Organisation: Cardiff University
Principal investigator: Nicola Emmerson
Project overview
Historic buildings, whether a renowned visitor attraction or a modest private home play a crucial role in safeguarding the wellbeing of both people and objects. Perfform, Welsh for ‘‘Perform’’, is an initiative led by Cardiff University that leverages heritage science to analyse and optimise the performance of built heritage structures across Wales. The Perfform Facility aims to enhance the sustainability and liveability of historic buildings while preserving their cultural and architectural significance.
Project purpose
The Perfform Facility aims to establish a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced tools and expertise to study the internal environments of historic buildings. By understanding how these environments affect human habitation and the deterioration of structures and collections, this facility aims to guide stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding energy efficiency, conservation and adaptation to climate change.
Project impacts
This project promises significant impacts by revolutionising how historic buildings are understood, managed and preserved in Wales. Through its advanced facility and expertise, it will model historical experiences, optimise energy efficiency, preserve collections and forecast climate change impacts.
By integrating mobile surveys and decay modelling, Perfform will not only unveil new archaeological structures but also monitor their conditions for effective in situ preservation. This initiative aims to democratise access to heritage science resources, empowering stakeholders to adopt sustainable strategies and ensuring the long-term conservation of Wales’s rich architectural and cultural heritage.