Texas A&M Center for Heritage Conservation Annual Symposium (College Station)
The 26th Annual Historic Preservation Symposium, “Future-Proof: Evolving Heritage Conservation,” is not just a gathering, but a call to action. It presents a timely and forward-thinking dialogue on the pressing challenges and opportunities within the field of heritage conservation. As we navigate a rapidly changing world marked by environmental shifts, evolving societal demands, and emerging technologies, the need for resilient, adaptable, and sustainable conservation practices has never been more critical.
This symposium will address the future of heritage conservation by exploring interdisciplinary approaches that respond to both traditional and contemporary issues. The keynote and guest speaker presentations, featuring renowned experts in the field, will underscore the importance of resilience in heritage, highlighting how cultural assets must evolve to withstand climate change, socio-political transformations, and shifting community dynamics. Topics such as adaptive reuse are central to the discussion. Presentations will offer innovative perspectives on how architects, designers, and preservationists collaborate to reimagine existing buildings and spaces to meet modern sustainability goals while retaining their historical and cultural significance.
The symposium will emphasize the role of education and community engagement in preserving heritage. By fostering a deeper understanding of the values associated with modern design and heritage conservation, professionals and educators can better equip communities to advocate for preserving their cultural heritage. In this context, resilience is not merely about physical durability but about creating lasting relevance within a changing society.
The symposium will not only feature regional and national perspectives on heritage conservation but also international ones. As heritage transcends borders, so do the symposium offerings by connecting the USA to Europe and beyond, exchanging ideas on how different cultures approach the challenges of preserving their past in the face of modernization and societal transformation. The recurring focus on reuse, relevance, and resilience provides a comprehensive framework to consider how heritage conservation can adapt to future demands without losing its essence, no matter where in the world it is practiced.
Registration:
There are four categories for participants to choose from when registering:
Professional $150.00 – AIA CEU’s/LU’s available
Faculty $75.00 – AIA CEU’s/LU’s available
Student $15.00
General Public $25.00