Sustainability Researcher: Reducing Carbon Emissions from Historic Buildings

A Micro-Internship with Purcell Architects

Monday 10 May, 12 pm
Remote-working
Black and white microscopic picture of carbon nanofibers

Microsopic picture of carbon nanofibers after Liberata Guadagno et al. 2013 (CC BY 3.0)

Applications are now open for Oxford University students to undertake a remote micro-internship with Purcell Architects in June 2021.

 

Purcell’s Oxford studio is a team of architects and heritage consultants working in a collaborative atmosphere to produce imaginative design solutions. We are committed to extending the life of heritage assets through well-designed interventions. We would like this internship to examine the issue of how retro-fitting energy saving measures can help to reduce carbon emissions from the existing stock of historic buildings.

 

The task is:

  1. To carry out a literature search on the subject of retro-fitting energy-saving measures in historic buildings
  2. To identify exemplar projects involving historic buildings such as those carried out by Historic England and local authorities, and projects which have been recognised through award schemes
  3. To undertake a desk-based review of Purcell projects which have incorporated energy-saving measures and to identify what these measures were
  4. To provide a brief analysis of the available measures and the risks and opportunities which are associated with each of them
  5. To prepare an illustrated report or presentation summarising your findings.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone interested in sustainability, architecture and heritage. The micro-internship will give you the opportunity to develop your skills in research, strategic analysis and understanding of sustainability. As most of our work involves listed buildings, this opportunity may suit someone with an interest in the historic environment.

Currently, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we expect all work to be undertaken remotely, however we will review working arrangements near the time of the internship. In any case, we will be available to brief you at the outset of the internship and to answer any queries as they arise. You will be supervised by one of our Architects or Senior Heritage Consultants.

We have hosted Oxford interns for the past three years, some of whom have since worked for us as paid freelance researchers.

 

Applicant Profile:

Candidates will be considered from any academic discipline. You will need to demonstrate:

  • Research skills
  • Ability to analyse complex issues and communicate them effectively
  • A high standard of written communication
  • An interest in architecture and the historic built environment

 

Further details & how to apply:

This placement will take place EITHER in Week 9 (Monday 21 - Friday 25 June) OR in Week 10 (Monday 28 June - Friday 2 July).

Students are required to commit to the full micro-internship - as with any professional placement - and any concerns about dates should be raised with the Internship Office in advance of making an application.

Application closing date: 10th May, 2021, 12pm. 

Reference ID: N4AZV

For more information and to apply, visit the Careers Service website.

TORCH Heritage Programme