INFORMATION FLOW SETTINGS IN BUILDING REHABILITATION

Abstract. Apart from the usual field technical survey information for establishing the building configurations and fabric conditions, information flow for a rehabilitation project begins earlier with the need for authenticating the building as a significant heritage item and ends subsequently with validating the rehabilitation of the building. These three genres of the information are recognized under three information settings. This study investigates the first, the setting associated with authenticating the significance of the building. The discussion is structured around the process of evaluating building significance for the purpose of listing the building on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and, accordingly, recognizes the NRHP framework for nominating properties to the Register. With due consideration to the concomitant information and documentation along the nomination process, and with the “historic context” as a core significance assessment strategy, the study aims at: a) explaining the configuration of the historic context; b) clarifying the role of the building itself in developing the historic context; and, c) identifying the attributes of information flow. The study arrived at the following conclusions. Investigating “the information associated with authenticating the significance of the building,” the focus of this study, as an information setting of a spectrum of three helps define the global information flow in building rehabilitation. Steeped in research, the historic context configuration and development steps regulate the information flow of this setting. The knowledge and dexterity of the researcher in configuring and developing the historic context enhances the clarity and characteristics of information flow.