterprise. Students develop their thesis work with the support of faculty to forge new lines of inquiry and practice, as well as to engage with members of the discipline as they launch their careers.

For those students who would like to like to specialize further or expand their studies, GSAPP offers dual degrees, allowing Historic Preservation students to jointly study Architecture (MArch), Urban Planning, or Real Estate Development.

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Studio Reports

Browse the carousel to learn more about research completed through historic preservation studios, and visit the archive of digital publications from 2013 until present.

Spring 2021 HP Studio II; Critics: Erica Avrami, Morgan O’Hara

Spring 2020 HP Studio II; Critics: Erica Avrami, Tim Michiels, Bryony Roberts

Fall 2019 Joint HP/UP Advanced Studio III; Critics: Erica Avrami, William Raynolds

Spring 2019 HP Studio II; Critics: Erica Avrami, Belmont Freeman, Tim Michiels, Andrew Dolkart

Fall 2018 Advanced III HP & UP Joint Studio; Critics: Erica Avrami, Will Raynolds

Spring 2018 HP Studio II; Critics: Belmont Freeman, Bryony Roberts

Spring 2018 HP Studio II; Critic: Liz McEnaney

Fall 2017 Advanced III HP & UP Joint Studio; Critics: Erica Avrami, William Raynolds

Spring 2017 HP Studio II; Critic: Erica Avrami

Fall 2016 Advanced III HP & UP Joint Studio; Critics: Erica Avrami, William Raynolds

Spring 2016 HP Studio II; Critics: Erica Avrami, Ward Dennis, Belmont Freeman, William Raynolds

Fall 2015 Advanced III HP & UP Joint Studio; Critics: Erica Avrami, William Raynolds

Spring 2015 HP Studio II; Critics: Andrew Dolkart, Erica Avrami, Belmont Freeman

Fall 2014 Advanced III HP & UP Joint Studio; Critic: Erica Avrami

Fall 2013 Advanced Studio; Critics: Craig Konyk, Jorge Otero-Pailos

Podcast

The Historic Preservation Podcast features a series of conversations between Jorge Otero-Pailos, director of GSAPP’s Historic Preservation Program, and leaders in the field of historic preservation and heritage conservation. Subscribe to the podcast on SoundCloud.

Columbia GSAPP · Historic Preservation Podcast - Season 2

Sustainable Building Renovation in the Tropics
2019 Summer Workshop Instructors Belmont Freeman, Michael Adlerstein

Historic Preservation Showcase
2019 End of Year Show

Sustainable Building Renovation in the Tropics
2019 Summer Workshop
Instructors Belmont Freeman, Michael Adlerstein

Experimental Preservation Seminar: Scent
Instructors: Instructors: Jorge Otero-Pailos, Andreas Keller
Spring 2019
Final Review at the Intrepid Museum

Historic Preservation Showcase
2019 End of Year Show

Experimental Preservation Seminar: Scent
Instructors: Instructors: Jorge Otero-Pailos, Andreas Keller
Spring 2019
Final Review at the Intrepid Museum

Experimental Preservation Seminar
Instructors: Jorge Otero-Pailos, Andreas Keller
Spring 2017
Visit to Morgan Library with Master Perfumer Carlos Benaim (IFF) and Curator Christine Nelson

Experimental Preservation Seminar
Instructors: Jorge Otero-Pailos, Andreas Keller
Spring 2017
Smell collecting equipment above Golden Legend (1521), Morgan Library

Experimental Preservation Seminar
Instructors: Jorge Otero-Pailos, Andreas Keller
Spring 2017
Morgan Library Conservator Maria Fredericks discusses materials and adhesives in historic books

Faculty Adam Lowe and Carlos Bayod use Lucida to 3D scan surface of 14th century panel, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Advanced Technology Studio III
Instructors: Adam Lowe and Carlos Bayod
Scanning of San Baudelio de Berlanga, Spain

Advanced Technology Studio III
Instructors: Adam Lowe and Carlos Bayod
Scanning of San Baudelio de Berlanga, Met Cloisters, NY

First-year Historic Preservation Field Trip to Ellis Island

First-year Historic Preservation students start work on Ellis Island’s ruined hospital, a U.S. National Monument

Microscopy Workshop at the Highbridge Laboratory Facility

Historic Preservation students make molds in the Conservation Lab

Concrete, Cast Stone, and Mortar Class with John Walsh

Students visit the Museum of Modern Art Conservation Laboratory

John Walsh working with GSAPP Interns on Frank Lloyd Wright blocks at MoMA Conservation Lab

Historic Preservation Alumni event, New York

3D point cloud model of Avery Hall, outcome from 3D scanning and photogrammetry workshop led by Mario Santana Quintero

Michael Adlerstein takes the joint Architecture/Preservation studio to the United Nations in NY

Experimental Preservation Seminar: Scent
Instructors: Instructors: Jorge Otero-Pailos, Andreas Keller
Spring 2019
Final Review at the Intrepid Museum

Current Faculty

Spring 2024 Courses

Course	Semester	Title	Instructor	Requirements & Sequence	Location & Time	Session & Points	Call No.
A4080‑1	Spring 2024	HP Elective Internship	Sarahgrace Godwin	HP Elective		FULL SEMESTER 1.5 Points	11318
A4334‑1	Spring 2024	Modern American Architecture	Jorge Otero-Pailos	HP Required	WARE LOUNGE, 600 AVERY M 11 AM - 1 PM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	11320
A4825‑1	Spring 2024	Preservation and Sustainability	Erica Avrami	HP Elective	200 BUELL TU 11 AM - 1 PM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	14174
A4839‑1	Spring 2024	Building Conditions Assessment	Kyle Normandin	HP Elective	Preservation Technology LAB - 655 SCHERMERHORN M 2 PM - 5 PM	SES A 1.5 Points	11701
A6712‑1	Spring 2024	Conservation of Architectural Finishes	Mary Jablonski	HP Elective	Preservation Technology LAB - 655 SCHERMERHORN TU 9 AM - 11 AM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	11323
A6717‑1	Spring 2024	Comparative Hertitage Management	Carolina Castellanos	HP Elective	115 AVERY M + W 9 AM - 11 AM	SES A 3 Points	14151
A6750‑1	Spring 2024	HP Studio II	Erica Avrami, Tim Michiels	HP Studio HP Required	301 FAYERWEATHER TU + TH 2 PM - 6 PM	FULL SEMESTER 6 Points	11324
A6753‑1	Spring 2024	Thesis II	Jorge Otero-Pailos	HP Required		FULL SEMESTER 4 Points	11325
A6856‑1	Spring 2024	Master Class	Aron Vinegar	HP Elective	Preservation Technology LAB - 655 SCHERMERHORN 2/5: 6-8pm \| 2/6: 6-8pm \| 2/8: 9-11am \| 2/12: 6-8pm \| 2/13: 6-8pm \| 2/15: 9-11am	SES A 1.5 Points	14175
A6959‑1	Spring 2024	Historic House Museums for the 21st Century	Meredith Horsford			SES B 1.5 Points	17185
A4124‑1	Spring 2024	Modern Building Technology	Theodore Prudon	HP Required	Preservation Technology Lab (655 Schermerhorn) F 9 AM - 11 AM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	11319
A6702‑1	Spring 2024	Investigative Techniques	Amanda Thomas Trienens	HP Elective	Preservation Technology LAB - 655 SCHERMERHORN W 1 PM - 3:30 PM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	11322
A6788‑1	Spring 2024	Conservation of Concrete, Cast Stone & Mortar	Norman Weiss, Heather Hartshorn	HP Elective Building Science & Technology Elective	Preservation Technology LAB - 655 SCHERMERHORN M 2 PM - 5 PM	SES B 1.5 Points	11702
A6414‑1	Spring 2024	Digital Heritage Documentation	Bilge Kose	HP Elective	Preservation Technology LAB - 655 SCHERMERHORN W 5 PM - 7 PM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	11321
A4890‑1	Spring 2024	Conflict Urbanism	Laura Kurgan	Post-1800 N/W History & Theory	300 BUELL SOUTH M 11 AM - 1 PM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	11086
A6963‑1	Spring 2024	Adv VI Clinic - Dis/Abling Architecture: States of Play	Irina Verona, Jennifer Carpenter		412 AVERY (Mondays), 600 AVERY M 1:30-3:30	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	20549
A4411‑1	Spring 2024	Climate, Technology, and Society	Reinhold Martin	Post-1800 N/W S/E History & Theory	300 BUELL SOUTH TU 11 AM - 1 PM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	11690
A4861‑1	Spring 2024	Footprint: Carbon and Design	David Benjamin	Building Science & Technology Elective	409 AVERY TH 11 AM - 1 PM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	11075
A4063‑1	Spring 2024	Spatial Data Narratives	Josh Begley	Visual Studies Computation	300 BUELL SOUTH F 9 AM - 11 AM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	14170
Pla6831‑1	Spring 2024	Joint Studio / Clinic - OVERGROWN / undergrowth	Adam Lubinsky	Real Estate Elective Design Seminar	203 FAYERWEATHER W 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	14048
A4047‑1	Spring 2024	Immeasurable Sites	Emanuel Admassu	Urban Design Seminar Real Estate Elective HP Elective Architecture Elective UP Elective Urban Design Elective	409 AVERY W 11 AM - 1 PM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	10980
A4407‑1	Spring 2024	Methods in Spatial Research	Adam Vosburgh	Visual Studies Computation	WARE LOUNGE, 600 AVERY F 9 AM - 11 AM	SES A 1.5 Points	11700
PLA6036‑1	Spring 2024	Urban Political Ecology and the Climate Crisis	Hugo Sarmiento	Built Environment International	412 AVERY F 1 PM - 3 PM	FULL SEMESTER 3 Points	14163