What makes a castle a castle? Who was behind the design of Den's football park? What's the story behind Glasgow's Central Station? These are just a few topics to be discussed in a series of lectures covering a number of conservation issues by the University of Dundee's Town and Regional Planning department.
On Tuesday 23 October, the programme begins with an eye opening lecture on the Scottish Chateau by Charles McKean, professor of Scottish Architectural History at the University of Dundee.
Contrary to popular belief most Scottish castles were never military fortifications but homes for the nobility. All the heraldic superstructures were for decoration - they were imitation turrets, exceptionally lavishly furnished country houses.
Professor McKean will discuss the architecture of Scottish chateaux from 1500 to 1684, the lifestyle and the history determining the designs of the country houses and changing the way Scots think about themselves and their history.
On the 27th November, Dr Scott Peak, head of classics at Dollar Academy, will talk about the Glasgow architect, Archibald Leitch, who remains one of the great unsung heroes of the 20th century. Lietch's career switched from designing houses to football grounds that coincided with the great age of football stadia in the 1920's - 1930's.
His range of work in Scotland includes Den's Park, Hampden, Ibrox, Parkhead, Tyncastle and Easter Road.
The series of Dundee Conservation Lectures takes place in the Matthew Building, level 5, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design at 6pm. Admission costs £5.00, members of AHSS £3.50, staff, students and under 18s: silver collection.
For further details on future lectures, please contact the School of Town and Regional Planning on 01382 345236.