History + Theory + Preservation - School of Architecture Skip over sidebar nav to the content section History + Theory + Preservation The History + Theory + Preservation Program Area (HTP) is dedicated to the important role that architecture, landscapes, and building practices play in shaping the world we live in. We believe architects and historians should work together as stewards of the constructed world and act as advocates for a more equitable built environment. Student field work in cultural heritage – attic of the Old East School (1863-66) Hello Deploying humanistic and interdisciplinary methods, courses and faculty research explore the past and present global built environment at all scales, through analysis of both objects and texts. Students are trained to interrogate both broad questions and microhistories to reveal manifestations of human making and use of the built form, societies’ interpretation and reception of architecture over time, and the changing nature of design thought and practice. Faculty research and teaching interpret and theorize architecture and identity, memory, and materiality, among other areas of interest, frequently focusing on transcultural zones from the deep past to the present. “Constructing Building Enclosures,” with an essay by Tait Johnson (Routledge, 2020). “Constructing Building Enclosures,” with an essay by Tait Johnson (Routledge, 2020). “Mechanisms of Exchange,” ed. Heather Grossman and Alicia Walker (Brill, 2013). “Mechanisms of Exchange,” ed. Heather Grossman and Alicia Walker (Brill, 2013). “Constructing Building Enclosures,” with an essay by Tait Johnson (Routledge, 2020). “Constructing Building Enclosures,” with an essay by Tait Johnson (Routledge, 2020). “Mechanisms of Exchange,” ed. Heather Grossman and Alicia Walker (Brill, 2013). “Mechanisms of Exchange,” ed. Heather Grossman and Alicia Walker (Brill, 2013). Hello HTP concentration Faculty in the HTP program area pursue research that critically examines the formal and social structures of design and construction processes. Students build skills related to humanities-based interpretation of design, adaptive reuse and historic preservation, cultural heritage consulting, building forensics, and further graduate study in architectural history and theory. At its core, HTP promotes critical thinking and research skills that connect the design of the built environment to larger questions about culture, technology, sustainability, and social justice. Our program has particular strengths in the study of architecture of the Americas, construction history and history of technology, and global practices in heritage studies and historic preservation. Graduate Minor in Heritage Studies Click here Program Chair Kathryn E. Holliday Randall J. Biallas Professor of Historic Preservation and American Architectural History, History+Theory+Preservation Program Chair Professor of Landscape Architecture keh202@illinois.edu Core faculty Core Faculty Thomas Leslie, FAIA Full Professor Core faculty Yazmín Crespo-Claudio Assistant Professor ycrespo@illinois.edu Core faculty Windy Zhao Assistant Professor weizhao4@illinois.edu Core faculty Heather Grossman Teaching Assistant Professor Coordinator, History and Theory Program Area hgrossma@illinois.edu Specialized faculty Tait Johnson Teaching Assistant Professor Director, PhD Committee for Architecture and Landscape Architecture trjhnsn2@illinois.edu Specialized faculty Cookie Settings