Thematic Surveys of Historic Buildings

A thematic survey is a survey which looks at one building type or theme. It normally involves detailed research on the subject area backed up by the recording of as many examples of the type as possible. This helps clear decisions on the best examples that should be isolated for protection.

The approach has disadvantages in that it can concentrate on the common parts of the theme and ignore other issues (such as historical associations or group value) which may also be important. For this reason the area based approach of the Second Survey is the main route followed by us in recording historic buildings.

One advantage is that it can highlight issues overlooked in general surveys. Over the last 10 years we have carried out a number of thematic surveys which concentrated on areas which we felt could benefit from detailed investigation.

Thatch Survey

All of Northern Ireland's thatched buildings have been surveyed in detail and a book summarising this work is in preparation for publication. The results of the survey show that despite a massive loss of traditional roofs across the region since the 1950s the surviving buildings display a wide range of the features which were once common across the area. Proposals for ensuring the survival of the remaining structures have also been drawn up as part of the project.

Pump Survey

The surviving historic pumps of Northern Ireland have been investigated in detail and the best examples listed as a result. A number of types of pump were isolated and the best examples of each protected. A paper explaining these types and what is considered important is in preparation.

Belfast Roof Truss Survey

Belfast roof trusses are a form of roof support which was developed to utilise short lengths of timber. The trusses were often used for industrial buildings and there has been a massive loss of these once common features over recent years. With the help of the Joint Committee for Industrial Heritage, a thematic survey was carried out which identified all known examples. The best were surveyed in detail and a number of buildings listed as a result. A paper reporting on this work is in preparation.

Mourne Water Scheme

The completion of Mourne Water Scheme was a key industrial project for the new region of Northern Ireland in the 1920s. Its completion was an engineering triumph and a source of much pride. All of the features associated with the scheme from great dams to small pumping stations have been considered as part of a comprehensive survey by us. Many of the structures have been listed as a result. A paper reporting on this work is in preparation.

Post War Listings

After 1940 only the most outstanding works of architecture are deemed sufficiently special for protection by listing. From this period development significantly increased and international influences such as the modern movement became increasingly important. We first looked at this period in 1995 and have used this research and knowledge to inform subsequent decisions. A book examining the buildings protected by listing from this period is in preparation.