Restoration Of Heritage Buildings Research Articles

Strategy for HBIM implementation using high-resolution 3D architectural documentation based on laser scanning and photogrammetry of the José de Alencar theatre

Cultural heritage (CH) relevant importance to society leads to the need for historical, architectural, historical, and structural documentation. Such documents are necessary for the effective conservation and restoration of heritage buildings. Digitalization and documentation have been challenging and multidisciplinary topics for cultural heritage (CH) involving new technologies for information capture. 3D architectural documentation of existing heritage buildings is possible due to digital survey technologies joined with BIM methodology. The José de Alencar Theatre was surveyed with an integrated approach using a laser scanner and photogrammetry. BIM methodology based on digital scanning and image-based data was applied to generate a 3D model and extensive BIM library. The results indicate that a reliable BIM model of the José de Alencar theatre can be done, generating useful documentation and information on the historical construction based on the laser scanner and photogrammetry data with architectural geometry well-detailed.

An Application of Machine Learning Algorithms by Synergetic Use of SAR and Optical Data for Monitoring Historic Clusters in Cypriot Cities

In an era of rapid technological improvements, state-of-the-art methodologies and tools dedicated to protecting and promoting our cultural heritage should be developed and extensively employed in the contemporary built environment and lifestyle. At the same time, sustainability principles underline the importance of the continuous use of historic or vernacular buildings as part of the building stock of our society. Adopting a holistic, integrated, multi-disciplinary strategy can link technological innovation with the conservation and restoration of heritage buildings. This paper presents the ongoing research and results of the application of Machine Learning methods for the remote monitoring of the built environment of the historic cluster in Cypriot cities. This study is part of an integrated, multi-scale, and multi-disciplinary study of heritage buildings, with the end goal of creating an online HBIM platform for urban monitoring.

Evaluation of Life-Cycle Assessment Analysis: Application to Restoration Projects and New Construction in Alpine Climate, Japan

The present paper discusses the applications of life-cycle assessment (LCA) to construction works in Japan. LCA has been frequently used to assess the environmental impacts of new construction. Nonetheless, the applications of LCA to restoration have not been fully confirmed to date. It is said that historical buildings may contribute to sustainable development. Nonetheless, as for heritage buildings, since the protection of cultural value is usually prioritised, their environmental impacts may not be sufficiently explored. To this aim, this paper evaluated the environmental impacts of the restoration of heritage buildings. This paper consisted of two tasks. First, the restoration projects of heritage buildings in Japan were introduced. The restoration of two heritage houses was discussed, referring to heritage protection legislation in Japan. Second, LCA was performed on the restoration of heritage houses and the construction of contemporary houses. Environmental impacts were compared between the restoration and new construction with regard to greenhouse gas emissions and operational energy use. A focus was given to the amount of materials used. Restoration consumes a limited amount of materials compared to new construction, although the energy use of heritage buildings is considerable. The environmental impacts of restoration were quantified so that they were compared with those of new construction. The comparison indicated issues applying LCA to heritage buildings.

The restored mausoleum of Abu'l-Walid in Herat: Challenges in heritage restoration in Afghanistan

This is an account of the contemporary reconstruction of Abu'l-Walid complex (mosque and mausoleum) in Herat, the burial-place of a widely-respected-Muslim scholar of the third/ninth century. This structure was destroyed by aerial bombardment in 1985. Part of the complex was restored as a post-war measure to rehabilitate social and educational space for the inhabitants and children of the nearby village. The project also trained young architects and masons of Herat in the conservation of historic buildings. The mausoleum remained in ruins until the Department of Herat Monuments (DoHM) with support of local resources and pious endowments (waqf), reconstructed it between 2004 and 2007. Restoration of heritage buildings is a challenge in Afghanistan today. Absence of public awareness of the value of cultural heritages, government's limited technical capacity combined with scarcity of funds for preservation, and lack of budget for post-conservation maintenance, exacerbates the challenges of safeguarding historic sites and monuments.

George Town, Penang as a World Heritage Site: The Stakeholders’ Perceptions

Abstract The designation of George Town, Penang, along with Malacca, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) on July 7, 2008 was a boast achievement, particularly for Penangites and Malaysian generally. The status has elevated Penang to international status in terms of cultural heritage tourism and expected to draw more tourists to the area. The impacts of tourism to the local community are inevitable. Questions inevitably arise, particularly on whether the locals are aware of the listing and whether they care about this important listing. This paper examines the perceptions of George Town stakeholders on the WHS status of George Town. The study surveyed 196 respondents who reside and operate businesses in the core zone of George Town. The findings reveal that majority of the respondents are aware of George Town's status and think that such status would have a positive impact on local businesses, on the conservation and restoration of heritage buildings, and on the general well-being of George Town residents. Many agree that the restoration and conservation of heritage buildings are important in sustaining George Town's heritage status. Nevertheless, half of the respondents perceive that tourist activities could threaten the heritage values of George Town. Meanwhile, the level of stakeholder involvement in tourism planning and development is rather low. Only half of them are satisfied with the present management of heritage and tourism in George Town. This paper provides recommendations to assist the Penang State Government in the monitoring, maintenance, management, protection, and conservation of George Town to remain the status of World Heritage Site.