What is Willowbank: Willowbank is a National Historic Site, Centre and School that is fostering a new approach to heritage conservation. We bring together the theory and practice of conservation methods in everything we do - from plasterwork to planning. Willowbank offers a three-year interdisciplinary diploma program in Heritage Conservation that encourages students to consider the interconnection of materials, histories, and contexts in forming an understanding of historic places and introducing compatible contemporary layers.

What is the Bright Parlour:  The large, light-filled room on the second floor known as the Bright Parlour is one of the Willowbank estate house’s most significant spaces. It has historically been the main living room(s) and the most utilized area of the house. The room has been subject to multiple renovations as it was adapted by different owners. In its current state, the layers of materials from several different eras are easily visible. Some of the key materials in the room that could be most affected by future interventions are the plaster walls and ceiling, the exposed lath, the plaster cornice, the 1930s wallpaper, the windows, the fireplaces and the paint layers.

What is a Charette:  A charette is an intense, collaborative session in which a group of people drafts a solution to a design problem. It is a way of quickly generating a design solution while integrating the aptitudes and interests of a diverse group of people. 

What is the siginficance/ Goal of the Charette: The Willowbank estate house is in the planning phase of its upcoming infrastructure upgrades - that will include accessibility upgrades (elevator) and upgraded heating, fire suppression and electrical systems. Essentially the framework will be laid and the next steps will be determine a conservation approach. This charette aims to allow students to build upon the information presented at the April 23rd Symposium and to collaborate on a best approach to the conservation of the space and materials.  The goal of the Charette is to understand the significance of the Bright parlour as part of the school today and how it has played a significant role throughout history. To bring together students with various backgrounds and professionals within the field to discuss the multiple appraoches that could be taken to such a historically layered space. 

How will it work: Participants will be put into interdisciplinary teams of six. The teams will meet at Willowbank over the course of two days to develop a concept and proposal. Over the course of the weekend, several professionals from fields related to heritage conservation will be available to provide the teams with feedback and guidance. The teams will be required to make a short presentation at the end of the charette, but to allow time for completion, final deliverables will not be required to be submitted until a week after the charette. There will also be a one day symposium preceeding the charette (see Symposium tab for more information). It will be video recorded for charette participants who cannot attend in person.  More information about the charette, Willowbank and the Bright Parlour will be provided upon registration. The team with the best design will recieve a $600.00 cash prize to split and additional prizes.

Registration Fee: $50.00 (Includes lunch both days) Registration extended to April 18th - Register today!