Conservation Of Built Heritage Research Articles

Digital Tools for the Preventive Conservation of Built Heritage: The Church of Santa Ana in Seville

Historic Building Information Modelling (HBIM) plays a pivotal role in heritage conservation endeavours, offering a robust framework for digitally documenting existing structures and supporting conservation practices. However, HBIM’s efficacy hinges upon the implementation of case-specific approaches to address the requirements and resources of each individual asset and context. This paper defines a flexible and generalisable workflow that encompasses various aspects (i.e., documentation, surveying, vulnerability assessment) to support risk-informed decision making in heritage management tailored to the peculiar conservation needs of the structure. This methodology includes an initial investigation covering historical data collection, metric and condition surveys and non-destructive testing. The second stage includes Finite Element Method (FEM) modelling and structural analysis. All data generated and processed are managed in a multi-purpose HBIM model. The methodology is tested on a relevant case study, namely, the church of Santa Ana in Seville, chosen for its historical significance, intricacy and susceptibility to seismic action. The defined level of detail of the HBIM model is sufficient to inform the structural analysis, being balanced by a more accurate representation of the alterations, through linked orthophotos and a comprehensive list of alphanumerical parameters. This ensures an adequate level of information, optimising the trade-off between model complexity, investigation time requirements, computational burden and reliability in the decision-making process. Field testing and FEM analysis provide valuable insight into the main sources of vulnerability in the building, including the connection between the tower and nave and the slenderness of the columns.

ANALYSIS OF THE SPATIAL-SEMANTIC COHERENCE IN THE GETTY AAT VOCABULARY DATA STRUCTURE - AN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Abstract. The paper explores the integration of Geomatics and architectural surveying into the educational context of Geomatic for Built Heritage Conservation course within the Master on Architectural Design, in which a multidisciplinary teaching approach is applied, emphasizing the importance of holistic knowledge encompassing historical, geometric, material, and structural aspects for the conservation and restoration of architectural heritage.A central theme is the role of Geomatics and 3D modelling in historical built heritage documentation, assuming the creation of three-dimensional models as a foundation for integrating various thematic data, enabling interdisciplinary studies, and facilitating knowledge representation and communication.The paper delves into the challenges and strategies of semantic 3D modelling. It discusses the necessity for a flexible and layered informational model, integrating spatial, geometric, and semantic data. The complexity of semantic annotation is explored, considering the subjectivity and cultural context inherent in identifying and describing architectural elements. The educational approach employed in fostering critical thinking among students, particularly in interpreting cultural heritage issues related to documentation and recording, is presented.A case study involving Pitti Palace in Florence is considered. An attempt to implement the Getty Vocabulary on Art & Architecture Thesaurus for semantic annotation is described, emphasizing the need for a coherent alignment between the 3D model and controlled vocabulary hierarchy. The study concludes with insights from the student's experience, highlighting the difficulties in aligning spatial and semantic elements within existing controlled vocabularies and suggesting avenues for future developments in refining these vocabularies for enhanced spatial-semantic coherence in 3D modelling applications.

Stochastic-based vulnerability curves for the out-of-plane seismic safety assessment of URM walls

Earthquakes are a major cause of damage and human losses to the built environment, including cultural heritages, monumental buildings and historical centers. In the last decades, the seismic performance of buildings has received special attention due to the interest in the built heritage conservation and protection of human life, particularly with respect to masonry structures which have shown evidence of poor behavior once subjected to seismic loads. The present work contributes to the seismic safety assessment of the out-of-plane behavior of unreinforced masonry walls through a displacement-based approach, providing the capacity for different out-of-plane geometric indexes and its seismic response in different earthquake-prone regions. The analyses are conducted using a seismic probabilistic framework, considering the most common out-of-plane mechanisms, different material properties, various slenderness ratios, and a wide range of seismicity levels to cover the seismic hazard in Europe. The results presented can be useful for seismic safety assessment and to incorporate vulnerability models for seismic risk analysis.

The concept of risk and its measurement in the field of built heritage conservation: critical aspects and potential improvements

The term risk has been defined in different ways in various scientific areas. As a result, there is a certain confusion over the meaning and the use of the term. In order to understand better the variety of approaches to the concept of risk and consequently its measurement, representative studies, carried out by re- searchers and professionals, are considered. Which are the most important as- pects that built heritage conservation adopted and developed and how these as- pects have led to the use of different methods of assessment and evaluation of risks? Secondly, different methods of risk assessment and evaluation, adopted in various activities of the built heritage conservation process, are selected and an- alyzed. With the aim to highlight their strengths and limitations, a comparison is drawn, permitting us to have an overall picture of the available methods and at the same time to identify the eventual gaps and the critical aspects of the re- search/practice. Lastly, based on the acknowledgment of the limits and the prob- lems of the various methods, suggestions for improvement are made.

Capacity Building Strategies for Built Heritage Conservation of George Town World Heritage Site, Penang

ABSTRACT George Town’s inscription as a world heritage site on July 7 2008 has profound ramifications for the city’s subsequent functionalities, image, and identity. Since the UNESCO inscription, heritage shophouses in George Town World Heritage Site (GTWHS) were purchased en-bloc by investors and massive conservation of shop houses took off. Among the key issues faced by GTWHS is a shortage of the right quantity and quality of human capital in building conservation which, in turn, will threaten the authenticity and integrity of the city’s built heritage, if conservation is done without applying conservation principles and proper skills. While there are strategies in George Town’s Special Area Plan to manage the heritage site, there is a dearth of strategies related to capacity building in the city’s heritage sector. Against this backdrop, the paper aims to propound the relevant strategies to enhance George Town’s capacity building for building conservation works. Based on qualitative techniques, this study interviewed heritage experts to identify suitable strategies in capacity building for GTWHS. This paper recommends that existing strategies should garner collective participation from all stakeholders. The strategies proposed should be implemented as soon as possible to ensure quality and continuous generation of the right skills and knowledge toward sustainable capacity building for George Town’s built heritage.

Quantitative Estimation of the Internal Spatio–Temporal Characteristics of Ancient Temple Heritage Space with Space Syntax Models: A Case Study of Daming Temple

Ancient temple heritage space is a subcategory of integrated spaces with profound religious architecture, culture, and landscape. The temporal and spatial characteristics, spatial layouts, and functionalities of ancient temples are gradually transformed during different periods in their development. However, quantitative topological estimation tools, e.g., space syntax and detailed digital spatial models, have seldom been adopted in related studies on ancient temples. Daming Temple is a typical representative of the revitalization of Buddhism monastic building heritage in China. This research studies the spaces of Daming Temple, Yangzhou City, in three different periods and explores its spatio–temporal characteristics based on two space syntax models, i.e., the angle segment analysis (ASA) model and the visibility map analysis (VGA) model. By multi-step quantitative estimation, changes in the mean depth (MD), mean connectivity, and intelligibility of the temple have been observed. The global spatial structure is thoroughly revealed, which indicates the changes in the ‘temple-residence-garden’ inter-relationship. It is indicated that dynamic spatio–temporal characteristics of the temple have been undergoing changes chronically. Some phenomena are found to be effective in offering reasonable explanations for these changes, i.e., the changes in relationships among spaces, visitors’ pathfinding difficulties, and spatial design techniques. It also found that there are certain correlations between temporal–spatial changes and spatial conservation strategies for building heritages. The case study can provide some valuable references for the conservation, reactivation, and redesign of related historical and cultural building heritage in East Asia.

The Boom in Nanomaterials for Built Heritage Conservation: Why Does Size Matter?

There is no doubt that nanotechnology and nanoscience open new doors to new applications and products that can potentially revolutionize the practice field and how we conserve built heritage materials. However, we are living at the beginning of this era and the potential benefits of nanotechnology to specific conservation practice needs are not always fully understood. This opinion/review paper aims to present reflections and answer a question that we are often asked when working directly with stone field conservators: why should we use a nanomaterial instead of a conventional product? Why does size matter? To answer this question, we revise the basic concepts of nanoscience with implications for the built heritage conservation field.

Characterization and Assessment of Performance of Innovative Lime Mortars for Conservation of Building Heritage: Paimogo’s Fort, a Case Study

Along the Portuguese coastline, several military fortifications were built with the intention to protect the territory from the constant military threat from the sea. These constructions have been subjected, during centuries, to a very aggressive environment; the renders, whose main function is the protection of walls, are particularly exposed to such actions. Nossa Senhora dos Anjos de Paimogo’s Fort, better known as the Paimogo’s Fort, is one of these fortifications, built in 1674 and classified of public interest since 1957. Within the scope of the “Coast Memory Fort” Project of EEA Grants Culture Programme 2014–2021, promoted by the Municipality of Lourinhã, repair mortars are being developed for the preservation of the Fort, considering the physical–mechanical and chemical characteristics of the pre-existing mortars and of the substrate, as well as the aggressive environmental conditions. In this work, several mortar compositions, compatible with the original mortars and designed to resist the aggressive environment, are briefly described and their main physical and mechanical characteristics are analysed and compared in successive ages. Different binder mixes were used, and a fine-tuning of the aggregate was carried out. Assessment of sequential wetting/drying cycles’ effect on the mortar’s behaviour is also presented. The laboratory results reveal that mortars with additions of 30% of quicklime present the best behaviour (with the lowest water absorption and highest strength). Moreover, the substitution of part of the siliceous sand by limestone aggregate, in general, increases the mortars’ mechanical strength; however, the drying occurs slower, which could compromise the durability of these mortars if a good balance is not achieved.

Advances in Nanolime and Other Nanomaterials for Built Heritage Conservation

This Special Issue examines the synthesis, characterization, and manufacturing of nanoparticles and their potential advantages and applications for the conservation of built cultural heritage materials [...].

New Materials and Technologies for Durability and Conservation of Building Heritage.

The increase in concrete structures' durability is a milestone to improve the sustainability of buildings and infrastructures. In order to ensure a prolonged service life, it is necessary to detect the deterioration of materials by means of monitoring systems aimed at evaluating not only the penetration of aggressive substances into concrete but also the corrosion of carbon-steel reinforcement. Therefore, proper data collection makes it possible to plan suitable restoration works which can be carried out with traditional or innovative techniques and materials. This work focuses on building heritage and it highlights the most recent findings for the conservation and restoration of reinforced concrete structures and masonry buildings.

Post-Conservation Evaluation (PCE) Framework for Built Heritage Conservation within UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Adaptive Reuse Museums in George Town, Malaysia

Post-Conservation Evaluation (PCE) Framework for Built Heritage Conservation within UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Adaptive Reuse Museums in George Town, Malaysia

Characterization of Traditional Coatings in Earthen Vernacular Architecture in the Limarí Valley: Their Role in the Conservation of Built Heritage in Chile

Despite its seismic activity, Chile has a large number of heritage buildings built with earth. Their conservation depends on elements such as roofing and foundations, but also on the quality of renders and finishing materials. This study seeks to identify and characterize the coating systems and materials used on the wall surfaces of earthen heritage structures in the Limarí valley, Chile, seeking to contribute to the dissemination, promotion, and preservation of these traditional renders. The case studies included are historic buildings in various Limarí valley villages. Render and plaster samples of earthen built heritage were taken for analysis from a diversity of wall structures (such as adobe, pandereta, or quincha) and finishing techniques. Despite differences, the conclusions of our fieldwork and sample observations and analysis allow us to identify effective, common coating systems and finishes.

Incompatible: Modern Built Heritage Conservation versus Value-Based Addition Design at Canada’s Capital Historic Sites

ABSTRACT Heritage conservation’s modernist underpinnings limit engagement with heritage value, resulting in incompatible additions to historic places. A good example is the controversy surrounding the proposed addition to the Château Laurier National Historic Site in Ottawa, Canada, designed by Peter Clewes and approved by the City of Ottawa in February 2021. The addition’s defenders used the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada’s modern dictums, particularly legibility and the supremacy of expert knowledge, to justify the Neo-Modernist addition against public outcry. This paper defends the public’s cries for a more fanciful, historicist addition. It argues that additions to historic places should be more than visually and physically compatible. Additions to heritage sites should be stylistically and intellectually compatible and engaged in dialogue with a site’s heritage values. It asks, what do new additions communicate about the original historic site? How do they help or hinder our understanding of the site’s social or historical significance? Designers and evaluators of new additions should ask themselves these questions. They should more closely consider the impact of new additions on historic places’ heritage values. Such consideration may reduce friction between practitioners and the wider public.

Eco-Sustainable Methods for Local Conservation of Built Heritage in Sistan’s Castles

Built heritage has an important role in the development of the global tourism industry. Therefore, appropriate conservation methods are required to support cultural identities and the tourism industry. Within the Sistan region of Iran, there are a number of built heritage assets (such as castles) that were constructed in different periods of history. Due to climatic conditions, management issues, and unemployment issues, ineffective conservation measures have been implemented for these types of built heritage assets. Therefore, special conservation methods are required to address different performance issues. This study offers practical solutions for the conservation of Sistan’s castles. An eco-sustainable model is proposed as a method to plan appropriate conservation interventions that consider economical, ecological, and labor-friendly characteristics of sustainability. We demonstrate that this approach to architectural conservation is responsive to local constraints and can be compatible with local requirements.

Impact of Urban Planning Instruments on the Conservation of Built Heritage in Algeria. Case Study:Old City Center of Biskra

Impact of Urban Planning Instruments on the Conservation of Built Heritage in Algeria. Case Study:Old City Center of Biskra

Beyond Good Intentions: The Role of the Building Passport for the Sustainable Conservation of Built Heritage to Behavioural Change

Despite the recognised importance of built heritage for sustainable development, and the multiple tools, recommendations, guidelines, and policies developed in recent years to support decision-making, good sustainable conservation practices often fail to be implemented. Challenges faced by practitioners often relate to external factors, and there is a gap in the understanding of the role of the nature of the designer and the behavioural dimension of the challenges in implementation. This research applies the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) to verify how a building passport for sustainable conservation (BPSC) impacts design students’ intentions and actual design decisions towards built heritage conservation. This research aims to ascertain the role of the BPSC to affect attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions and ultimately change conservation behaviours. The results show that this tool has a positive contribution to reinforce existing attitudinal beliefs. Still, no significant changes were found in the overall conservation behaviours, suggesting that beliefs hindering implementation may more often be related to aesthetic reasons, creativity and innovation, and program requirements, than with beliefs regarding the sustainable performance of the building. This study demonstrates that using the TPB to analyse design processes in the context of built heritage is an innovative methodological approach that contributes to a deeper understanding of the psychological factors affecting sustainability and built heritage conservation decisions.

The effectiveness of di-ammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) consolidation treatment on lime-based mortars weathered by freeze-thaw cycles

The present paper investigates the effectiveness of di-ammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) as a consolidation treatment for artificially weathered lime-based mortars. Laboratory prepared samples were exposed to repeated freeze-thaw cycles and then subjected to 2.0 M DAP solution via 24 h poultice. The microstructural variations due to freeze-thaw cycles and the effects induced by the subsequent DAP consolidation were assessed with the use of a multi-analytical approach combining optical observations, weight variations, dynamic elastic modulus change and peeling test outcomes. The results indicate that DAP treatment significantly restored the weathered mortars in terms of physical and cohesive properties. The correlation between the weight loss and surface degradation by the peeling test examination was projected. The new properties of weathered and consolidated mortars are critically discussed with an eye on their expected behaviour in the field of Built Heritage conservation. Lastly, as a chief outcome of this study, a novel protocol for the evaluation of surface cohesion through peeling tests combined with image analysis is proposed.

Comparison of unofficial recognition and conservation approaches to informal architectural heritage: cases from Hong Kong, China and Iwate Prefecture, Japan

ABSTRACT “Informal heritage” refers to spaces in cities that have certain heritage value but cannot be officially recognized as urban or architectural heritage sites. The author has observed the recognition and conservation of informal building heritage driven by architectural scholars (professionals) or communities in some Asian cities; this phenomenon provides a suitable perspective from which to observe the connection between Asian conservation, citizen participation, and urbanism. Western heritage research recently emphasizes the empowerment of communities to manage heritage conservation; however, what is the meaningful community participation in the old building’s conservation if adding the professional perspective, especially in the diversified Asian urban context, remains unclear. This study involved participatory observation, interviews, and the analysis of relevant literature for comparison of the recognition and conservation approaches of two typical “informal heritage” cases in Hong Kong (China) and Iwate Prefecture (Japan). This paper discusses the interaction modes among historians, related professionals, and communities and the “heritage process” in these two urban contexts. Additionally, an argument is made that these two cases are consistent with a Western heritage conservation theory, which encourages community empowerment; however, in the Asian urban context, a higher degree of community participation does not necessarily indicate more meaningful participation.

Design Study on the Conservation and Reuse of Modern Industrial Building Heritage

As an important part of the world cultural heritage, industrial architectural heritage is an important witness to the achievements of the development process of human industrialized civilization. With the national industrial structure adjustment and urbanization, many typical industrial factories in China are facing the problem of land replacement, among which, the modern industrial architectural heritage is facing the corresponding problem of conservation and reuse. People’s demand for material and cultural life is increasing, and they are more concerned about the protection of urban heritage and memory, which actively promotes the protection of industrial architectural heritage and also puts forward higher requirements for the utilization of industrial architectural heritage. The research in the field of industrial heritage in China started late compared to that in Europe and the United States, and usually, architects dominate the design of industrial heritage reuse more than heritage conservators. This paper addresses the problems in the process of conservation and reuse of industrial architectural heritage, and carries out research work from the perspective of heritage conservation and reuse design. It analyzes the current situation of industrial building heritage reuse design in China and conducts research on the problems existing in the process of industrial building reuse design. It also discusses the bottom line and criteria for the conservation and reuse of industrial building heritage, and discusses the design strategies for the conservation and reuse of modern industrial building heritage according to the industrial building research results in categories.

Selection of Core Indicators for the Sustainable Conservation of Built Heritage

ABSTRACT This paper presents and discusses the selection of a set of core indicators for the sustainable conservation of built heritage. This core set of indicators was selected by following a two-step methodology: 1) first, a comparative analysis of indicators of two building sustainability assessment (BSA) tools with different approaches was performed by using content analysis to identify common priorities; 2) second, a selection of the indicators according to scale, stage of the life cycle, and coverage of core aspects for sustainable development, following the criteria established by the International Organization for Standardization. The results show that even if current methodologies have different structures, terminology, and priorities, they share common principles that promote a more sustainable built environment. However, by being mostly oriented to the intervention and operation phases, these methods do not have direct application as an assessment framework for the sustainable conservation of the built heritage. To overcome this situation, this research presents a concise set of indicators that can support the development of an assessment tool to ensure the sustainable conservation of existing buildings.