The craft of conservation : review of the existing traditional craft skills supply system for built heritage conservation in Hong Kong

Abstract

Preservation of Historic Building includes repair, maintenance and restoration works and its success essentially relies on the craftsmanship applied. For historic buildings, the craft skills involved are usually traditional which is different from the modern techniques. A stable and sustainable supply of traditional craft skills are therefore critical. This thesis aims to assess the effectiveness of the existing supply mechanism of traditional craft skills for immovable permanent cultural heritage and its demand identification in Hong Kong. The research analyses both the demand and supply systems to assess the adequacy and effectiveness of the existing supply system in meeting the demand. Recommendations are proposed to ensure the continuous supply of adequate qualified traditional skill craftsmen. In this connection, the possibility of developing a competence framework and a database of qualified traditional skill craftsmen for registration are explored. The research involves a comprehensive surveys of the contractors specialised in historic building repair and restoration and a series of interviews with the stakeholders including project clients, conservation consultants, contractors, labour unions, trade unions and workers in order to have a complete visualisation of the traditional craft skill demand and supply conditions. The study reveals a number of issues that have to be addressed with immediate action facing with an aging force. Shortage has been experienced in a number of traditional craft skills by the group of contractors with fluctuating workload while projects clients and contractors of relatively steady workload do not see shortage in general. The types of traditional crafts skills, their demand and supply and the training needs are not periodically and systematically predicted with solid and comprehensive data. There is also no qualification or certification system for traditional craft skills to enable specification in the contract, work completion acceptance or training purpose. Training opportunities are also limited while demand for training is low. Further comprehensive study and a comprehensive action plan shall be initiated by the government.