Conservation Of Buildings Research Articles

The Changing Roles of the Building Guild in Construction, Maintenance, and Conservation of Earth Buildings: A Case Study

A guild is an association of artisans or merchants that oversee their craft or trade within a particular territory. In many cultures, building guilds have played a major role in the realisation and maintenance of earth buildings, as well as in the standardisation and dissemination of skills in the building trade. Zaria, in northern Nigeria, is one such traditional settlement where an earth building guild (magina) once played these key roles. Although the guild still exists and traditional titles are still bestowed to members of the guild, its role has changed significantly. Causes for this change are multifaceted but related, as identified during the fieldwork. The aim of this article is to present findings on the changing roles of the earth building guild (magina) in Zaria and how this change is affecting both the practice of earthen architecture and conservation of earth buildings in the city. This study began in 2021 whilst working on a conservation of earth building in Zaria, which involved the engagement of traditional builders (magina) from Zaria, led by Katukan Magina (deputy chief builder) and a member of the earth building guild from Djenne, Mali (Boubacar Kouroumanse). A deeper interest in the Zaria building guild ensued, which led to the further research presented in this article. The review of the existing literature provided a historical background to the Zaria building guild (magina). A comparative analysis of the literature and data generated from interviews and condition surveys were use for the identification of the changes that occur over time. Similarly, a proposal for positive change within the building guild was proposed using an example of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Transforming University Library Building Conservation: A Descriptive Study of Preservation Practices in Nigeria

The study examined the conservation of library building for effective information preservation among university libraries in Enugu State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey with population of 325 library staff made up the study. The instruments for collecting data is questionnaire, analysed and presented in mean score, standard deviation as well as percentage and t-test. Results: conservation criteria for library building are clearing and cleaning of the library building, repair of roof, windows and doors, installation of fire and smoke alarm system, and the provision of enough security personnel around the building. Library buildings are being conserved to protect resources against natural disasters like flooding, and earthquake, against man-made disaster like fire, making library resources accessible, promote an end to wasteful use of non-renewable information resources, to encourages best practices in records management, and it provides an extremely attractive environment for the use of books. Findings on the adequacy level of policy and regulatory framework shows that disaster management, storage capacity for documentary resources, appropriateness of environmental conditions are to be consider in the library. The study recommended that the university library management should provide monitoring system for environmental condition, storage capacity for digital resources and disaster preventive measure in the library.

Application of nano-TiO2 and micro-ZnO on cementitious surfaces for self-cleaning façades by spray coating and dip coating: A comparative study

Building façades are constantly exposed to atmospheric pollution and various external agents that can degrade their aesthetic qualities and introduce degradation patterns that affect the durability and performance of the materials. Façades with self-cleaning properties are important in the modern construction industry and the conservation of historic buildings, as they reduce costs and allow the preservation of original surfaces without the need for invasive interventions that could compromise cultural heritage. This study does a comparative analysis of the application of photocatalytic coatings composed of aqueous dispersions of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂) and zinc oxide microparticles (ZnO) on cementitious substrates for use on façades by two functionalisation methods: spray coating and dip coating. A comprehensive characterisation was carried out using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) to assess the morphology, crystal structure and light absorption properties of the photocatalyst particles while Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to evaluate the substrate. The self-cleaning performance was evaluated by monitoring the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye under simulated sunlight. Spectrophotometric analysis was used to assess the colour coordinates using a standard colour system (CIELAB colour space). The results showed that the photocatalytic coatings improved the surfaces' self-cleaning properties while maintaining the substrate's original aesthetics. Spray-applied micro-ZnO-based coatings showed the most significant effectiveness in terms of self-cleaning.

Combination of LiDAR detection and green integral method for calculating irregular cross-section geometric properties of deteriorated components in timber historic buildings

Timber components in historic buildings are susceptible to deterioration due to the complex external environment. The loss of material in these components and changes in their cross-section geometry significantly impact the stability and load-bearing capacity of historic buildings. A portable LiDAR device is utilized to acquire the cross-section geometry of the deteriorated components. The irregular cross-section profiles are extracted using point cloud slicing and the Alpha-Shape algorithm. Geometric characteristics such as cross-section area, moment of inertia, and moment of resistance are calculated using Green's integral method. The performance of this method is evaluated by measuring eight groups of deteriorated components with different cross-section characteristics and comparing it with five traditional methods. The results demonstrate that the proposed method improves the calculation accuracy by 1%–21% relative to traditional methods, thereby enhancing reliability by 9%–54%. Additionally, it reduces manual calculation workload and human error, while promoting calculation efficiency. The method exhibits excellent applicability and high efficiency, with an error below 3% when compared to the true value. This method proves valuable in evaluating the extent of deterioration in historic timber components and provides essential data for preventive conservation and restoration of historic timber buildings.

Exploring the Adaptive Conservation and Development of Chongqing's Historic Buildings

Historical and cultural heritage is an essential part of human civilisation. Nowadays, in the progress of a society that emphasises sustainable development, the simultaneous modernisation and preservation of historical and cultural heritage has become a criterion for the degree of urban advancement. However, in China's large-scale urban renewal and renovation, many old urban structures and historical relics are being submerged by the pace of modernisation. Therefore, we need to strengthen the awareness of protection, while exploring deeply under the conditions of market economy to respond to the historical preservation issues in the development of ancient towns in a flexible and effective way. In tourism development, new ancient towns with traditional market style can be reconstructed to integrate them with modern life. This not only promotes the development of urban characteristics, but also injects new vitality into traditional culture and enriches the historical connotation of the city. However, some worrying situations of historical and cultural preservation have also emerged. For example, some people regard historical culture as a cash cow and blindly carry out temporary imitation of antique commodity blocks, leading to the chaos of cultural landscape; some people carry out one-sided and isolated protection, which makes the historical buildings incompatible with the modern life and so on. Therefore, there is an urgent need for domestic academics to explore effective methods for the conservation and utilisation of historic buildings, so as to ensure that the conservation and development of historic buildings can embark on a healthy path.

A Comprehensive Review and Recent Trends in Thermal Insulation Materials for Energy Conservation in Buildings

In recent years, energy conservation became a strategic goal to preserve the environment, foster sustainability, and preserve valuable natural resources. The building sector is considered one of the largest energy consumers globally. Therefore, insulation plays a vital role in mitigating the energy consumption of the building sector. This study provides an overview of various organic and inorganic insulation materials, recent trends in insulation systems, and their applications, advantages, and disadvantages, particularly those suitable for extreme climates. Moreover, natural and composite materials that can be used as a low-cost, thermally efficient, and sustainable option for thermal insulation are discussed along with their thermal properties-associated problems, and potential solutions that could be adopted to utilize natural and sustainable options. Finally, the paper highlights factors affecting thermal performance and essential considerations for choosing a particular insulation system for a particular region. It is concluded that the most commonly used insulation materials are found to have several associated problems and there is a strong need to utilize sustainable materials along with advanced materials such as aerogels to develop novel composite insulation materials to overcome these deficiencies.

Renovation Strategies for Energy Conservation in Multi-Story Residential Buildings in Turkey

Renovation Strategies for Energy Conservation in Multi-Story Residential Buildings in Turkey

Evaluation of ten plant-derived biocides for the inhibition of photosynthetic organisms on the karst surfaces of heritage buildings

Biodeterioration is a significant problem in the conservation of stone heritage buildings. In this study, 10 plant essential oils were assessed for their effectiveness in biofilm inhibition on stone heritage building surfaces under laboratory and in situ conditions, and were compared with traditional biocides such as benzalkonium chloride. The plant extracts were tested against algae and mosses. The effect on algae removal was evaluated by measuring the color of the surface before treatment, after 24 h and after 1 month of treatment. The effect on mosses was assessed by measuring the photosynthetic pigment content of mosses after 24 h of treatment. The results showed that the different plant extracts exhibited different levels of antibiotic activity. Benzalkonium chloride, S. aromaticum and C. cassia extracts showed strong antibiotic activity against all algae and mosses tested. T. mongolicus extracts showed antibiotic activity against only some of the algae and mosses, while the application of P. cablin extracts increased chlorophyll b content in the mosses. The other plant extracts were less effective at inhibiting the growth of algae and mosses. GC–MS compositional analysis further indicated that the higher antibiotic activity of S. aromaticum and C. cassia extracts was related to the high content of eugenol and cinnamaldehyde.

Assessing Industrial Heritage Through Collaborative Counter-Mapping: A Case Study of Salts Mill, UK

The decline of Britain’s traditional manufacturing economy has resulted in an increase in abandoned factories and industrial structures, signifying a crucial turning point for local communities historically anchored in these industries. This research centres on the Salts Mill complex, a former textile factory that has undergone a remarkable transformation into a versatile space in the heart of Saltaire Village in Shipley, West Yorkshire, England. It delves into the revitalisation of Salts Mill, focusing on the intersection of industry and art. This approach uniquely highlights the socio-cultural and intangible elements embedded in the regeneration process, exploring strategies crafted to inject vitality into local communities intricately connected to this industrial site. Counter-mapping served as the primary participatory method, allowing insights from both rational observers (experts) and the involved users (local communities) to be integrated into three main areas of inquiry: the embodied experiences of Salts Mill, the essence of the locale as reflected in the building, and the everyday life interactions facilitated by arts-led regeneration. The authors argue that these components are indispensable for achieving comprehensive understandings and insights crucial to pioneering research on industrial heritage buildings. Moreover, reimagining the transformation of old factory structures through innovative arts-led initiatives can significantly bolster long-term sustainability and nurture resilient community development. This highlights the importance of prioritising community and broader context over merely focusing on the assessment and conservation of collections and buildings within post-industrial cities and towns.

Numerical and Experimental Study on the Performance of Photovoltaic—Trombe Wall in Hot Summer and Warm Winter Regions: Energy Efficiency Matching and Application Potential

Enhancing the energy efficiency of building envelopes is one of the key strategies for energy conservation and reducing consumption in buildings. This study employs numerical research methods to explore the impact of crucial factors such as solar cell coverage, air channel height, indoor relative humidity, and indoor wind speed on the power generation performance and thermal comfort of a photovoltaic (PV)—Trombe wall. The dynamic changes in optical and thermal performance and energy efficiency matching mechanisms of this system are also discussed in hot summer and warm winter regions. The research findings indicate that the periods of good thermal comfort and power generation efficiency for humans are from 9:00 to 17:00 in winter. In summer, these periods are from 5:00 to 8:00 as well as from 17:00 to 20:00. When the system height is 2 m, the electricity price for power supplied by the PV—Trombe wall system is 25% lower than the residential price, with an annual energy generation of 322.5 kWh/m2 of solar panel, which can save USD 6.35 in costs. Moreover, an experiment is conducted to investigate the thermoelectric correlation by constructing a traditional Trombe wall and an external PV—Trombe wall. When the coverage reached 52.08%, the overall system efficiency was maximized. At a coverage of 78.12%, the system’s thermal efficiency was at its lowest, while the maximum power generation was 510.3 W. It can be seen that the PV—Trombe wall possesses good economic benefits and energy saving as well as emission reduction potential in hot summers and warm winters regions, and the smooth implementation of related works will effectively promote its applications and promotions.

Energy conservation strategies on academic buildings using interpretive structural modeling to develop energy sustainability

Effective energy conservation strategies are required to be implemented in academic buildings as they consume significant energy while considering the convenience and function of the buildings. However, the influencing factors are interrelated and complex, requiring an appropriate approach to unravel the complexity. Therefore, this study aims to identify, analyse, and map the interaction relationship between factors affecting energy conservation in academic buildings. This study used Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) procedure starting from developing the Structural Self Interaction Matrix (SSIM), converting SSIM into a Reachability Matrix, revising the matrix, and categorizing the factors by using MICMAC analysis. This study involved 9 factors, including architectural design, illumination technology, education and awareness, energy monitoring and management, renewable energy use, efficient HVAC system, energy-saving equipment, institutional policies, and campus community participation. The study found that renewable energy use at level 3 was the factor that was not influenced by and did not interact with any other factors. Meanwhile, the illumination technology was a factor that interacted with the efficient HVAC System factor which was at level 1 where these two factors were influenced by other seven factors. This study aligns with current developments in energy conservation, including an increased focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency in academic buildings, supported by global and national policies aimed at achieving sustainability goals. It provides a comprehensive understanding on developing sustainable energy conservation strategies in academic buildings.

Kajian Eksistensi Bangunan Cagar Budaya Di Jl. Dr. Cipto Kota Semarang

The city of Semarang is rich in a multitude of cultural heritage. In accordance with the Decree of the Mayor of the Regional Head of Level II Semarang No. 646/50/TAHUN/1992 concerning Building Conservation, Ancient/Historic Buildings in the Semarang Level II Regional Municipality Area, several Cultural Heritage Buildings have been designated. The types of buildings determined consist of socio-cultural buildings, religious buildings and business buildings. Jl. Dr. Cipto was the development of the Dutch city area after the Old City was full so that Dutch and Chinese people living in Semarang began to occupy this area along with the emergence of supporting buildings. Research related to the existence of cultural heritage buildings cannot be separated from the role of trusted sources who understand or understand the object being studied. This research aims to obtain comprehensive facts, data and information related to the existence of Cultural Heritage Buildings which are the object of research. The primary survey in this research was carried out to obtain primary data or information, namely data or information obtained directly from the field. Field survey with an argumentative and persuasive approach to dig up information to strengthen institutional data and complement existing data. The technique for obtaining this data is observation, measurement and interviews. Apart from that, the survey was carried out using literature studies, reports related to previous Cultural Heritage Building data. The analysis results show that the Cultural Heritage Building on Jalan Dr. Most of this Cipto has strong characteristics of modern architecture, a style that was popular at the beginning of the 20th century. Some of the buildings are not multi-storey, and there are parts of the core building that resemble multi-storey towers. The building orientation tends to be west. The foundation of a building made of stone that supports the main structure. Until now, the building still looks sturdy and well maintained. The existence of cultural heritage buildings in the Old City area, especially on Jl. Dr. Cipto Semarang has an important meaning in supporting the existence of the region from its inception until today. The existence of a cultural heritage building on Jl. Dr. Cipto demonstrated the consistency of function and transformation of the building's function according to the needs of the time but did not change the shape/facade of the existing building. The role of building managers needs to continue to be improved by increasing cooperation between the Government, Building Management Organizations, Building Owners and Investors. The Semarang City Government needs to continue to play an active role in efforts to maintain the existence of cultural heritage buildings in the Jl. Dr. Cipto is mainly related to policies to support the existence of cultural heritage buildings so that they continue to exist.

IoT-Enabled energy conservation in residential Buildings: Machine learning models for analyzing annual solar power consumption

This study investigates enhancing the self-consumption of solar panels by integrating thermal and electrical energy storage using lithium-ion batteries in a duplex building over a year. Machine learning algorithms are applied to understand energy usage patterns. An IoT-connected model is introduced to reduce electricity expenses by boosting consumption with solar energy and extending solar panel lifespan through optimization. The model includes lithium-ion batteries for energy storage and a thermal cooling system to regulate panel temperatures. Data collected from sensors monitoring occupancy, temperature, humidity, energy, and thermostats are sent to a cloud-based platform via IoT. Results show peak monthly energy conservation measures of 41.6 kW and 28 kW during summer for the two residences. Winter witnesses a reduction of 13.9 % and 7 % in energy consumption, while autumn sees an 18 % decrease for one residence and stability for the other. Real-time IoT monitoring aids model training, with the Gaussian Probability model emerging as the most accurate. Optimization analysis underscores the thermal cooling system’s efficacy in improving solar panel performance and reducing electricity costs. Integration of machine learning and IoT curtails energy consumption to 22 kWh and 15.7 kWh for the respective residences, offering inhabitants free energy from renewable sources and ensuring swift recovery of solar panel installation costs.

STRATEGIES FOR NET ZERO CARBON IN SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION PRACTICES FOR HISTORICAL BUILDINGS IN MALAYSIA

Heritage buildings have always been essential in improving the quality of the city’s life, especially for the communities living in historical settings. They play a vital part in representing historical, architectural, cultural, political, spiritual, and symbolic values that are passed down to generations. Historical buildings are often considered dilapidated, and due to society's neglect of these, the historical buildings positioned within the oldest parts of the city have deteriorated. Heritage buildings in Malaysia are defined as historical buildings that are protected under the National Heritage Act 2005 (Act 645) to preserve tangible cultural heritage. This study intends to identify the Strategies contributing to Net Zero Carbon in Sustainable Conservation Practices for Historical Buildings in Malaysia. The research primarily focused on Conservation Architects and Heritage Professionals, with data being collected through semi-structured interviews and subsequently subjected to Thematic Analysis Matrix. The objective was to propose a set of recommendations for sustainable practices in the conservation of heritage buildings in Malaysia, aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions. This endeavour was aimed at advancing the discourse on Net Zero Carbon in Historical Buildings and fostering public awareness regarding the significance of these architectural treasures.

ASSESSING CONSERVATION APPROACHES FOR SUSTAINING HERITAGE BUILDINGS: A CASE STUDY OF IPOH OLD TOWN, PERAK, MALAYSIA

The worldwide emphasis on heritage building conservation has become one of the strategies to effectively conserve the values of heritage buildings and preserve their historic significance. Heritage buildings, acknowledged as vital assets for local development, particularly in the realm of tourism and cultural enrichment, require conservation efforts aligned with urban regeneration initiatives. Despite these international efforts, challenges persist in implementing effective conservation strategies, resulting in continuing deterioration. Therefore, a better understanding of the approach needed to conserve heritage building is important for its long-term sustainability. This qualitative study, involving site observation and semi-structured interviews with the Ipoh City Council and caretakers of selected heritage buildings, focuses on Ipoh Old Town as a case study as it is a historical area abundant in heritage and cultural elements. The findings highlight preservation and rehabilitation as prevalent conservation approaches, while restoration poses notable challenges in sustaining heritage buildings in Ipoh Old Town.

Application of a cost-effective methodology for the refurbishment of DOCOMOMO buildings. A case study in Northern Spain

The energy rehabilitation of listed buildings guaranteeing heritage values but allowing a use that contributes to their conservation, supposes a challenge with the need of a holistic approach. Buildings of the Modern Movement, many of which are registered as DOCOMOMO (DOcumentation and COnservation of buildings, sites and neighbourhoods of the MOdern Movement), are a particular case since many of them are not yet listed or are under unclear requirements. This paper explores the inclusion of a cost-effective methodology as part of the decision-making in the energy rehabilitation of these DOCOMOMO buildings, applying it to the case study of an office building located in the north of Spain. Different scenarios were studied balancing cost-effectiveness, energy efficiency and rehabilitation requirements. In this case study, the analysis may allow policymakers to have supportive arguments to subsidize certain elements (as e.g., steel frames), or allow the use of alternative options with similar aesthetic characteristics, but at a much lower cost. This second option will constitute the unique cost-effective scenario, with energy savings of between 25.36 % and 38.8 %. The inclusion of a cost-effective methodology as part of the mechanics for decision-making in the energy refurbishment of DOCOMOMO buildings permits the optimisation of the intervention guaranteeing their use and the conservation of heritage values.

Participatory intention and behavior in green cultural heritage conservation: an application of the extended theory of planned behavior

Cultural heritage is an important contributor to sustainable urban development, and its conservation is considered a global task. Previous research has primarily focused on the conservation of heritage buildings within architectural contexts and world heritage sites within geographical contexts. However, there is a notable gap in conservation of green cultural heritage (GCH) within a landscape-based framework. This study used the extended theory of planned behavior to explore the factors and pathways that influence the public's behavioral intentions toward GCH conservation. Based on 1075 questionnaires collected in Tokyo, Japan, the hypotheses of the newly constructed theoretical model were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The results show that perceived behavioral control has the greatest positive influence on citizens' GCH conservation intentions and behaviors, while social norms do not influence people's behavioral intention to conserve. In the extended factors, the environmental awareness which including heritage awareness and cultural attachment, significantly influences public attitudes towards conservation. Additionally, environmental perception, including perceived usefulness and perceived quality, significantly affects the public's conservation intentions and behaviors, respectively. Our findings have implications for local governments and policymakers to enhance public participation in GCH, as well as some several new theoretical interests for further studies.

Indoor thermal energy optimization and 3D visualization based on ambient light sensing in the protection of historical architectural landscapes

While preserving cultural heritage, historic buildings also face the challenge of modern comfort and energy efficiency. Thermal energy optimization of indoor environment is an important means to improve living comfort and reduce energy consumption. Especially when protecting historical buildings, it is necessary to analyze how to carry out effective thermal energy management without affecting their appearance and structure. This paper discusses the optimization strategy of indoor thermal energy based on ambient light sensing technology, combined with 3D visualization to achieve the balance between energy conservation and comfort in historic buildings. Through the dynamic monitoring and analysis of indoor thermal environment, a feasible solution is provided for the protection and utilization of historical buildings. In this study, ambient light sensors were deployed in a historical building to monitor indoor light, temperature and humidity in real time. Through data collection and analysis, the main factors affecting indoor thermal environment are identified. 3D visualization technology is used to visualize the indoor heat energy distribution, and specific optimization suggestions are put forward. The research shows that the application of ambient light sensor significantly improves the monitoring accuracy of indoor heat energy, and the implementation of optimization measures reduces the indoor temperature fluctuation and energy consumption. The 3D visualization visually shows the thermal energy changes before and after optimization, providing a basis for managers to make decisions. Combined with 3D visualization technology, it not only enhances the comprehensibility of data, but also provides innovative ideas for the protection and rational use of historical buildings.

Conservation of stone heritage buildings: Exploring the algicidal properties of biologically-synthesized nano-silver

The degradation of stone heritage buildings by pioneer plants such as algae is a major challenge in heritage conservation research worldwide. At present, there is a lack of effective algaecides to inhibit the growth of algae on stone structures, prompting an urgent need to explore effective green methods to remove algae colonizing on surfaces of stone heritage buildings. Therefore, we explored the use of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of four plant leaves (Cinnamomum cassia leaf, Syzygium aromaticum leaf, Thymus mongolicus leaf and Pogostemon cablin leaf) to prepare silver nanoparticles. By optimizing the synthetic parameters, we optimized the yield of the nanoparticles and examined their algicidal activities through in-vitro and in-situ experiments. The experimental results showed that the chlorophyll-a concentrations of algae treated with nano-silver synthesized from the alcoholic extract of Cinnamomum cassia leaf decreased approximately threefold, and the algae removal rate reached 71.34%. Meanwhile, nano-silver treatment made the color of the stone chips colonized with algae close to the color of the uncolonized algae, which demonstrated that the nano-silver can effectively remove the algae colonized on the stone chips. This study confirms that nano-silver synthesized from plant leaves offer a viable strategy as a ‘green’ algaecide for stone heritage buildings.

Characterization of historic mortars and the effect of rice husk ash (RHA) on quicklime

Historic mortars are minerologically characterized for many reasons pertaining to traditional building conservation. In order to determine the binding material of the historic masonary building, this material must be sufficiently separated from the aggregate. In this study, the Cas mortar (Traditional gypsum-based construction mortar in Siirt, Türkiye) used in traditional Cas houses was characterised and compared with composite lime mortars prepared by substituting quicklime with 10 %, 15 % and 20 % rice husk ash (RHA). The mechanical properties of Cas mortar are much higher than those of lime mortars. However, when 20 % RHA was substituted for lime, it was found to significantly change the properties of the mortars, increasing the compressive and flexural strength by 68 % and 58 % respectively and improving the specific heat and many other properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses showed that the 63 μm sieved powder analysis was more accurate in determining the chemical characterisation of the historic mortars.