Course Syllabus
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY GSAPP (08-26-22)
FALL TERM, 2022
A6768 THE CONSERVATION OF ARCHITECTURAL METALS
Richard D. Pieper, Adjunct Associate Professor
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This seminar reviews the structural and decorative uses of metals in buildings and monuments. The metals to be reviewed include iron and steel; copper and copper alloys including bronze and brass; lead; tin; zinc; aluminum; nickel and chromium. The seminar will examine the history of manufacture and use; mechanisms of deterioration and corrosion; and cleaning, repair, and conservation.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
As a course assignment, participants will:
- Individually prepare an annotated bibliography on any aspect of architectural metals (history, manufacture, use, or conservation) OR
- Work alone or in a small group to prepare a metals walking tour of a NYC neighborhood OR
- Complete a take home final exam emphasizing mechanisms of deterioration and methodology of repair.
COURSE OUTLINE
Week 1. 7 September. Introduction to metals: nature and manufacture, deterioration and corrosion processes; the electromotive series; methods of protection; corrosion terminology.
Week 2. 14 September. Iron and steel; history of manufacture and use.
(Friday 9/16 Field Trip: Wrought and cast iron at Bethesda Terrace,
and a boat ride under the Bow Bridge)
Week 3. 21 September. Iron and steel; deterioration and conservation.
Week 4. 28 September. Zinc, Lead, and Tin.
(Friday 9/30 Field Trip: V&S Hot Dip Galvanizing)
Week 5. 5 October. Copper and Copper Alloys,
Week 6. 12 October. Nickel, Chromium, Aluminum. Course review.
Field trip dates are dependent upon other program scheduling and provision of transportation by CU.
Stay tuned!
Additional field trip if time permits:
nickel silver, stainless steel and aluminum: “GE” Building, the Waldorf, and the Top of the Rock
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
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