Preservation planning courses convey an understanding of the legal, political, and economic circumstances surrounding the act of historic preservation. Students in the 1999 Preservation Planning Studio class prepared a survey of historic structures for Berwyn, an historic suburb with the largest concentration of 1920s Chicago bungalows. The final study was presented to the City Council and Mayor as a tool for local preservationists. Working with the Commission on Chicago Landmarks, student work was incorporated into the Commission's 2000 work plan, and the Commission recommended landmark designation to the City Council in October, 2000. The Historic Preservation program is proud to be able to have an impact on public policy in this manner.
Every student completes a master's thesis for graduation.
The thesis represents an original research project in one or more of the four program areas. Projects range from the documentation and re-use analysis of a single structure to plans for historic districts, building materials study and analysis, design projects, and studies of the legal, philosophical or economic underpinnings of historic preservation.