Conservation Of Architectural Heritage Research Articles

Historical, Architectural, and Structural Virtual Tour for Conservation and Maintenance of Architectural Heritage

ABSTRACT The Virtual Tour (VT) represents a key tool used in valorising and disseminating the historical and cultural value of built heritage. Basically, it has potential in supporting interdisciplinary technical activities associated with the historical and architectural aspects related to documentation and conservation. This paper defines the methodological lines into expanding the potentialities of the VT in the framework of a rational technical management and maintenance of historical assets from the Authorities. Thus, in addition to basic information related to historical and architectonical aspects, engineering technical data collected during the knowledge path recommended by relevant National and International codes, dealing with static and seismic performance assessment and the conceptual design of structural interventions, have been included in the VT. The designed STRAINS-VT (hiSToRical, ArchItectural aNd Structural–Virtual Tour) is conceived as a dynamic approach supporting the knowledge and monitoring of valuable assets in time, being open to updates and integration. Benefits associated with the application of the proposed STRAINS-VT have been investigated referring to a real architectural heritage building located in Abruzzi Region (Italy). Research outcomes showed that the knowledge process, which goes from the digital integrated survey and the in-situ structural characterization of materials and components to the analysis and design of structural interventions, can be profitably incorporated within the VT. Particularly, the STRAINS-VT operational framework represents an accessible and easy interpretable informative hub that support technical Authorities having in charge the conservation, maintenance, and restoration of valuable assets in the decision-making, validation, and commissioning of strengthening and maintenance works.

Beyond Preservation: Heritage as an Educational Practice Process at 141 Neil Road, Singapore

Over the past two decades, the concept of heritage has been significantly broadened, with an increasing number of scholars viewing it not as a set of static objects with fixed meanings but as a social process consciously endowed with commemorative functions through human creation. This research illustrates and empirically supports this perspective through a case study. Initially, the paper reviews the development of the heritage concept through the literature review and elaborates on the idea of “heritage as process”. Subsequently, it examines Singapore’s enriching exploration and successful implementation of heritage conservation, particularly since 2000, when the local government shifted from preserving historical buildings to a comprehensive conservation strategy that embraces a sense of place, identity, and memory and encourages a bottom-up participatory approach. Finally, this paper takes the transformation of the century-old townhouse at 141 Neil Road in Singapore as its focus. After being renovated into an urban architectural heritage conservation laboratory, the house has gradually become a place of heritage on Neil Road by training professionals’ construction skills, transforming its function, introducing technological explorations, and enhancing public interaction. This process has developed the abilities of heritage conservation professionals in desktop research, reuse design, and practical construction skills while simultaneously promoting community participation and heightening awareness of heritage conservation among local residents. Through daily practices, this historical townhouse gradually became a place of heritage on Neil Road, exemplifying the research theme that “heritage is a comprehensive and dynamic practice encompassing social, cultural, and technological dimensions”. From being preserved for renovation in 2020 to being approved as a “Heritage Show House” by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in 2023, the case of 141 Neil Road offers a new perspective in the heritage conservation field that “heritage is always in the process of becoming, rather than a constant given”.

Characterization of Anisotropic Salt Weathering through Nondestructive Techniques Mapping Using a GIS Environment

Doctrinal texts on architectural heritage conservation emphasize the importance of fully understanding the structural and material characteristics and utilizing information systems. Photogrammetry allows for the generation of detailed, geo-referenced Digital Elevation Models of architectural elements at a low cost, while GIS software enables the addition of layers of material characteristic data to these models, creating different property maps that can be combined through map algebra. This paper presents the results of the mechanical characterization of materials and salt-related decay forms of the polygonal apse of the 13th-century monastery of Santa María de Bonaval (Guadalajara, Spain), which is primarily affected by salt crystallization. Rock strength is estimated using on-site nondestructive testing (ultrasound pulse velocity and Leeb hardness). They are mapped and combined through map algebra to derive a single mechanical soundness index (MSI) to determine whether the decay of the walls could be dependent on the orientation. The presented results show that salt decay in the building is anisotropic, with the south-facing side of the apse displaying an overall lower MSI than the others. The relative overheating of the south-facing side of the apse enhances the effect of salt crystallization, thereby promoting phase transitions between epsomite and hexahydrite.

Methodology for the Integration of Structural Health Assessment of Masonry Bridges into HBIM

ABSTRACT A methodology is proposed to efficiently develop BIM models of masonry arch bridges, with the objective of generating databases (Level of Information, LoI) associated with 3D geometrical models, incorporating different levels of detail (LoD). The use of parametric libraries is implemented to develop the models. The first step is to perform an experimental campaign to obtain initial data. With these data and the parametric library previously created, a parametric model of the structure is generated (low LoD). A map of the vulnerable areas of the structure is created on this model and the available information is linked to it. A structural model (high LoD) is also created and calibrated. With all this information, an HBIM file is generated. A second experimental campaign is performed on the structure using non-destructive techniques. Point clouds, OMA data, photographs, and visual inspections from the different experimental campaigns are compared to the original HBIM file. In addition, to validate the usefulness of the parametric library, its implementation is carried out on three other historic masonry structures. This comprehensive and technologically advanced approach proves to be a promising strategy for the conservation and sustainable management of architectural heritage.

Research on Pathology Information Management of Educational Architectural Heritage Based on Digital Technology: The Case of James Jackson Gymnasium

Rapid advances in technology have led to an increasing demand for this type of information in the field of cultural heritage and architectural conservation. The article aims to use digital technology to obtain, record, store, and display accurate and intuitive information about architectural heritage for daily management and repair of that heritage. This article conducts a comprehensive and in-depth study of the pathology information from the James Jackson Gymnasium, a typical case of the modern educational architectural heritage of Wuhan. Research contents include obtaining point cloud data through 3D scanning, constructing Building Information Modeling (BIM) 3D models and pathological information models to visualize the affected parts, using the Monument Damage Diagnostic System (MDDS) to establish a pathological information map management system, using virtual simulation technology and digital repair technology to diagnose and repair the affected parts, and establishing a systematic architectural pathology information database to explore the causes of architectural pathology from a multidisciplinary perspective. The authors aim to gradually promote this method and build a systematic pathological information database of architectural heritage. This utilizes the sharing characteristics of information technology to transcend the barriers of time and space and provide important support for heritage protection and pathology management. The Architectural Pathology Information Management System is proposed as an innovative solution to promote the sustainable conservation of architectural heritage through digital technology.

Case Study on Architectural Heritage Conservation Taking Lu Zuofu Memorial Hall as an Example

Through the Lu Zuofu Memorial Hall and architectural heritage related literature research, the background of Lu Zuofu Memorial Hall and the architectural layout of the function of a brief introduction, and then analyze the Lu Zuofu Memorial Hall "protection and reuse" repair and protection methods, as well as Lu Zuofu Memorial Museum will be a combination of cultural display, ideological education, cultural experience and tourism and so on. Analyze the "protection and reuse" protection method of the real needs and with the former planning after the assessment of the renovation and protection of the concept of combination.

Onsite and laboratory assessment of repair mortars for reinforced concrete floor slabs in heritage buildings

The conservation and repair of XX century architectural heritage built with reinforced concrete is becoming more and more important and requires suitable materials and technical solutions. In particular, effectiveness, compatibility and durability must be ensured, in spite of the limited extent of demolition allowed by the local authorities, and the literature in this field is still limited. In this paper, an experimental campaign was carried out in an historic reinforced concrete floor slab, where different repair mortars were used. After some on-site testing on the corrosion potential, the concrete beams of the slab were integrally cut and transported to the laboratory for a series of systematic tests, aimed at investigating the performance and compatibility of the repair materials, as well as any possible issues hindering the success of this structural intervention. The filling ability, physical compatibility, chemical compatibility and mechanical compatibility of the repair mortars and the corrosion behavior of the steel reinforcement were investigated, deriving some results of general interest, which may contribute to a better insight about the repair of heritage concrete floor slabs.

AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH FOR THE SEMANTIC SEGMENTATION OF SURVEYED BUILDING FACADES LEVERAGING ON ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS

Abstract. Traditionally, drawing products created from 3D surveying activities have been the universal medium of communication used by architects. This has resulted in a vast repository of graphic documentation that serves as a testament of the architectural heritage. The embedded information found in elevations, plans and sections holds considerable value, and it can be seamlessly integrated into the intricate graphics produced during large-scale data acquisition processes. The core objective of this research is to investigate how the information coming from the large amount of existing architectural technical drawings can support 3D heritage classification processes and avoid time-consuming annotation of materials and construction techniques of historical building facades. Starting from available sets of drawings, AI-based methodologies are applied for the annotation of orthoimages and point clouds in order to obtain a predictive model that can recognize classes of materials and construction techniques in a large amount of data. The predicted classes also allow the automatic creation of vector drawing representing the facades of new buildings, providing a novel tool to facilitate the processes of analysis and conservation of architectural heritage.

CRAFTING AND MODIFYING RHINE CASTLE MODELS WITH PARAMETRIC MODELING IN BLENDER

Abstract. In the domain of architectural heritage conservation, the recent advancements in 3D modeling have significantly improved the reconstruction fidelity of historical edifices, particularly medieval castles of the Rhine region. The existing traditional 3D modeling methodologies, though precise, are laborious and exceedingly time-consuming, requiring a detailed focus on intricate architectural nuances. Advancements in Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology have played a key role in simplifying this process, offering an adaptable and parametric approach to architectural modeling. Nonetheless, the domain of Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) faces the distinctive challenge of scarce parametric object libraries that are suitably representative of historical heritage, compounded by the architectural heterogeneity inherent in these ancient structures.This paper presents a novel methodology utilizing the Blender software suite, with an emphasis on exploiting ”Geometry Nodes” and ”Modifiers” for parametric modeling. We introduce a technique that significantly enhances the efficiency of modeling Rhine castles. This method supports rapid alterations and precise customization, catering to the specific analytical needs of archaeologists and heritage researchers. The proposed approach aims to bridge the gap in HBIM by providing a flexible, dynamic toolset for the accurate digital preservation of historical architecture.

Public Participation in Architectural Heritage Conservation—The Case of Wooden Arch Corridor Bridge “Qiansheng Bridge”

Public participation in the protection of cultural heritage is essential for the further development of sustainable heritage conservation. However, more research is needed on public involvement in heritage protection and issues such as unclear management systems. This paper establishes indicators and a framework for public participation in the protection of cultural heritage, interpreting the connections between factors involved in heritage protection. Using the “Qiansheng Bridge”, one of the wooden arch corridor bridges in Fujian and Zhejiang, China, as a case study, this research builds a system for public participation in heritage protection. It predicts the extent of public involvement in protecting wooden arch corridor bridges in different scenarios. The results indicate that (1) improvements in “science education and publicity”, “management institutions”, “financial investment”, “laws and regulations”, and “business management” enhance the level of public participation in heritage protection; (2) currently, there is not enough room to improve the degree of participation in endogenous power; (3) relying solely on government and expert guidance, without considering other factors, cannot achieve sustainable development; (4) the greater the proportion of endogenous power, the higher the level of public participation in the early periods; the higher the proportion of exogenous power, the better the level of public participation in the middle and late stages.

‘Dirt Hovels’ and Cultural Heritage: The Eradication and Inheritance of the Icelandic Turf House

This article explores conflicting views of the Icelandic turf house and how these views relate to notions of corrupt architecture and so-called ‘difficult’ heritage. First, we define the concepts of corrupt and difficult architecture and address their relationship to the discussion of heritage. We assert that this theoretical discussion is highly applicable as regards turf houses, plans for their eradication and measures to protect and preserve them. Next, we examine general attitudes towards turf buildings and several public campaigns to eradicate them, whereby turf is defined as an obstacle to cultural and social progress. Finally, we explore public measures to protect the Icelandic turf house, focusing mainly on the efforts of the National Museum of Iceland, which has a leading role in policy development and conservation of Icelandic architectural heritage.

A HBIM pipeline for the conservation of large-scale architectural heritage: the city Walls of Pisa

In the architectural heritage field, a complete and in-depth knowledge of the assets is indispensable for any restoration and conservation strategy. In this context, the Historical Building Information Modelling (HBIM) technique is gaining much interest in supporting the diagnostic phase and the design and management of conservation activities. The HBIM provides opportunities to collect, organize and integrate information coming from different sources, inspections, and diagnosis techniques as well as to use standardized and effective tools for orienting cultural heritage asset management. This study addresses the challenges of developing HBIM for large-scale assets, that require adapting the conventional workflow to deliver results in a reasonable time. To this aim, a novel procedure involving a fit-for-purpose Inventory form and a scan-to-BIM approach is proposed. The data acquisition process is speeded up using multiple surveying techniques, and the modelling and information phases benefit from the interoperability among different tools that are already known by professionals in the field. As such, the main innovation lies in the ability to oversee the entire process through a single software, ensuring centralized and efficient control. This innovative process has been applied to investigate a significant portion of the city walls of Pisa, proving its ability to support the decision-making phase for planned conservation of large-scale architectural heritage. The emphasis is on the all-encompassing, interdisciplinary understanding of the assets across different scales. The suggested approach ensures a swift yet precise and reliable outcome in the diagnostic process and facilitating the critical temporal assessments and the review of information by any actor involved in the conservation.

Discussion of So-Called “Architectural Heritage DNA” via a Case Study of the Conservation of the Nara Palace Site, Japan

This study introduces a brief history of the discovery of and conservation efforts to preserve the Nara Palace Site in Japan, which brought about the recognition of this heritage site as a World Cultural Heritage location by UNESCO in 1996. Accordingly, the 1994 Nara Document on Authenticity plays an important role in contributing to Japanese cultural heritage conservation achievements, with the expansion of cultural diversity and heritage diversity and the concepts of values and authenticity, which proposed a new orientation in terms of awareness and openness to develop a broader vision when identifying architectural heritage values. Against this background, we first discuss the newly proposed concept of so-called “architectural heritage DNA” and its potential structure, providing a simple formula for appraising the authentic values of architectural heritage conservation works. Working within conservation theory, besides the doctrinal study of the 1994 Nara Document on Authenticity, this study also focuses on other important international conventions, such as the 1964 Venice Charter and the 1999 Burra Charter, to clarify the concepts of conservation, restoration, and reconstruction, adding the concept of inheritance between conservation and development, which addresses the lack of international conventions regarding cultural heritage conservation. The viewpoints expressed in this paper are based on the most common concepts of these international conventions but are interpreted in a novel, understandable, practical, and highly applicable approach suited to both the current socio-political situation and future scenarios.

Floating hutongs life to diminishing Confucian courtyard narratives in Jinan, China

ABSTRACT Confucianism has shaped traditional Chinese urban patterns and sustainable housing development, resulting in a fusion of architectural styles across China and neighbouring regions. As previous research has focused on the physical and environmental aspects of sustainable urban environments and housing, the evolution of spatial narratives has been overlooked. This study explores the significance and influence of Confucian narratives in urban streets and juxtaposed courtyard houses, specifically in the Mingfucheng area of Jinan, Shandong Province. By employing a qualitative approach through semi-structured interviews with residents, the study explores architecture and hutong spaces. The findings highlight the positive impact of Confucian concepts on residents’ lives, spatial behaviour, and spirituality. It also addresses the challenges and opportunities in the process of urbanisation and rural revitalisation. This research provides a narratological perspective on the sustainability of culturally influenced traditional architecture, contributes to the knowledge on courtyards and hutongs, and suggests sustainable strategies for architectural culture and heritage conservation.

Restoration manager: Adapting project delivery methods for the restoration of architectural heritage

The restoration of architectural heritage is a complex process and presents intricate and formidable challenges. The project delivery method plays a pivotal role for the success of the restoration process. There exists a diverse array of project delivery methods, each characterized by its distinct set of advantages and disadvantages. In the context of architectural heritage restoration, given its distinct characteristics, these advantages and disadvantages encompass a wide spectrum. Current project delivery methods, while effective for certain contexts, often fall short in addressing the unique requisites of restoration projects. Acknowledging this inadequacy, this article undertakes a research that includes a literature review that not only examines prevailing project delivery methods but also articulates the need for a tailored framework within the restoration field. This article is produced from the doctoral thesis titled "Development of a Sustainable Integrated Management System for the Conservation of Architectural Heritage", which is in the process of preparation. In the light of the results of the survey which is conducted within the scope of the first author's doctoral study in order to examine the project delivery approach preferred among the participants that are working in the field of the conservation of architectural heritage, a project delivery method called "Restoration Manager", which has been precisely prepared to meet the requirements inherent in restoration initiatives, is presented. This comprehensive project delivery method seeks to fill the void by addressing the distinct needs and challenges encountered in restoration projects. The essence of this work is to create an appropriate project delivery system that adapts to the nuances of the restoration works, and through this project delivery framework, the restoration processes and outcomes will successfully be completed.

Smart Heritage Practice and Its Characteristics Based on Architectural Heritage Conservation—A Case Study of the Management Platform of the Shanghai Federation of Literary and Art Circles China

This article aims to find out the process for achieving smartness in urban architectural heritage conservation, maintenance, and operation and identify characteristics of the so-called smartness. It seeks to provide an example of introducing smart ideas into architectural heritage while encouraging more conservation. The discussions among architectural heritage conservation under the smart discourse are scattered in virtual applications, digital involvements, tourism, etc., and an integration method is worth considering. This article selected a platform for architectural heritage conservation and management of the Shanghai Federation of Literary and Art Circles (SFLAC), China. An integrated literature review is conducted to locate knowledge gaps. Thematic analysis is used for data analysis to develop the practising procedure and smart heritage features. Current practices lack a systematic consideration based on the perspective of conservation and management, which details applications for various groups in correspondence to stages. Interviews and policy document analysis were conducted to support the investigation. Smartness for architectural heritage should include policy guidance, digitalisation, platform integration, applications, and optimisations and has the feature of evolvement. Its practice should first promote heritage preservation and consider the benefits of different users, cultural inheritance, and urban regeneration based on different time durations.

H-G Preserving History in a Modern Setting "An Adaptive Redesign of Lawang Sewu for Sustainable Development and Architectural Heritage Conservation

This study focuses on the adaptive redesign of Lawang Sewu, a prominent landmark in Semarang, Indonesia. The building, constructed in the early 20th century, has witnessed historical events and changes throughout its existence. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in preserving and revitalizing Lawang Sewu as a cultural heritage site. However, the adaptive redesign is not without challenges, including structural instability, environmental degradation, functional obsolescence, aesthetic discordance, and social resistance. This research essay aims to explore the adaptive redesign of Lawang Sewu from various perspectives and propose strategies for achieving energy efficiency and sustainability objectives. The essay is organized into chapters that provide an overview, literature review, case study analysis, discussion of historical and socio-environmental aspects, examination of visual impact, and a conclusion. The study also discusses the concept of authenticity in heritage conservation and presents a design proposal for Lawang Sewu's acoustic enhancement. The results of the case study analysis highlight the complexity of the adaptive redesign project and its cultural context and project site in Semarang.

Architectural Cultural Heritage Conservation: Fire Risk Assessment of Ancient Vernacular Residences Based on FAHP and EWM

The architectural relics of ancient vernacular residences and villages with brick–timber structures are at great risk of fire; if one occurs, they cannot be recovered. To protect this cultural heritage, this study takes a southern Guangdong He Xinwu building complex as a case study. It focuses on four indicator systems: human factors, facility factors, environmental factors, and social management factors, and 20 sub-indicators to establish an assessment system for fire risk in vernacular residences. Combining triangular fuzzy hierarchical analysis and the entropy weight method to determine weight values reduces evaluation subjectivity, allowing for both qualitative and quantitative measurements to derive the safety level and determine key fire risk factors. The results showed that human misconduct and social management of fire had the greatest impact on fire risk (29% and 25.8%, respectively). The most important secondary indicators were the ability to fight fires early on, the fire resistance level of building materials, fire rescue capability, fire load, and electricity use by villagers. Moreover, comparing differences in protection between ancient houses and high-rise buildings provided targeted policy recommendations that offer a new perspective for protecting architectural heritage from fires.

Survey of Residents of Historic Cities Willingness to Pay for a Cultural Heritage Conservation Project: The Contribution of Heritage Awareness

The adaptive reuse of cultural heritage (ARCH) is an innovative, sustainable approach to architectural heritage conservation; however, current research on the subject lacks public awareness surveys from the bottom-up, and the non-use value of ARCH buildings has not been clarified. We investigated the willingness to pay for ARCH among 1460 residents of the Nara Prefecture using a contingent valuation method and clarified the factors affecting the willingness to pay through an ordered logistic regression model. The results of this study showed that 75.1% of the respondents were willing to pay for ARCH projects, which were valued at JPY 6036.13 (USD 41.15) per person per year excluding zero payments and JPY 4531.23 (USD 30.89), including zero payments. In addition, residents’ attitudes toward ARCH and heritage awareness positively influenced both the willingness to pay and its magnitude, while the degree of place attachment was a positive predictor of willingness to pay. This study demonstrates the role of public participation in cultural heritage conservation, emphasizes the importance of heritage awareness, and provides a reference point for policy makers in promoting public participation in ARCH buildings, which contributes to the implementation of a recycling approach to heritage conservation in a sustainable context.

Conservation, Revitalization and Renewal of Modern Macao's Historic Architectural Heritage: A Case Study in the Site of St. Paul's College

As an essential member of the tangible cultural heritage, historic architectural heritage contains unique historical and social values. This paper describes the current state of conservation of historic buildings and the ways of conservation, revitalization and renewal by the Macao authorities, and draws on the Cathedral of the Merciful Jesus in Goa, India, and Coventry Cathedral in England, to provide suggestions for the conservation and restoration of the site of St. Pauls College in Macao. St. Pauls College is divided into three main parts: St. Pauls Church, the Seminary, and the Fortress, for conservation, revitalization, and renewal. The current conservation and renewal measures of the site are still inadequate. By analyzing the conservation strategies and the current situation, St. Pauls College needs the cooperation of the government and the public to value and improve the reuse value of the site and increase its visibility. At the same time, the use of rich restoration and renewal methods, combined with the current situation of society in the restoration and renewal of the site, can present valuable ideas.