Architectural Conservation Research Articles

Scan-to-BIM Process and Architectural Conservation: Towards an Effective Tool for the Thematic Mapping of Decay and Alteration Phenomena

Ancient monumental complexes need continuous analysis and monitoring operations to preserve a good conservation status. For this reason, the analysis of decay and alteration phenomena represents one of the main activities for their preservation. At the same time, the diffusion of Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) methodology opens new scenarios for the management of Architectural Heritage. The paper describes the workflow based on a Scan-to-BIM approach for the generation of a decay map in an HBIM model. The workflow was applied to a significant case study, the church of “Santa Maria della Grotta” in Marsala (Italy). This church, partially excavated in a sandstone bank, is part of a larger heritage site consisting of a series of hypogea and a Punic necropolis dating back more than a thousand years. The Scan-to-BIM process, relying on an integrated survey combining mobile laser scanning and photogrammetric technologies, enabled the achievement of a complete 3D parametric model of the monument and, altogether, a detailed decay map in a BIM environment. The mapping process focused on the production of thematic maps of perimetral walls according to an abacus of decays implemented in a BIM system, useful for the analysis and conservation of the church. The work demonstrates how the Scan-to-BIM process is an efficient approach for 3D data collection and how it could facilitate the identification and mapping of pathogenic phenomena. Furthermore, the inclusion of this kind of information in the BIM model represents an effective tool for the maintenance and restoration of built heritage.

The Trình Tường house of the Bố Y People in Vietnam: A Study on Cultural Heritage and Traditional Architecture

The Trình Tường house (similer Earthen-Walled house), a distinctive architectural form of the Bố Y people in Vietnam, has embodied both cultural and spiritual values, reflecting their ethnic identity. However, modernization, climate change, and the development of tourism have placed immense pressure on the preservation of this traditional architecture. This paper aims to analyze the cultural and architectural values of the Trình Tường house in the modern context while proposing solutions for its preservation and promotion as a cultural heritage. The research was based on qualitative methods, including field observation, semi-structured interviews with Bố Y community members, and comparative analysis of traditional architecture from other ethnic minorities in Southeast Asia and worldwide. The findings revealed that the Trình Tường house was not only a physical structure but also a cultural and spiritual symbol, connecting people with nature and belief systems. However, pressures from modernization and climate change have compromised the sustainability of this architecture. The study contributes to cultural ecology theory and offers specific policy recommendations for preserving the Trình Tường house, ensuring the Bố Y people’s cultural identity, and paves the way for future research on traditional architectural conservation in the current context.

Strategies for the Regeneration of Rural Settlements Facing Depopulation: Analysis Methodology and Case Studies

Based on the analysis of bibliographical sources, official governance documents, expert interviews and fieldwork on the phenomenon of depopulation in the United Kingdom, this text identifies the different geographical, historical, economic and political factors influencing different fields, including territory, agriculture, urbanism, rural settlements, traditional architecture, population and society. The set of factors and fields of action was recorded in a multifactor matrix that enabled the analysis of cases applied in the United Kingdom to identify strategies and actions aimed at guaranteeing the conservation of vernacular settlements and architecture. The study was subsequently expanded with detailed research in four areas: the regions of the Cotswolds (Oxfordshire) and Cornwall in England, Mid West Wales and the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The aim of this study, applied to the case of the United Kingdom, is to extract guidelines, strategies and actions that can be applied to other contexts where tangible and intangible vernacular heritage is to be safeguarded.

The Neglected Modern Architectural Heritage: Analysis of Housing Estates in the Second Half of the 20th Century from Izmir, Turkey, Case Study Area

Twentieth-century housing estates are an important part of the architectural heritage of the modern age, reflecting not only the evolution of housing forms, but also the technological advances and sociocultural dynamics of the twentieth century. However, awareness of the value of this heritage is still insufficient, resulting in a lack of legal protection and numerous threats in the form of transformation and negligence. In this research, we present the problem using the example of modernist Turkish architecture. The settlements of Izmir, a cosmopolitan port city with a diverse socio-cultural fabric and rapidly developing housing architecture, are chosen as the subject of the study. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the state of conservation and the degree of transformation of the selected estates. The overall assessment of the maintenance of the legibility of urban layouts and the form of individual buildings shows that, despite the lack of systematic protection, it is possible to preserve the existing architectural heritage in the examples analyzed and to provide recommendations for future policies to sustain the heritage values of modernism. The research aims to fill the existing gaps in the discourse on modern housing and contribute to a broader international dialogue on the conservation of modern architecture. By including these estates in the ongoing discussion, we recognize their historical significance and promote their preservation as important participants in contemporary urban life.

Long-read transcriptomics of Ostreid herpesvirus 1 uncovers a conserved expression strategy for the capsid maturation module and pinpoints a mechanism for evasion of the ADAR-based antiviral defence

Abstract Ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1), a member of the family Malacoherpesviridae (order Herpesvirales), is a major pathogen of bivalves. However, the molecular details of the malacoherpesvirus infection cycle and its overall similarity to the replication of mammalian herpesviruses (family Orthoherpesviridae) remain obscure. Here, to gain insights into the OsHV-1 biology, we performed long read sequencing of infected blood clams, Anadara broughtonii, which yielded over one million OsHV-1 long reads. This data enabled the annotation of the viral genome with 78 gene units and 274 transcripts, of which 67 were polycistronic mRNAs, 35 ncRNAs and 20 natural antisense transcripts (NATs). Transcriptomics and proteomics data indicate preferential transcription and independent translation of the capsid scaffold protein as an OsHV-1 capsid maturation protease isoform. The conservation of this transcriptional architecture across Herpesvirales likely indicates its functional importance and ancient origin. Moreover, we traced RNA editing events using short read sequencing and supported the presence of inosine nucleotides in native OsHV-1 RNA, consistent with the activity of ADAR1. Our data suggests that, whereas RNA hyper-editing is concentrated in specific regions of the OsHV-1 genome, single nucleotide editing is more dispersed along the OsHV-1 transcripts. In conclusion, we reveal the existence of a conserved pan-Herpesvirales transcriptomic architecture of the capsid maturation module and uncover a transcription-based viral counter defence mechanism, which presumably facilitates the evasion of the host ADAR antiviral system.

Identity of Colonial Architecture Preservation in Thakhek City Center

This paper examines the conservation of colonial architecture in the center of Thakhek, which is a unique and historically significant feature of the city. Researching the historical context, architectural features and cultural values ​​of the buildings in the colonial era in Laos and efforts to conserve and promote them to become urban heritage. The research uses mixed methods, combining documentary research, observation from the field through surveys, measurements and interviews with local stakeholders. The findings reveal the challenges faced in preserving the colonial architecture at Thakhek, including limited resources. This research also highlights the potential benefits of preserving colonial architecture, such as promoting cultural tourism, promoting community pride and contributing to urban regeneration. The study concluded with recommendations to strengthen the preservation of colonial architecture in the center of Thakhek, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive preservation plan, increasing public awareness and cooperation between local stakeholders. This research contributes to the broader discussion on heritage conservation in Southeast Asia, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities of preserving colonial architecture in old urban areas in a context of rapid urban development.

From monuments to living heritage. Revisiting the Venice Charter in the conservation of younger industrial heritage

The Venice Charter of 1964 has been the benchmark for tenets governing architectural conservation and set forth pivotal principles that shaped conservation practices for decades. However, conceived during a time when heritage was primarily associated with physical monuments, the landscape of cultural heritage has transformed significantly since then, encompassing immaterial aspects, democratisation of heritage values, and diverse sustainability considerations.This research aims at exploring the strengths, limitations, and adaptability of the Venice Charter in light of evolving perspectives on heritage. The paper delves into the charter's historical context, asking whether it remains a guiding beacon or a potential hindrance. A key focus of the research is the examination of obstacles associated with the conservation of younger heritage in the face of contemporary challenges posed by sustainability imperatives. The inherent complexities of managing heritage structures marked by ongoing developmental histories and changes are explored with an example of industrial heritage dealing with the concept of ‘living heritage’. In the context of a future where resource responsibility and reuse are paramount matters, firm definitions of original substance as defined in the Venice Charter, as well as a static perception of conservation, may pose challenges, particularly for unintentional monuments situated in complex environments or marked by evolving narratives through time. Marking the 60th anniversary of the Venice Charter, this research sheds light on the charter’s legacy and its validity in the contemporary landscape of heritage protection as well as the future role of the monuments in our ever-changing societal context.

External Knowledge Management in the Context of Architectural Conservation Organization

External Knowledge Management in the Context of Architectural Conservation Organization

Social Cluster and Heritage Memory: A Study on the Space Perception of Zhaozhou Basin Horse Caravan Vernacular Architecture

Located in Dali, Yunnan, the Zhaozhou basin is home to many precious architectural heritages, particularly the historical horse caravan architecture. These buildings face the challenge of renewal and transformation. It is of great significance to explore the local population’s awareness of the architectural heritage of the horse caravan in order to protect the architectural heritage and facilitate rural revitalization. This study reviews the related research on “space perception”, establishes a theoretical framework of space perception under the architectural dimension, and develops hypotheses. The social cluster of typical settlements in the Zhaozhou basin is selected as the research object, and empirical analyses are carried out using SPSS and AMOS software. An analytical framework model of empirical research is constructed to evaluate the space perception of the current social population. The results of the reliability and validity tests of the questionnaire show that the CR is greater than 0.7 and that the AVE is greater than 0.5. The value of the structural equation model fitting index χ2/df is 1.863, which is less than 3. The model test results show that research hypotheses H1–H5 are supported; that is, space perception has a significant positive impact on cognition and local identity, cognition has a significant positive impact on local identity and space function, and place identity has a significant positive impact on space appeal. This study demonstrates the relationship between space perception and the architectural remains of the horse caravan, and it analyzes the human psychological perception behind the material space. The findings support the need for further conservation of the horse caravan architecture. This study further deepens the theory of space perception and its application in the study of vernacular architecture, which can provide a research path for the protection and development of vernacular architectural heritage.

Linking Teaching and Research in Conservation of the Built Environment: Case Studies from Courses of the University of Cyprus Graduate Programme on Conservation

ABSTRACT Teaching and research are both equally essential to postgraduate studies in architectural conservation. The interaction between them is also crucial. Various perspectives exist on the connection between teaching and research, including research-led, research-oriented, and research-based teaching. Thus, differences arise based on whether the focus is on research content or on research processes and problems, whether students are treated as audiences or as participants, and whether teaching is teacher- or student-centred. This article presents case studies (courses) that link teaching and research from a new interdisciplinary postgraduate programme at the University of Cyprus on architectural conservation. It also discusses this issue within the international context of teaching and research in architectural conservation.

Bioclimatic Design Strategies For Housing in Areas Affected by Natural Events

Objective: The objective of this study was a housing design with bioclimatic criteria and construction technology with traditional materials to propose an appropriate solution for families that suffered damage from the 2017 earthquakes in Oaxaca, Mexico. Method: A climatic characterization of the site was carried out to obtain bioclimatic strategies for the housing design. Analysis methods were used to validate these strategies such as comfort triangles and Mahoney tables. The housing was designed considering the resulting strategies and prioritized passive ones. Results and conclusions: It was obtained that for the study area the main strategies for the housing design are natural cross ventilation, thermal inertia in walls and ceilings and solar radiation during the cold months. The study highlights the importance of implementing bioclimatic design strategies according to the climatic context that promote the improvement of the habitability level of housing. Implications of the research: The research contributes to the design of a sustainable housing model for families affected in their patrimony by the action of earthquakes in the study area considering the environmental conditions, in addition to promoting the conservation of traditional architecture and construction systems. Originality/value: In the area of sustainability and the environment, a housing design was proposed that adopts practices that minimize the environmental impact and ensures that the new houses are energy efficient and environmentally friendly and adapt to climate change.

Urban Transformation in Muslim Neighborhoods: From Shanghai’s Women’s Mosque into a Retirement Home

Since the mid-19th century, the migration of Hui Muslims to Shanghai has fostered the development of stable residential neighborhoods around the Small Peach Garden Mosque, turning the area into a hub for religious gatherings and a bustling economic center, especially for the beef, mutton, and catering sectors. However, the dawn of the 21st century brought with it swift economic expansion and urban redevelopment, gradually replacing the neighborhoods surrounding the mosque with high-end residential zones. Soaring land prices slashed the profits of Muslim food businesses in the area to the point of unsustainability, disrupting the traditional pattern of life around the mosque. This study offers insights from interviews with older Muslim women who stayed at the Small Peach Garden Women’s Mosque after its demolition, slowly transforming it into a retirement home. Their stories underline that architectural conservation alone is not sufficient to preserve the character of historic and cultural sites. The study calls for a deeper understanding of urban transformations in historic urban landscapes for religious minorities.

Conservation of Minnan architecture in the new era of urban construction

In the new era of city building, In the process of urban construction in the new era, under the influence of various aspects, the culture of southern Fujian as well as cultural relics and ancient buildings have been more or less affected by the impact of the development of modern urbanization. Part of the heritage has shown a tendency to fall into disrepair, and the proper protection and restoration of cultural heritage and ancient buildings in northern Fujian is imminent. This paper analyzes the current situation of the protection of cultural relics and ancient buildings from the introduction of the architecture of southern Fujian and its connotation of culture. To analyze the current situation of the conservation of southern Fujian architecture, and point out its deficiencies to give precise and contemporary suggestions and related conservation strategies, hoping to provide some inspiration to the relevant conservationists.

Syncopated Chronologies: Architectural Conservation and Spectral Documentation

AbstractFrom its very inception, architectural preservation, and the specialist conservation practices that have evolved to support it, have occupied a shifting territory of constant quantification and continually evolving legislation. Architectural designer Cameron Stebbing evokes a menagerie of philosophical ideas used to illustrate and explore the notion that traditional recording techniques ignore hidden and veiled presences within our built environment.

ArchGPT: harnessing large language models for supporting renovation and conservation of traditional architectural heritage

The renovation of traditional architecture contributes to the inheritance of cultural heritage and promotes the development of social civilization. However, executing renovation plans that simultaneously align with the demands of residents, heritage conservation personnel, and architectural experts poses a significant challenge. In this paper, we introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI) agent, Architectural GPT (ArchGPT), designed for comprehensively and accurately understanding needs and tackling architectural renovation tasks, accelerating and assisting the renovation process. To address users’ requirements, ArchGPT utilizes the reasoning capabilities of large language models (LLMs) for task planning. Operating under the use of tools, task-specific models, and professional architectural guidelines, it resolves issues within the architectural domain through sensible planning, combination, and invocation. Ultimately, ArchGPT achieves satisfactory results in terms of response and overall satisfaction rates for customized tasks related to the conservation and restoration of traditional architecture.

The Intersection of Architectural Conservation and Energy Efficiency: A Case Study of Romanian Heritage Buildings

In Europe, it is estimated that 14% of existing buildings were built before 1919, whereas 26% were built before 1945. In Romania, about 31% of the buildings date from before 1961, contributing to the current stock of old buildings with historic and architectural value in the country. This paper illustrates the current state of buildings with historic and architectural value in Romania, alongside a case study of a representative administrative building in Câmpulung, Romania. The analysis of the Town Hall building in Câmpulung, Romania, demonstrates that potential energy savings of up to 47.53% can be achieved by implementing interventions such as upgrading windows, insulating the attic, and installing photovoltaic panels. The highest energy reduction is obtained by replacing the window glass with a value of 18.16% with attic insulation with a value of 16.1%. This paper also presents indoor measurements of temperature and humidity in different offices positioned in the north and the south. The study conducted on the south façade office revealed consistent temperatures ranging from 21.7 °C to 24.4 °C, with an average of 23.31 °C. However, the humidity levels fluctuated considerably, ranging from 17.1% to 39.1%, with an average of 26.89%. The sun-exposed section of the building saw relatively stable temperature conditions, but the varying humidity levels could have a detrimental impact on the quality of the indoor atmosphere and potentially decrease the effectiveness of the workforce. By contrast, the north façade office exhibited lower and more fluctuating temperatures, ranging from 19.8 °C to 23.6 °C, with an average of 21.74 °C. Additionally, it had higher and more stable humidity levels, ranging between 19.5% and 41.7%, with an average of 29.83%. A thermographic analysis was performed on the north façade of the Câmpulung Town Hall, utilizing thermal imaging technology to detect areas of heat loss, and thus identifying the energy inefficiency problems of the building’s exterior. The investigation found notable variations in temperature, especially around the windows, where temperatures could be as high as 14.1 °C, highlighting the insufficiency of the building’s antiquated timber-framed windows in preventing energy loss.

Assessment Methodology for Physical Vulnerability of Vernacular Architecture in Areas Affected by Depopulation: The Case of Comunidad Valenciana, Spain

The intensity with which the phenomenon of depopulation has affected rural municipalities in Spain between 1950 and 2022 has led to a loss in the intergenerational transmission of traditional knowledge, values and customs. Sociocultural loss entails associated physical risks: the abandonment, demolition, and loss of vernacular architecture. This research analyzes the evolution of this type of architecture in a period of acute depopulation and its current state of conservation. A total of 180 case studies in the region of Comunidad Valenciana are analyzed through four factors affecting the physical vulnerability of dwellings: year of construction, state of conservation, type of use, and a combination of all three. Data management software is used to combine all the information and produce the results in a tabular and graphical format, while the Geographic Information System is used to draw up risk maps showing the results. These results are then divided into analysis groups created according to the degree of depopulation observed in the years mentioned. This made it possible to identify the relationship between depopulation and the conservation of vernacular architecture, showing the risk level for each case study, and thus creating an analysis methodology applicable in other territories affected by depopulation at a national and international level.

Transformations of the Vernacular Houses of Macedonia in the 19th Century

It is notable that the vernacular houses of 19th-century Macedonia have undergone significant developmental transformations, reflecting a complex interplay of socioeconomic, cultural, and technological influences. On this issue, over the past 40 years, extensive documentations have been produced, shedding light on the influences of 19th-century developments on these houses. In this context, this research investigates the nature and extent of these transformations, focusing specifically on traditional village and town houses in Macedonia. The research employs a qualitative approach. It utilizes data gathering techniques such as a literature survey, observations of transformations, photographic surveys, documentations, and interviews. It produces a comprehensive understanding of the changes that have occurred in Macedonian vernacular houses by triangulating data generated from these methods. The findings indicate that the developmental changes are closely linked to advancements in building materials and construction techniques. The paper thus concludes that the traditional Macedonian village and town houses are undergoing notable changes, driven by factors such as urbanization, globalization, and shifts in cultural norms. These transformations pose challenges to the preservation of cultural heritage and underscore the need for innovative approaches to architectural conservation and urban development.

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.

Plant genome evolution in the genus Eucalyptus is driven by structural rearrangements that promote sequence divergence.

Genomes have a highly organized architecture (nonrandom organization of functional and nonfunctional genetic elements within chromosomes) that is essential for many biological functions, particularly gene expression and reproduction. Despite the need to conserve genome architecture, a high level of structural variation has been observed within species. As species separate and diverge, genome architecture also diverges, becoming increasingly poorly conserved as divergence time increases. However, within plant genomes, the processes of genome architecture divergence are not well described. Here we use long-read sequencing and de novo assembly of 33 phylogenetically diverse, wild and naturally evolving Eucalyptus species, covering 1-50 million years of diverging genome evolution to measure genome architectural conservation and describe architectural divergence. The investigation of these genomes revealed that following lineage divergence, genome architecture is highly fragmented by rearrangements. As genomes continue to diverge, the accumulation of mutations and the subsequent divergence beyond recognition of rearrangements become the primary driver of genome divergence. The loss of syntenic regions also contribute to genome divergence but at a slower pace than that of rearrangements. We hypothesize that duplications and translocations are potentially the greatest contributors to Eucalyptus genome divergence.