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The architectural survey involves a systematic recording of the built environment in a specific geographic area and a period. It is method or procedure to understand the trend and evolvement of buildings and design over a period. In essence, it is a process in documentation of the life cycle of urban settlement or a town. Besides geographic based surveys, this type of surveys involves them based surveys identifying specific property types on state wide or regional wise. Some of the architectural surveys include preparation of inventory of design landscapes, railroad related buildings, historic highway bridges, textile mills etc. In some cases, the recording of historic farmsteads, agricultural buildings, is also comes under architectural surveying. Most of the countries have realized that the traditional landscapes and buildings are rapidly disappearing due to rapid urbanization and survey of such properties to have greater understanding of the trends in the future.
More specifically, the main objective of an architectural survey is to:
o To record or document the details of built environment of a town at a given point of time;
o To recognize or segregate the built environment from earlier periods;
o To demarcate properties and landscapes that have historical interest or which contribute to the overall character of the city or town
o To identify properties or area that needs to be preserved, either through town ordinance or owner motivation through financial assistance;
o To identify properties or districts that are eligible for inclusion in the National Register.
o To assist town planning of cities or towns on future growth and development.
Moreover, through architectural surveys detailed recording will be carried out on properties which have historical interest and old over 50 years, houses, barns and farms, churches, public buildings, schools, commercial structures industrial structures, cemeteries, and landscapes. It also identify the cultural attributes or features including stone walls, tree lines and other relevant structures.
Once the information is collected through the survey, it is determined whether such information is eligible under the National Register of Historic Places. The criteria given in National Register will determine or evaluate the information collected in terms of visual, structural historical importance. Similarly, it will help to recognize the trends in style and design; evolution of neighborhood; and highlight structures or homes which has significant historical importance.
There are many benefits in carrying out Architectural Surveying such as:
1. It is an important tool for preservation planning and actions. It is comprehensive examination (through local surveys) of all aspects that are needed for many preservation decisions. The bedrock of preservation planning and actions, a thorough local survey forms the basis for many preservation decisions.
2. The Survey reports, files, and maps are maintained as public records or permanent records which can have many long term benefits. For example, it helps the evaluation of properties for nomination to National Heritage Register, enables decision makers on projects while taking into account of the potential impact on the properties of historic value, and attract private investment in renovation and preservation of historic buildings.
Over the years, architectural surveys have helped many communities, towns and countries on preservation of properties of historical and national value. It also has encouraged citizens to restore long neglected houses, modernize the traditional neighborhood while keeping its character and identity and encourage new investment for sustainable development.
