Is facilities management fundamental to the conservation of heritage buildings and their contents?

Many irredeemable cultural objects and artefacts are housed and exhibited within historic buildings and estates of outstanding cultural significance. Frequently, these properties were conceived to serve a very different use than act as permanent depositories for the objects, functions and collections, they now house. Sustained performance of fabric, fixtures/fittings and services is essential, given the perceived demands of: climate-change, perils, increasing user expectations e.g. accessibility, environmental quality and legislative demand. As a consequence the cultural significance of both building and collection are tested. The aim is to establish whether a Facilities Management approach offers a solution to mitigating such risks. This research studied 50 'heritage' buildings and utilized a Condition Survey pro-forma approach, to record and evaluate the management and maintenance of the building and contents. Conflicts of: conservation philosophy, accessibility, environmental monitoring, visual display, curator-ship and guardianship; are tested against established methods of building care. Whilst most heritage sites have been modified, updated and repaired, this has been undertaken in a widely, conflicting manner, displaying varying standards of care and exposing the contents to risk. It is concluded that a pro-active 'Facilities Management' approach has scope for effectively sustaining cultural objects, artefacts and iconic buildings, for the benefit of future generations.