Since the first human daubed decorative images on a cave wall, our dwellings have been about more than keeping us out of the weather. Improving and caring for our homes, reflecting fashion and the adoption of innovations and new technology has resulted in adaptation and modernisation but also in the abandonment of properties that become obsolete.

In 2022 we see the same cycles of adaptation, changing fashion, modernisation, and neglect but the rate of change has quickened.  The focus on fuel efficiency, safety and comfort is putting incredible pressure on us to adapt existing buildings incredibly rapidly.

The need to protect the value and diversity of our built environment and conserve architectural heritage can seem at odds with the need to embracing technology and prevent obsolescence.

This conference embraces the need to adapt and meet the needs of individual occupants as well as the planet, while recognising the importance of preserving our irreplaceable built heritage assets. Through presentation and debate we hope to promote an informed, balanced approach to both.