Arkansas Institute for Building Preservation Trades

Class Descriptions

BPT-1003 Fundamentals of Building Preservation 3 Credit hrs (3 Lecture / 0 Lab hrs)
Students are introduced to the Principles of historic preservation, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, American architectural styles, documentation, field drawing, photography and care of artifacts.

BPT-1008 Historic Building Exteriors 8 Credit hrs (3 Lecture / 5 Lab hrs)
This class covers the history, theory, technologies and practical applications of wood framing, roofing, siding and cornices. Students learn fundamental carpentry techniques and develop accuracy and planning skills through a series of practical exercises.

BPT-1018 Common Repairs to Historic Structures 8 Credit hrs (3 Lecture / 5 Lab hrs)
Students learn various approaches, methods, and techniques available to examine, evaluate and repair a wide range of problems specific to historic buildings. Course work includes maintenance programs, cause and effect relationships, bio-deterioration, epoxies, windows, doors, stairs, porches and cornices.

BPT-2212 Supervising Restoration Projects 2 Credit hrs (2 Lecture / 0 Lab hrs)
This class examines the "non-tool-belt" skills required to ensure work performed by others is accurate, appropriate, professional, on time and to budget. These skills are important to both independent and company-employed craftspeople.

BPT-2523 Structural Repairs 3 Credit hrs (1 Lecture / 4 Lab hrs)
Students are introduced to the principles and forces causing building failures and the concepts, theories and practical solutions for stabilization and repair.

BPT-2574 Advanced Window Repair 4 Credit hrs (2 Lecture / 4 Lab hrs)
This class investigates issues contributing to window deterioration and the corrective steps necessary to eliminate the causes. A wide range of repair alternatives are presented including repairs, and partial and total reconstruction.

BPT-2624, 2634, 2644 Field Lab 4 Credit hrs (0 Lecture / 4 Lab hrs)
Students participate in practical job-site preservation projects to learn about safety considerations, on-site decision making processes, coordination of tools, equipment and materials, and planning and scheduling craftspeople and tasks.

BPT-2703 Painting and Wall Coverings 3 Credit hrs (1 Lecture / 4 Lab hrs)
This class explores the history of wall coverings and paints and the methods for applying and repairing them. Course work includes interior and exterior painted surface preparation, application, materials, tools and techniques and wallpaper application of traditional and embossed papers.

BPT-2744 Advanced Carpentry Techniques 4 Credit hrs (2 Lecture / 4 Lab hrs)
Students strengthen their carpentry skills through a series of workshop projects that focus on developing competency, craftsmanship and appreciation for methods, techniques, equipment, tools, wood technology, repair and woodworking.

BPT-2802 Studio Workshop 2 Credit hrs (0 Lecture / 4 Lab hrs)
This class provides an opportunity for the instructor and student to mutually examine the student's interests, skill level and future direction. Together they will outline a customized course of study that is meant to further develop craftsmanship, skills and competency.

BPT-2803 Practicum 3 Credit hrs (0 Lecture / 4 Lab hrs)
This course work builds on the Studio Workshop class. Practicum students will define a course of study with objectives, benchmarks and evaluation criteria that meet instructor's expectations for meaningful master craftsperson projects. These projects must point toward a transition to future employment.

Workshops

Workshops are also offered on a variety of restoration topics. They may be scheduled by arrangement with the Institute or through the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and the Certified Local Government (CLG) Coordinator. Workshop participants earn one credit hour towards the AIBPT curriculum.

BPT-101 Preserving Wood Windows 1 Credit hr
This workshop presents a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practices of window preservation. Discussed are the reasons for retaining, repairing or replacing windows. Historic windows are used to illustrate terms, operation, and disassembly of a double-hung window. Also demonstrated are: glass and paint removal, glass cutting, and reglazing techniques. Participants are encouraged to bring window sash to the workshop.

BPT-111 Brick Restoration and Repointing 1 Credit hr
This workshop begins with a discussion on the nature of historic bricks and mortars, reasons for their failure and appropriate methods of intervention. Demonstrations include removal of deteriorated bricks and mortar. Participants will mix and apply mortar to brick panels.

BPT-121 Painting Historic Building Exteriors 1 Credit hr
This workshop encompasses the essentials of exterior painting and focuses on preparation and application of paint to wood siding. Discussions include: condition assessment, paint removal techniques, surface preparation, brush care, and decisions on choice and placement of historical colors. Participants will apply these workshop painting skills to practice boards.

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