Heritage Conservation Practice Research Articles

From 3D Point Cloud to an Intelligent Model Set for Cultural Heritage Conservation

Cultural heritage conservation demands interdisciplinary and complex documentation and analysis while facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable and productive practices. This paper bridges these gaps by proposing a methodology and a set of requirements for Building Information Modeling (BIM) models aligned with European directives for sustainability and productivity in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. Leveraging 3D scanning and intelligent models, we establish information needs specific to conservation, encompassing material properties, historical data, and decay analysis. Interoperability, compatibility with advanced analytical tools, and open-source formats are emphasized for seamless data integration and accessibility. We further introduce two use cases for BIM-enabled heritage conservation, illustrating the application of our proposed methodology in real-world scenarios. These cases exemplify how BIM models cater to the specific needs of cultural heritage sites, from their initial condition assessment to ongoing preservation efforts. Through these examples, we demonstrate the adaptability of BIM technology in capturing and managing the complex information associated with heritage conservation, including structural details, material characteristics, and historical significance. Our work highlights the potential of BIM to revolutionize heritage conservation practices, offering a digital backbone for documentation, analysis, and management that aligns with sustainability and productivity goals.

The Status of Urban Heritage Conservation: Competency of Local Government in the Western Cape Province

The National Heritage Resources Act was promulgated in the efforts of establishing effective conservation principles that would meet the needs of all South Africans. The Act makes provision for each level of government to have authority over its respective heritage resources. Donaldson (2005) anticipated that the acting authority in the Western Cape province, Heritage Western Cape, was likely to come under pressure soon. This was owing to the fact of increasing heritage resources (the phenomenon of aging) and that the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority oversaw both Grade II and III heritage resources since no local municipality was deemed fully competent. This research aimed to assess the capacity and competency of local government in the field of built heritage conservation of non-metropolitan municipalities in the Western Cape, South Africa. A qualitative research method was implemented in the form of a questionnaire with informal interviews to assist in the explorative nature of this paper. By mapping and recording the current state of heritage conservation practices in the province, it was found that two local municipalities were deemed competent, while several others had made strides towards conserving local heritage resources.

Preparation of bacterial cellulose for xylitol‐reinforced waterlogged wood

AbstractReinforcement is a critical aspect in the preservation of waterlogged wooden artifacts to ensure their long‐term stability. In this study, we investigated the use of bacterial cellulose compounded with xylitol as a reinforcement material for simulated waterlogged wooden artifacts at varying concentrations. Evaluation of the reinforcement effects was based on indicators such as antishrinking efficacy, mechanical strength, and microscopic morphology. Our findings revealed that bacterial cellulose alone had limited effectiveness but showed enhanced reinforcement when mixed with xylitol. Optimized conditions resulted in remarkable improvements in bending strength (94.5 MPa) and deformation (20 mm) of the reinforced wood. This study offers novel insights and a scientific foundation for the reinforcement of waterlogged wooden artifacts, with potential implications for their preservation in cultural heritage conservation practices.

Exploring Biophilic Urbanism Indicators Along Urban Waterfronts of Submerged Heritage Cities

The urban waterfronts of submerged heritage cities offer great opportunities and space for bringing nature into cities, they provide inspiration for closer relationships between nature, heritage sites and society. On the other hand, these urban waterfronts suffer from disconnection between nature and culture in heritage conservation practices. This disconnection has negatively impacted not only on the heritage sites, but also on ecosystems, citizens’ health, and wellbeing. Biophilic urbanism is an approach that seeks to integrate nature into urban waterfront spaces, creating healthier and more liveable cities. This paper aims to fill the gap between nature and cultural in conservation practices by adopting the concept of biophilic urbanism, which provides a valuable tool for conservation the urban waterfronts of submerged heritage cities, in addition to the balance conservation with development and create more resilient waterfront communities. The paper examines case studies of urban waterfronts in (Zadar, Croatia), (Baia, Italy), and (Abo Qir, Egypt). The results indicate the necessity of modifying Abo Qir’s urban waterfront development plan to incorporate indicators of Biophilic urbanism. This adjustment is crucial in order to ensure that future generations inherit healthy and vital living spaces, in addition to preserve Abo Qir’s significant submerged heritage cities.

Conservation of the world heritage site component «Neva river with banks»

One of the major urban development sites in the UNESCO list - "The Historic Center of St. Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments" - is part of a grandiose agglomeration. Over the years of consistent development of the city and its environs, a kind of genetic code of St. Petersburg has emerged, including both tangible and intangible components. In the international theory and practice of heritage conservation, these components are called attributes of value. Landscape objects are of particular interest among the components of the World Heritage site under consideration. One of such objects is the "Neva River with banks". The article gives an assessment of the criteria for classifying this object as a World Heritage Site; analyzes the existing system of security zoning and the system of conservation of cultural heritage sites located in the territory; proposals are formulated for further conservation and adaptation of the territory.

Quest for an Innovative Methodology for Retrofitting Urban Built Heritage: An Assessment of Some Historic Buildings in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Historical buildings have inhabited every epoch of history. Some of these built legacies are now in ruins and dying whilst others are somewhat undamaged. Knowledge of conservation techniques available today has allowed us to understand more innovative ways of conserving the built heritage. Such techniques are, however, incompatible with the building materials available in our historical epoch and environment. People seek to reclaim the forgotten cultural heritage in the midst of the heritage conservation era while bearing in mind that previous work seldom takes into account the inventive preservation methods of today. This study aims to explore the innovative built heritage conservation practice in the Kano metropolis, to detect deterioration and incorporate traditional wisdom and contemporary innovation according to modern urban development. The study adopted qualitative research with a descriptive approach. The descriptive research explains, examines, and interprets prevailing practices, existing situations, attitudes, reasons, and on-going processes, while the qualitative research approach uses spatial analysis methods (direct assessment of physical characteristics of the selected buildings) and focus group discussion (FGD) sessions with the custodians, prominent elderly persons, or ward head (Mai Unguwa) from each of the selected buildings. In this work, we found it necessary to survey 29 historical buildings of which three of the historic buildings from pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial architecture were purposively sampled for inclusion. This is on the basis of their value formation, processes, phenomena, and typology. The findings reveal that deterioration is due to decaying plaster and paint, moist walls, deformed openings, sagging roofs, wall cracks, roof leakages, exit spouts, stains, and corrosion. Other factors include microbes and termite attacks, inappropriate use and neglect, civilization, and inappropriate funding. Conservation was performed to avert the amount of decay while the techniques in practice are documentation methods and treatment interventions with no implementation of diagnostic methods. It further unveils the potential benefits of local treatment, as evidenced by the intervention at the Dorayi palace segment, the use of “makuba” (milled locust bean pod) to stabilize the geotechnical performance of “tubali” (local mud bricks) to improve its potency. This milled locust bean pod also serves as the water repellent consolidant in “laso” (local) plaster, which has proven to be eco-friendly, non-toxic, and effective in wall rendering. The need for immediate implementation of diagnosis techniques in the conservation of architectural heritage in the municipality and elsewhere in Nigeria and beyond is eminent. Intervention and implementation of policies, appropriate funding, and mobilization, raising awareness and sensitization on the value, significance, and state of affairs of our cultural heritage is also paramount.

Regeneration of Liangzhu culture: multimedia exhibition, simulated restoration, innovative cultural products, nearby area integration, virtual reality and augmented reality

Since Liangzhu culture was recognised as the earliest monarchical period in the history of China, its vitality has been acknowledged both by the public and archaeologists in China and worldwide. Several contributions to current regeneration practices, including exhibitions, innovative cultural products, and integrations with nearby areas, remain in the preliminary stages due to the relative youth of the Liangzhu archaeological sites and museum, while their adoption of VR and AR technologies is also limited in practice. Referencing relevant cases in the literature and an interview with a manager involved with the archaeological work on Liangzhu culture, this article provides recommendations for exhibitions that emphasise the adoption of digital and multimedia displays and simulated restorations. Meanwhile, innovative cultural products require improvements related to design and development that match customer preferences. To integrate Liangzhu culture with nearby tourist attractions, comprehensive studies are needed on the spiritual connections that local communities develop with their original living spaces and the forms of their participation in heritage conservation practices. This article also presents several technical improvements for VR and AR, such as new methods for constructing digital models and the choice of presentation medium. Potential usages for AR technology with simulated restorations, interactive activities, innovative cultural products, and new public spaces nearby have also been suggested. Supported by the detailed discussion of restoration practices in these recommendations, this article provides an integrative regeneration plan for all “large” and “earthen” Neolithic archaeological cultures that resemble Liangzhu culture.

The paradigmatic basis of architectural heritage management in the context of the modern philosophy of cultural property conservation

Conservation of cultural property has been defined as all actions aimed at safeguarding cultural property for the future in order to study, record, retain and restore the culturally significant qualities of the object, site or building with the least possible intervention. Architectural conservation constitutes actions that address the repair, restoration, maintenance and display of historic buildings, enclaves of buildings and sites, as well as their associated accoutrements, such as furnishings and fittings. These actions whether conducted on individual buildings or groups of buildings represent investments in the future of such sites. Such regenerative action at historic buildings and sites usually increases values of adjacent properties and local economic conditions as well. Architectural conservation is widely regarded as the predominant activity within the larger and more diverse field of cultural heritage conservation, which is also referred to as cultural heritage (or resource) management. This field is concerned with the documentation and preservation of all forms of human culture, including tangible artifacts such as architecture, archaeological sites, cultural landscapes, arts and crafts, and other objects of material culture. Architectural restoration and rehabilitation offers new practical, educational and growth stimulus possibilities. In addition, cultural heritage conservation addresses intangible manifestations of human activity, including existing manners and customs (folkways); spiritual practices; and musical, craft and cuisine traditions of indigenous populations, all of which are considered living heritage. The general purview of heritage conservation practice is ever expanding which makes the field both dynamic and open to new participants who bring fresh talent and perspectives to the task. As organized heritage conservation practice expands with each passing year formerly disparate facts and representations of history take on new meaning and significance. In relation to this, both cultural and economic values at heritage sites constantly change. Changes posed by nature and humans on physical cultural heritage ensure constant change as well.

The influence of sense of place dimensions on visitors' conservation behavioral intention: the case of Semarang Old Town, Indonesia

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to confirm the influence of each dimension of visitor's sense of place (place identity, place attachment and place dependence) on each dimension of conservation behavioral intention (general behavioral intention and specific behavioral intention) in the context of urban heritage.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a quantitative methods. Research respondent is individual visitor who meet the research criteria. The strength influence of sense of place dimension (independent variable) on dimension of conservation behavioral intention (dependent variable) was measured by Somers' D correlation. Primary data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques.FindingsAll correlation coefficient values were below +0.59. It shows that the sense of place dimensions have a weak influence on each dimension of conservation behavioral intention. Weak correlation occurs because of the setting profile (tourism approaches which tends to be material-based) and the type of visitor (casual cultural tourism and sightseeing tourist) which interprets heritage only as an object of relaxation.Research limitations/implicationsDue to the statistical approach used (nonparametric statistical techniques), the results of the study cannot be generalized. Therefore, further studies with different approaches are needed.Social implicationsThis study demonstrates the need for tourism policy in Semarang Old Town (SOT) as a form of value-driven heritage conservation practice to encourage visitors to appreciate the cultural significance of the area.Originality/valueIn the context of urban heritage area, the literature on research topics is still limited. However, the results of this study were different from previous studies. The weak relationship is explained through an approach that considers contextual factors, namely profile settings and visitor profiles.

Climate change risk reduction in cultural landscapes: Insights from Cinque Terre and Waterloo

The risks posed by climate change are becoming an increasingly significant threat to land use and the socio-ecological system of many cultural landscapes. Despite substantial efforts to assess the vulnerability of cultural landscapes, building climate change adaptation capacity through participatory and integrated approaches has received less attention in landscape planning studies. Here, we assert that strengthening local community participation in regional planning is needed to support the sustainable management of cultural landscapes in a changing climate. We first identify fundamental determinants that affect local community involvement in cultural heritage conservation practices. Then, we apply these principles to analyze the adaptation planning processes in the cultural landscapes of Cinque Terre (Italy) and the Region of Waterloo (Canada). The findings suggest that although local community engagement is essential for building climate adaptation in cultural landscapes, decision-makers need improved strategies to integrate climate change policies into regional plans.

A Pilot Site Approach for Built Heritage Diagnosis: The Preservation and Conservation of Egongot Ethnic Minority

In the Philippines, some ethnic minority-built heritages are frequently misunderstood, and most are not given adequate attention in assessing their cultural significance. Consequently, people often lack adequate knowledge in the proper conservation and preservation of remaining cultural treasures. This may further result in the degradation, if not the oblivion, of key Filipino cultural values. It is with the use of the Pilot site procedure that we approached the architectural practice of Heritage conservation as we diagnosed the traditional dwellings of Egongot people of Aurora province in giving light to their traditional architecture as a vital built heritage in the country. The pilot site approach made use of historical documentation and surveys as well as present architectural condition assessment through observation. The first phase of the pilot site is the historic data collection which provided the traditional construction process and the use of vernacular materials. The second phase which is the architectural assessment provided observational information of its current state after the intervention of conservation treatment. The last phase of the pilot site approach which is the diagnosis of conservation treatment, is the consequent analysis of both past and present. These two factors are utilized to formulate a comparative analysis of ‘how it used to be' and ‘how its current state is'. The results showed various manipulations of construction methods and integration of modern building materials that threaten both the identity and structural integrity of the built heritage. As a result, appropriate preservation and maintenance guidelines are formulated to better appreciate the heritage architecture's historic and cultural value.

Is Living Heritage Ignored? Revisiting Heritage Conservation at Cham Living-Heritage Sites in Vietnam

ABSTRACT This study examines the heritage conservation of the Cham living heritage sites and perceptions of the Cham community in Vietnam. Data were collected using various methods, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation, from a “living” sacred site of the Cham community in Ninh Thuan, Vietnam. This research demonstrates that the conservation of heritage in Vietnam has focused primarily on tangible forms of heritage, while local cultural meanings related to tangible aspects of the Cham temples have not been a central concern in heritage conservation practices. The construction of a new pathway is considered a significant offense to the Cham worldview with respect to cardinality and spiritual practice. Despite this addition’s intention to facilitate access for visitors to this site, the Cham people believe that it contributes to a denigration of the sacred character of their temple and has negative effects on religious views and understandings among members of the community. The findings suggest that Indigenous living heritage and its role in local communities need to be recognized in safeguarding heritage.

Destructive reconstruction in China: interpreting authenticity in the Shuidong Reconstruction Project, Huizhou, Guangdong Province

In the name of conservation, many local governments in China have demolished and reconstructed their historic districts using pseudo-antique architecture as part of their commercial developments. While the destructive reconstruction practice involves issues such as who plays the decisive role in defining authenticity in the targeted district considering the creativity and imagination entailed in reconstruction, few studies analyse the factors leading to changes in the interpretation of authenticity throughout the destructive reconstruction process. Through a discourse analysis on project portfolios and semi-structured interviews with government officials, project planners and Shuidong residents, this study investigates the interpretation and implementation of the national-level authenticity principles in the Shuidong Reconstruction Project in Huizhou, Guangdong Province. Narratives of authenticity in local heritage practices are constantly changing because of the shifting local politics and regulatory powers involved. The effectiveness of national-level authenticity principles at the local level relies largely on the establishment of sub-national heritage regulations and the authorisation of heritage, which draws inspections from upper-level administrations. This study reveals certain socio-political factors that affect the relationship between reconstruction practices and the interpretation of authenticity. The political and profit-oriented tendency of local heritage conservation practices in China demonstrates the mismatch between conservation ideologies and bureaucratic realities.

LOW-COST 3D ACQUISITION OF GEOMETRIC DATA FOR LIVING HERITAGE: ATTEMPTING TO RECORD THE PUDHU MANDAPAM, MADURAI

Abstract. The driving forces behind the rapid development of accessible 3d modelling acquisition are generally economic. As the requirements for on-site data acquisition technology become cheaper and more user friendly, opportunities for the geographic dislocation of expertise become more viable. In effect, much of the diagnosis of a monuments’ morphology or condition can be made remotely, as a virtual model is constructed. This potential portability serves to reduce the impact, invasiveness and cost of survey and documentation processes. In cases of contested heritage conservation practices, the simple act of photographic recording can cause concern. However, photogrammetric recording is eminently advantageous for its capacity to provide non-destructive means to consider degradation and condition mapping as well as to record and monitor change over time. Here, two rapid surveys taken with portable 360° cameras a year apart, demonstrate the potential value and limitations of deploying recent techniques in order to deliver credible or useful survey data in a highly complex pillared hall that is intensively occupied.

EXPLORING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLANNED PREVENTIVE CONSERVATION IN RURAL AREA: THE PRACTICE OF SHIFENG VILLAGE

Abstract. Villages have faced many crises in modern development. The architectural heritage is gradually declining in the changing social environment and is in urgent need of conservation. The research explores the methods of combining the concept of planned preventive conservation (PPC) with public participation to propose a low-tech approach of conserving rural architectural heritage, and has achieved significant outcomes in the village architectural heritage risk survey, architectural heritage monitoring and the development and use of conservation data management platform. The model has proven to be technologically and economically feasible, but still requires the support of local governments and grassroots managers for successful implementation in rural areas. Also, the way of public participation, applicability of tools and equipment, and the effectiveness of conservation need to be improved to better provide methodological guidelines for future village architectural heritage conservation practices.

The ‘preservation by relocation’ of Huizhou vernacular architecture: shifting notions on the authenticity of rural heritage in China

ABSTRACT The practice of ‘preservation by relocation’ is representative of China’s ‘heritage fever’. It is the source of a controversial debate regarding heritage conservation, and it remains understudied from a critical perspective. This paper addresses two cases of ‘preservation by relocation’ of Huizhou-style vernacular architecture, rebuilt as part of mixed hotel and residential developments on the outskirts of Shanghai and Shaoxing in China. Through this paper we will argue how the practice of ‘preservation by relocation’ stretches different notions of authenticity. Our research will show how relocations lead to a shift in the value of vernacular architecture, as it is used for the production of new identity for tourist and real estate developments in China. Using grounded theory based on site visits and semi-structured interviews, this paper proposes that originality and verisimilitude merge to become an authenticity-on-the-making, under the cover of dominant heritage discourses in China. This pursuit determines the heritage conservation practices of relocated assets, as they serve entrepreneurial interests and contribute to wider official narratives about the past in China.

Biotreatment of ceramic bricks: The impact of the application method of an innovative bioproduct on biomineralization

The effect of biological treatments on protection of exposed construction materials in the built heritage may have great potential. This work reports the efficacy of several techniques (dropping, spraying, brushing, poulticing and absorption by capillarity) to apply a new bioproduct, produced by Escherichia coli cultures supplemented with iron, aiming to treat the surface of ceramic bricks. The results showed that most biotreatments improved the ceramic bricks resistance to water absorption, depending on the method of application of the bioproduct. Nevertheless, within the error range, the most efficient biotreatments were observed when the bioproduct was applied by dropping, brushing and spraying. The bioproduct analyzed in the present study can be stored and easily transported to construction sites, where it can be readily prepared by resuspension of the dried bioproduct in tap water. The water resistance effect of the bioproduct was attributed to the presence of a gelatinous biofilm and to the formation of amorphous biosilica aggregates (biomineralization by biosilicification) that filled the pores and voids of bricks samples. Acting as a mild water repellent agent, it may be a promising solution for protection of ceramic bricks, reducing the degradation rate, namely for compatible and ecological architectural heritage conservation practices.

The challenges in conserving the heritage based on conservation practice of AA Maramis Building in Jakarta

Preserving the originality or maintaining the performance is not a choice in heritage conservation. Both aspects need to be completed as a whole consideration for a decision in the conservation project. Conservation practice becomes more complex and challenging, followed by the change of time and condition. This article aims to identify the challenges of heritage conservation practice based on the conservation practice of the A. A. Maramis building. This study was unique in that it linked architectural components of form-function-meaning with a conservation aspect of A. A. Maramis Building restoration. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, this article characterizes the issues and challenges. The data were collected through a long observation from the initiation until the final stage of the conservation project. The results display some issues that can be addressed as learned from the conservation project of A. A. Maramis Building in Jakarta are related to building regulation, material, and worker skill. Building regulations related to seismic safety are prepared for new structures. Building regulation should provide tools and guidelines that could save the old historic building, prolong its life, and protect the safety of the user. A number of old materials are demanding to be replaced. The construction industry at the present time failed to support most conservation projects, notably regarding building materials such as good quality timber for beams and planks. Old skills to handle masonry construction and woodworks should be reintroduced in technical schools to support conservation projects of buildings from the colonial period.

The challenges in conserving the heritage based on conservation practice of AA Maramis Building in Jakarta

Preserving the originality or maintaining the performance is not a choice in heritage conservation. Both aspects need to be completed as a whole consideration for a decision in the conservation project. Conservation practice becomes more complex and challenging, followed by the change of time and condition. This article aims to identify the challenges of heritage conservation practice based on the conservation practice of the A. A. Maramis building. This study was unique in that it linked architectural components of form-function-meaning with a conservation aspect of A. A. Maramis Building restoration. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, this article characterizes the issues and challenges. The data were collected through a long observation from the initiation until the final stage of the conservation project. The results display some issues that can be addressed as learned from the conservation project of A. A. Maramis Building in Jakarta are related to building regulation, material, and worker skill. Building regulations related to seismic safety are prepared for new structures. Building regulation should provide tools and guidelines that could save the old historic building, prolong its life, and protect the safety of the user. A number of old materials are demanding to be replaced. The construction industry at the present time failed to support most conservation projects, notably regarding building materials such as good quality timber for beams and planks. Old skills to handle masonry construction and woodworks should be reintroduced in technical schools to support conservation projects of buildings from the colonial period.

Rethinking the Heritage Value from Different Perspectives, Case Study in Yogyakarta

Purpose Today heritage is of strategic importance not only because of its historical value, but also due to the capacity to sustain traditional philosophy. A problem arose in association with the over-commercialisation of heritage that led to a question of how the citizens react to the problem and the emerging values. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between heritage conservation practices conducted by the government and local people. Design/Methodology/Approach This study used qualitative analysis to investigate official documents and newspapers. In-depth interviews were used to elaborate citizens’ perception about heritage values. Findings There were connection and disconnection between the implementation of heritage conservation policy and citizens’ opinions about conservation practices. The connection should be maintained to anticipate the change of meanings and overcome problems stemmed from heritage tourism and the uncontrolled urban development. Research Limitations/Implications This study bridged a possibility of evaluating the impact of urban development on heritage value by assessing perspectives from different social actors. It was evidenced that the official and unofficial values of heritage are differently recognised. However, this study had a limitation in terms of the social group involved in interviews. The analytical framework of this research needs to be developed incorporating quantitative analysis with a survey of particular population in Yogyakarta. This kind of study is essential to discovering how the population reacts to urban development and heritage sites. Social/Practical Implications The government should not dominate the practice of heritage conservation. It is essential to maintain the cultural authenticity of heritage by involving general public in monitoring urban development surrounding heritage sites. Originality/Value This study provides a framework for integrating different perspectives to better recognise and manage heritage sites and the overall urban landscape. This framework can be used as a foundation for evaluating heritage impact relating to societal changes and the dynamics of urban development.