Chartered Institute for Archaeologists 2022

P R O F E S S I O N A L A R C H A E O L O G Y | A G U I D E F O R C L I E N T S 2 0 2 2 2 5 C A S E S T U D I E S | B U I L D I N G S A R C H A E O L O G Y A N D D E V E L O P M E N T METHODOLOGY AND CHALLENGES Producing a comprehensive record of the site, including all major buildings as well as the associated networks of conveyors and stockyards, presented the team with a logistical challenge because of time and safety constraints. A detailed programme for the archaeological works was drawn up and included provision for project set up, archive visits, site survey, reporting and production of illustrations and archiving. The programme included a schedule of client meetings and updates, as part of which the project manager would keep the client team informed of progress and raise any risks to delivery. The team was able to keep to this tight schedule, delivering each stage of works within the allocated timeframe. At the time of the archaeological recording, the site had been given over to demolition and was under Construction (Design and Management) regulations, requiring the team to prioritise areas in accordance with the demolition schedule and to undertake works in line with strict health and safety procedures, which limited access in certain areas and buildings. The number and large scale of the buildings and site presented a major challenge as the on-site element of recording had only a two-week timeframe. The site was divided into recording areas and a daily recording schedule was created to ensure each area was completed. This schedule was communicated to all key stakeholders ahead of time and necessary site managers were put in place to enable access to all areas on the designated date. Over 4,000 high-resolution digital photographs were taken over a two- week period and included main elevations, views of principal rooms and spaces, and details of plant and equipment. Interviews were carried out with key plant operators and site managers to provide technical information regarding the operation of the site. An archive visit was also carried out to help provide a comprehensive historic background and to aid in understanding the social significance of the site for the local area. A particular challenge to photographic recording was the restricted access to parts of the site and interior of some of the buildings. The internal spaces were often large and poorly lit; flash photography was of relatively little use in lighting these spaces. The limited fieldwork time and strict recording schedule also restricted the use of long tripod exposures, requiring a balance between rapid data capture and image quality. Because of safety concerns and limited access, it was not possible to use tripods in certain areas and hand-held photography was the only option. The use of high-quality cameras with high ISO and recording in RAW helped to provide the best possible images in these conditions. Interior view ©TEP