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The theme of the Vernacular Architecture Group’s next winter conference will be Vernacular buildings in urban contexts: The study of urban building types and integration with urban studies. Over the past 25 years a number of notable studies have demonstrated the huge potential of studying vernacular buildings in urban areas – studies both of specific towns and cities and of urban building types more generally. Many of these have illustrated the value of multi-disciplinary approaches to the subject of urban buildings, but it is also clear that there is more to do in making vernacular buildings a key part of wider urban historical studies. We invite papers looking at urban buildings of all types, particularly non-domestic, and also studies of specific towns and cities. Papers considering this subject from a different disciplinary background, or taking a multi-disciplinary approach, are particularly welcome.

The conference will take place at the University of Nottingham, on 10 and 11 January 2026.

Submissions are encouraged from academics, students, and non-academics alike.
Call for Papers
The deadline for abstracts is 31 August 2025.

Information about the Group’s conferences can be found at https://www.vag.org.uk/conferences.htm.  

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Call for book chapters!

We are pleased to announce a call for chapters for an interdisciplinary book that aims to offer a fresh and innovative perspective on cultural heritage. This book will explore the complexities of cultural heritage through a systemic lens, blending theory, practice, and management. It will combine theoretical aspects and practical applications to offer insights on how to effectively handle the challenges of modern heritage management, —such as urban development, pressures of globalization, technological change, and climate disruption.

We welcome chapters on topics such as:
–         Climate adaptation in historic urban landscapes;
–         Heritage-based urban development & transformation
–         Challenges, threats, and transformation at (world) heritage sites;
–         Governance approaches and tools in cultural heritage management;
–         Heritage tourism, community engagement, digital innovation

Literature reviews, theoretical perspectives and case studies are welcome.

Key Dates:
• Abstract Submission Deadline (200–300 words): 31st May 2025
• Full Chapter Submission: 31st August 2025
• Revised Chapter Submission: 30th September 2025
• Final Notification to Authors: 31st October 2025
• Final Chapter Submission: 10th November 2025 (strict deadline)

Submit abstracts/inquiries to:
heritagemanagementbook@gmail.com

Further details

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Call for Papers – Buildings & Cities: Climate Change Risk and Decision-Making – Closes 9 June 2025

How should built environment actors (individually and collectively) respond to the increasing risks resulting from the changes to the global and local climates? How can the sector improve its understanding of risk factors and potential responses? What obligations do decision-makers have to act and explain their actions relating to avoidance and mitigation of risk? What processes and shared understandings are needed for identifying, communicating and responding to climate risks? What are the appropriate approaches to thinking about and acting on built environment risk (across a spectrum from ‘probability times consequences’ to ‘how far is safe enough’ that locate risk in a larger cultural context?

Further information to submit…

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Abstract DEADLINE: 10 April, 2025

HERITAGES 2025 –  London. Critical Questions – Contemporary Practice

Conference: 25-27 June, 2025
Location: London (+ virtual)

The conference welcomes presentations across built environment disciplines:

URBAN DESIGN | PLANNING | ARCHITECTURE | LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE | INTERIOR DESIGN | PLANNING.

To submit before the deadline:

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Be part of the conversation at this watershed moment! Canada’s heritage conservation sector is under unprecedented pressure: from social upheaval and cultural conflict, to economic disruption, the climate emergency, and the surging housing crisis. How do we navigate this societal sea change? Where is heritage currently on the public agenda, and where does it need to be?
 
Heritage Now will bring together 500+ participants from a diverse range of backgrounds – from professionals to planners, heritage site owners, construction industry, policymakers, academics, students, and volunteers.

Presentation/session proposals are invited on the following themes:Heritage Practice in the Marketplace: Housing, Adaptive Reuse, and Systems ChangeThe Power of Place and Story: Voices, Built Heritage, and the Land.Climate Adaptation, Decarbonization, and Material Value: Forging a Heritage PathStrengthening the Heritage Sector: Expanding the Heritage Workforce and Breaking Down Silos

Read the full Call for Presentations

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Studies in Photography has issued a call for papers for their upcoming conference: Shifting Perspectives: Scotland’s Urban Architecture Through the Lens. The event will take place on 20 May 2025 in The Engine Shed, Stirling and is supported by Historic Environment Scotland, Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and Scottish Council on Archives. Academics, students, architects, photographers, and cultural historians will gather to discuss how photography influences not only the perception of Scotland’s built environment but also the way our modern towns and cities are planned and designed. More information can be found here.

Submissions Close: 24 March 2025

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More information here: Building regulations – proposed review of fire safety topics

The purpose of this review is to consider changes to the standards and processes set within The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (as amended) and other published guidance documents to improve provisions addressing fire safety. This consultation seeks to obtain the views and opinions of stakeholders on a review of building standards relating to the fire safety of historic buildings converted for hotel use and several other specific fire safety issues, to help ensure the safety of people in and around Scotland’s buildings. The Building and Fire Safety Expert Working Group was created to look at the long-term commitments outlined within the Cameron House Hotel SLWG Report and to review other aspects of Scottish Building Standards and fire safety guidance. This consultation reflects the outcomes and proposals of the Expert Working Group.

Closes: 7 March

Information on the review process to date, including minutes of the building and fire safety expert panel meetings, can be found here. 
Closes 7 March 2025

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The Culture, Media and Sport Committee is to examine the importance of built heritage in the UK and the barriers to its preservation. The inquiry will examine issues with funding and whether current finance models are suitable and accessible.  It will also engage with how the Government can tackle practical and regulatory challenges, such as the availability of skilled practitioners, the managed decline of assets on publicly-owned land, and policy issues arising from net zero targets and planning policy. Alongside this, MPs will highlight the importance of built heritage for economic regeneration and to community identities, as well as how those communities can be empowered to manage their local built heritage assets.

You can find the survey here

Closes 2 February 2025

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Edinburgh School of Architecture & Landscape Architecture & City of Edinburgh Council
This University of Edinburgh project aims to understand what specific aspects of the Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas planning guidance (Consultation Draft 2024) require further clarification, and to explore possible improvements that will make the guidance more practical and accessible for historic homeowners. This project focuses on improving the clarity of the guidance document and making the content more accessible to all and is currently recruiting focus group and workshop participants for the project. Participants must be owner-occupiers of listed buildings and properties in a conservation area in Edinburgh.

For more information and to sign up, follow the link.

*NEW* January-May 2025

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