Architectural conservation describes the process through which the material, historical, and design

integrity of any built heritage are prolonged through carefully planned interventions. The individual
engaged in this pursuit is known as an architectural conservator-restorer. Decisions of when and how
to engage in an intervention are critical to the ultimate conservation-restoration of cultural heritage.
Ultimately, the decision is value based: a combination of artistic, contextual, and informational values
is normally considered. In some cases, a decision to not intervene may be the most appropriate
choice.
Defining the concept :
Narrow definition :The Conservation Architect must consider factors that deal with issues of
prolonging the life and preserving the integrity of architectural character, such as form and style,
and/or its constituent materials, such as stone, brick. glass, metal, and wood. In this sense, the term
refers to the "professional use of a combination of science, art, craft, and technology as a
preservation tool" and is allied with - and often equated to - its parent fields, of historic environment
conservation and art conservation.
Broad definition: In addition to the design and art/science definition described above, architectural
conservation also refers to issues of identification, policy, regulation, and advocacy associated with
the entirety of the cultural and built environment. This broader scope recognizes that society has
mechanisms to identify and value historic cultural resources, create laws to protect these resources,
and develop policies and management plans for interpretation, protection, and education. Typically
this process operates as a specialized aspect of a society's planning system, and its practitioners are
termed built or historic environment conservation professionals.
Functional definition: Architectural conservation is the process by which individuals or groups
attempt to protect valued buildings from unwanted change
Historical background of the architectural conservation movement
As a movement, architectural conservation in general, and the preservation of ancient structures
specifically, gained momentum during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was a response to Modernism
and its corresponding architectural perspective, which eschewed sentimental attachment to old
buildings and structures in favor of technological and architectural progress and change. Prior to this
time most of the ancient buildings that were still standing had only survived because they either had
significant cultural or religious import, or they had yet to be discovered.
The growth of the architectural conservation movement took place at a time of significant
archaeological ) discovery and scientific advancement. Those educated in the field began to see
various examples of architecture as either being "correct" or "incorrect». Because of this, two schools
of thought began to emerge within the field of building conservation.
Preservation/Conservation were used interchangeably to refer to the architectural school of thought
that either encouraged measures that would protect and maintain buildings in their current state, or
would prevent further damage and deterioration to them. This school of thought saw the original
design of old buildings as correct in and of themselves. Two of the main proponents of preservation
and conservation in the 19th century were art critic John Ruskin and artist William Morris
Restoration was the conservationist school of thought that believed historic buildings could be
improved, and sometimes even completed, using current day materials, design, and techniques. In
this way it is very similar to the Modernist architectural theory, except it does not advocate the
destruction of ancient structures. One of the most ardent supporters of this school of thought in the
19th century was the French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Victorian restoration of medieval
churches was widespread in England and elsewhere, with results that were deplored at the time by
William Morris and are now widely regretted. Current treatments
We generally defined the following treatment approaches to architectural conservation:
Preservation, "places a high premium on the retention of all historic fabric through conservation,
maintenance and repair. It reflects a building's continuum over time, through successive occupancies,
and the respectful changes and alterations that are made."
Rehabilitation "emphasizes the retention and repair of historic materials, but more latitude is
provided for replacement because it is assumed the property is more deteriorated prior to work.
(Both Preservation and Rehabilitation standards focus attention on the preservation of those
materials, features, finishes, spaces, and spatial relationships that, together, give a property its
historic character." Adaptive reuse
Restoration "focuses on the retention of materials from the most significant time in a property's
history, while permitting the removal of materials from other periods."
Reconstruction, "establishes limited opportunities to re-create a non-surviving site, landscape,
building, structure, or object in all new materials."
Some countries recognize some or all of these as potential treatments for historic structures. Canada
recognizes preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration. The Burra Charter, for Australia, identifies
preservation, restoration, and reconstruction.
Common architectural conservation/preservation problems
The earliest building materials used by ancient peoples, such as wood and mud, were organic.
Organic materials were used because they were plentiful and renewable. Unfortunately, the organic
materials used were also very susceptible to the two most significant impediments to preservation
and conservation: the elements and life (both human and animal). Over time inorganic materials like
brick, stone, metal, concrete, and terra cotta began to be used by ancient people instead of organic
ones, due to their durability. In fact, we know that these materials are durable because many ancient
structures that are composed of them, even some built as far back as the Bronze Age, like Egypt's
Great Pyramids, still stand today.
Ancient buildings such as the Egyptian pyramids, the Roman Colosseum, and the Parthenon face
common preservation issues. The most prominent factors affecting these structures are the
environment, pollution, and tourism.
As the Earth's climate patterns change, so too do the environmental conditions governing these
buildings. For example, the Colosseum has already faced lightning, fire, and earthquakes. The
changing climate increases the accumulation of salt crystals on the outside of monuments like the
Colosseum and the Parthenon. This phenomenon increases the deterioration of these buildings.
The salt crystals further contribute to the black effect that man-made pollution has on these
buildings. The Parthenon is especially exposed and many of the remaining marbles are eroding to the
point that they may no longer be identifiable. The pollution from corrosive agents in the air has also
attributed to this deterioration.
The third factor affecting ancient building conservation is tourism. While tourism provides both
economic and cultural benefits, it can also be destructive. The Egyptian tomb of Seti the Ist is
currently off limits to the public due to the deterioration that has been caused by tourists. The
pyramids in Giza have also encountered problems due to large numbers of tourists; more tourists
mean greater humidity and water presence, which can lead to erosion. All of the above factors
complicate the conservation options available to treat these buildings.
 Conservation process:
1/Assessment :The first step in any building conservation project is a sensitive assessment of its
history and merits. As noted architect Donald Insall states, "Every building has its own biography.
Knowledge of the whole life of a building brings an essential understanding of its features and its
problems. He gives the Parthenon in Athens as an example; built between 447 and 432 BCE to serve
as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, its purpose over time changed to Christian church,
mosque, and powder magazine before it became one of the most famous tourist attractions in the
world.
Once the assessment is complete. the next step is a thorough measured survey with a tape, rod and
level. Modern measuring techniques, such as photogrammetry (the use of aerial photographs to
make maps and surveys) and stereo photogrammetry, are also used today to increase accuracy. Once
the measurements are complete, there is an analysis of the structural stability of the building and its
living pattern of movement. No building is permanently still; soil and wind can affect building stability
and need to be documented. Finally, the architect or surveyor tests the electrical connections,
plumbing, and other utilities present in the building (this is more for historic and re-purposed
buildings). For both ancient and historic buildings, lightning conductors and firefighting equipment
are checked to make sure they can provide sufficient protection. At the end of this assessment
process, the conservator will analvze all the collected data and decide on a conservation plan based
on available funding sources.
2/Treatment : The phrase covers a wide span of activities, from the cleaning of the interior or
exterior of a building - as took place at St Paul's Cathedral in London - to the rebuilding of damaged
or derelict buildings, such as the restoration of the Windsor Great Hall in Windsor Castle after a
destructive fire in 1992. The 1985-1989 removal of 38 layers of paint and the cleaning and repair of
the exterior sandstone walls of the White House in the United States are an example of building
restoration.
Buildings are structures which have, from time to time, particular purposes. They require ongoing
maintenance to prevent them falling into disrepair as a result of the ravages of time and use. Building
restoration can be thought of as that set of activities which are greater than year-to-year
maintenance, but which by retaining the building are less than a demolition and the construction of a
new building.
Not all building conservation seeks to follow the original design of the building. It is reasonably
commonplace for the shell of a building - its external walls - to be retained whilst an entirely new
building is constructed within. This approach is also referred to as adaptive reuse. Although
techniques of architectural conservation are improving, the action of cleaning or repairing buildings
can, with hindsight, be seen to cause problems that at the time were unforeseen. A good example is
the unrestrained use of sandblasting to clean smog deposits from soft-stoned buildings - a technique
employed in the UK in the 1960s and 1970s- which has damaged the external faces of stonework to
the extent that in some cases, later, the stonework has needed to be replaced.
Contemporary building codes recognize such problems, and (it is to be hoped) mitigate poor
outcomes.
Most ancient buildings are constructed of stone and have survived from antiquity as a result of the
stability of this building material. However, stone can deteriorate rapidly without protection,
particularly in our modern era of pollution and climate change.
Architectural conservation describes the process through which the material, historical, and design
integrity of any built heritage are prolonged through carefully planned interventions. The individual
engaged in this pursuit is known as an architectural conservator-restorer. Decisions of when and how
to engage in an intervention are critical to the ultimate conservation-restoration of cultural heritage.
Ultimately, the decision is value based: a combination of artistic, contextual, and informational values
is normally considered. In some cases, a decision to not intervene may be the most appropriate
choice.
Defining the concept :
Narrow definition :The Conservation Architect must consider factors that deal with issues of
prolonging the life and preserving the integrity of architectural character, such as form and style,
and/or its constituent materials, such as stone, brick. glass, metal, and wood. In this sense, the term
refers to the "professional use of a combination of science, art, craft, and technology as a
preservation tool" and is allied with - and often equated to - its parent fields, of historic environment
conservation and art conservation.
Broad definition: In addition to the design and art/science definition described above, architectural
conservation also refers to issues of identification, policy, regulation, and advocacy associated with
the entirety of the cultural and built environment. This broader scope recognizes that society has
mechanisms to identify and value historic cultural resources, create laws to protect these resources,
and develop policies and management plans for interpretation, protection, and education. Typically
this process operates as a specialized aspect of a society's planning system, and its practitioners are
termed built or historic environment conservation professionals.
Functional definition: Architectural conservation is the process by which individuals or groups
attempt to protect valued buildings from unwanted change
Historical background of the architectural conservation movement
As a movement, architectural conservation in general, and the preservation of ancient structures
specifically, gained momentum during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was a response to Modernism
and its corresponding architectural perspective, which eschewed sentimental attachment to old
buildings and structures in favor of technological and architectural progress and change. Prior to this
time most of the ancient buildings that were still standing had only survived because they either had
significant cultural or religious import, or they had yet to be discovered.
The growth of the architectural conservation movement took place at a time of significant
archaeological ) discovery and scientific advancement. Those educated in the field began to see
various examples of architecture as either being "correct" or "incorrect». Because of this, two schools
of thought began to emerge within the field of building conservation.
Preservation/Conservation were used interchangeably to refer to the architectural school of thought
that either encouraged measures that would protect and maintain buildings in their current state, or
would prevent further damage and deterioration to them. This school of thought saw the original
design of old buildings as correct in and of themselves. Two of the main proponents of preservation
and conservation in the 19th century were art critic John Ruskin and artist William Morris
Restoration was the conservationist school of thought that believed historic buildings could be
improved, and sometimes even completed, using current day materials, design, and techniques. In
this way it is very similar to the Modernist architectural theory, except it does not advocate the
destruction of ancient structures. One of the most ardent supporters of this school of thought in the
19th century was the French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Victorian restoration of medieval
churches was widespread in England and elsewhere, with results that were deplored at the time by
William Morris and are now widely regretted. Current treatments
We generally defined the following treatment approaches to architectural conservation:
Preservation, "places a high premium on the retention of all historic fabric through conservation,
maintenance and repair. It reflects a building's continuum over time, through successive occupancies,
and the respectful changes and alterations that are made."
Rehabilitation "emphasizes the retention and repair of historic materials, but more latitude is
provided for replacement because it is assumed the property is more deteriorated prior to work.
(Both Preservation and Rehabilitation standards focus attention on the preservation of those
materials, features, finishes, spaces, and spatial relationships that, together, give a property its
historic character." Adaptive reuse
Restoration "focuses on the retention of materials from the most significant time in a property's
history, while permitting the removal of materials from other periods."
Reconstruction, "establishes limited opportunities to re-create a non-surviving site, landscape,
building, structure, or object in all new materials."
Some countries recognize some or all of these as potential treatments for historic structures. Canada
recognizes preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration. The Burra Charter, for Australia, identifies
preservation, restoration, and reconstruction.
Common architectural conservation/preservation problems
The earliest building materials used by ancient peoples, such as wood and mud, were organic.
Organic materials were used because they were plentiful and renewable. Unfortunately, the organic
materials used were also very susceptible to the two most significant impediments to preservation
and conservation: the elements and life (both human and animal). Over time inorganic materials like
brick, stone, metal, concrete, and terra cotta began to be used by ancient people instead of organic
ones, due to their durability. In fact, we know that these materials are durable because many ancient
structures that are composed of them, even some built as far back as the Bronze Age, like Egypt's
Great Pyramids, still stand today.
Ancient buildings such as the Egyptian pyramids, the Roman Colosseum, and the Parthenon face
common preservation issues. The most prominent factors affecting these structures are the
environment, pollution, and tourism.
As the Earth's climate patterns change, so too do the environmental conditions governing these
buildings. For example, the Colosseum has already faced lightning, fire, and earthquakes. The
changing climate increases the accumulation of salt crystals on the outside of monuments like the
Colosseum and the Parthenon. This phenomenon increases the deterioration of these buildings.
The salt crystals further contribute to the black effect that man-made pollution has on these
buildings. The Parthenon is especially exposed and many of the remaining marbles are eroding to the
point that they may no longer be identifiable. The pollution from corrosive agents in the air has also
attributed to this deterioration.
The third factor affecting ancient building conservation is tourism. While tourism provides both
economic and cultural benefits, it can also be destructive. The Egyptian tomb of Seti the Ist is
currently off limits to the public due to the deterioration that has been caused by tourists. The
pyramids in Giza have also encountered problems due to large numbers of tourists; more tourists
mean greater humidity and water presence, which can lead to erosion. All of the above factors
complicate the conservation options available to treat these buildings.
 Conservation process:
1/Assessment :The first step in any building conservation project is a sensitive assessment of its
history and merits. As noted architect Donald Insall states, "Every building has its own biography.
Knowledge of the whole life of a building brings an essential understanding of its features and its
problems. He gives the Parthenon in Athens as an example; built between 447 and 432 BCE to serve
as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, its purpose over time changed to Christian church,
mosque, and powder magazine before it became one of the most famous tourist attractions in the
world.
Once the assessment is complete. the next step is a thorough measured survey with a tape, rod and
level. Modern measuring techniques, such as photogrammetry (the use of aerial photographs to
make maps and surveys) and stereo photogrammetry, are also used today to increase accuracy. Once
the measurements are complete, there is an analysis of the structural stability of the building and its
living pattern of movement. No building is permanently still; soil and wind can affect building stability
and need to be documented. Finally, the architect or surveyor tests the electrical connections,
plumbing, and other utilities present in the building (this is more for historic and re-purposed
buildings). For both ancient and historic buildings, lightning conductors and firefighting equipment
are checked to make sure they can provide sufficient protection. At the end of this assessment
process, the conservator will analvze all the collected data and decide on a conservation plan based
on available funding sources.
2/Treatment : The phrase covers a wide span of activities, from the cleaning of the interior or
exterior of a building - as took place at St Paul's Cathedral in London - to the rebuilding of damaged
or derelict buildings, such as the restoration of the Windsor Great Hall in Windsor Castle after a
destructive fire in 1992. The 1985-1989 removal of 38 layers of paint and the cleaning and repair of
the exterior sandstone walls of the White House in the United States are an example of building
restoration.
Buildings are structures which have, from time to time, particular purposes. They require ongoing
maintenance to prevent them falling into disrepair as a result of the ravages of time and use. Building
restoration can be thought of as that set of activities which are greater than year-to-year
maintenance, but which by retaining the building are less than a demolition and the construction of a
new building.
Not all building conservation seeks to follow the original design of the building. It is reasonably
commonplace for the shell of a building - its external walls - to be retained whilst an entirely new
building is constructed within. This approach is also referred to as adaptive reuse. Although
techniques of architectural conservation are improving, the action of cleaning or repairing buildings
can, with hindsight, be seen to cause problems that at the time were unforeseen. A good example is
the unrestrained use of sandblasting to clean smog deposits from soft-stoned buildings - a technique
employed in the UK in the 1960s and 1970s- which has damaged the external faces of stonework to
the extent that in some cases, later, the stonework has needed to be replaced.
Contemporary building codes recognize such problems, and (it is to be hoped) mitigate poor
outcomes.
Most ancient buildings are constructed of stone and have survived from antiquity as a result of the
stability of this building material. However, stone can deteriorate rapidly without protection,
particularly in our modern era of pollution and climate change.
Architectural conservation describes the process through which the material, historical, and design
integrity of any built heritage are prolonged through carefully planned interventions. The individual
engaged in this pursuit is known as an architectural conservator-restorer. Decisions of when and how
to engage in an intervention are critical to the ultimate conservation-restoration of cultural heritage.
Ultimately, the decision is value based: a combination of artistic, contextual, and informational values
is normally considered. In some cases, a decision to not intervene may be the most appropriate
choice.
Defining the concept :
Narrow definition :The Conservation Architect must consider factors that deal with issues of
prolonging the life and preserving the integrity of architectural character, such as form and style,
and/or its constituent materials, such as stone, brick. glass, metal, and wood. In this sense, the term
refers to the "professional use of a combination of science, art, craft, and technology as a
preservation tool" and is allied with - and often equated to - its parent fields, of historic environment
conservation and art conservation.
Broad definition: In addition to the design and art/science definition described above, architectural
conservation also refers to issues of identification, policy, regulation, and advocacy associated with
the entirety of the cultural and built environment. This broader scope recognizes that society has
mechanisms to identify and value historic cultural resources, create laws to protect these resources,
and develop policies and management plans for interpretation, protection, and education. Typically
this process operates as a specialized aspect of a society's planning system, and its practitioners are
termed built or historic environment conservation professionals.
Functional definition: Architectural conservation is the process by which individuals or groups
attempt to protect valued buildings from unwanted change
Historical background of the architectural conservation movement
As a movement, architectural conservation in general, and the preservation of ancient structures
specifically, gained momentum during the 18th and 19th centuries. It was a response to Modernism
and its corresponding architectural perspective, which eschewed sentimental attachment to old
buildings and structures in favor of technological and architectural progress and change. Prior to this
time most of the ancient buildings that were still standing had only survived because they either had
significant cultural or religious import, or they had yet to be discovered.
The growth of the architectural conservation movement took place at a time of significant
archaeological ) discovery and scientific advancement. Those educated in the field began to see
various examples of architecture as either being "correct" or "incorrect». Because of this, two schools
of thought began to emerge within the field of building conservation.
Preservation/Conservation were used interchangeably to refer to the architectural school of thought
that either encouraged measures that would protect and maintain buildings in their current state, or
would prevent further damage and deterioration to them. This school of thought saw the original
design of old buildings as correct in and of themselves. Two of the main proponents of preservation
and conservation in the 19th century were art critic John Ruskin and artist William Morris
Restoration was the conservationist school of thought that believed historic buildings could be
improved, and sometimes even completed, using current day materials, design, and techniques. In
this way it is very similar to the Modernist architectural theory, except it does not advocate the
destruction of ancient structures. One of the most ardent supporters of this school of thought in the
19th century was the French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Victorian restoration of medieval
churches was widespread in England and elsewhere, with results that were deplored at the time by
William Morris and are now widely regretted. Current treatments
We generally defined the following treatment approaches to architectural conservation:
Preservation, "places a high premium on the retention of all historic fabric through conservation,
maintenance and repair. It reflects a building's continuum over time, through successive occupancies,
and the respectful changes and alterations that are made."
Rehabilitation "emphasizes the retention and repair of historic materials, but more latitude is
provided for replacement because it is assumed the property is more deteriorated prior to work.
(Both Preservation and Rehabilitation standards focus attention on the preservation of those
materials, features, finishes, spaces, and spatial relationships that, together, give a property its
historic character." Adaptive reuse
Restoration "focuses on the retention of materials from the most significant time in a property's
history, while permitting the removal of materials from other periods."
Reconstruction, "establishes limited opportunities to re-create a non-surviving site, landscape,
building, structure, or object in all new materials."
Some countries recognize some or all of these as potential treatments for historic structures. Canada
recognizes preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration. The Burra Charter, for Australia, identifies
preservation, restoration, and reconstruction.
Common architectural conservation/preservation problems
The earliest building materials used by ancient peoples, such as wood and mud, were organic.
Organic materials were used because they were plentiful and renewable. Unfortunately, the organic
materials used were also very susceptible to the two most significant impediments to preservation
and conservation: the elements and life (both human and animal). Over time inorganic materials like
brick, stone, metal, concrete, and terra cotta began to be used by ancient people instead of organic
ones, due to their durability. In fact, we know that these materials are durable because many ancient
structures that are composed of them, even some built as far back as the Bronze Age, like Egypt's
Great Pyramids, still stand today.
Ancient buildings such as the Egyptian pyramids, the Roman Colosseum, and the Parthenon face
common preservation issues. The most prominent factors affecting these structures are the
environment, pollution, and tourism.
As the Earth's climate patterns change, so too do the environmental conditions governing these
buildings. For example, the Colosseum has already faced lightning, fire, and earthquakes. The
changing climate increases the accumulation of salt crystals on the outside of monuments like the
Colosseum and the Parthenon. This phenomenon increases the deterioration of these buildings.
The salt crystals further contribute to the black effect that man-made pollution has on these
buildings. The Parthenon is especially exposed and many of the remaining marbles are eroding to the
point that they may no longer be identifiable. The pollution from corrosive agents in the air has also
attributed to this deterioration.
The third factor affecting ancient building conservation is tourism. While tourism provides both
economic and cultural benefits, it can also be destructive. The Egyptian tomb of Seti the Ist is
currently off limits to the public due to the deterioration that has been caused by tourists. The
pyramids in Giza have also encountered problems due to large numbers of tourists; more tourists
mean greater humidity and water presence, which can lead to erosion. All of the above factors
complicate the conservation options available to treat these buildings.
 Conservation process:
1/Assessment :The first step in any building conservation project is a sensitive assessment of its
history and merits. As noted architect Donald Insall states, "Every building has its own biography.
Knowledge of the whole life of a building brings an essential understanding of its features and its
problems. He gives the Parthenon in Athens as an example; built between 447 and 432 BCE to serve
as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, its purpose over time changed to Christian church,
mosque, and powder magazine before it became one of the most famous tourist attractions in the
world.
Once the assessment is complete. the next step is a thorough measured survey with a tape, rod and
level. Modern measuring techniques, such as photogrammetry (the use of aerial photographs to
make maps and surveys) and stereo photogrammetry, are also used today to increase accuracy. Once
the measurements are complete, there is an analysis of the structural stability of the building and its
living pattern of movement. No building is permanently still; soil and wind can affect building stability
and need to be documented. Finally, the architect or surveyor tests the electrical connections,
plumbing, and other utilities present in the building (this is more for historic and re-purposed
buildings). For both ancient and historic buildings, lightning conductors and firefighting equipment
are checked to make sure they can provide sufficient protection. At the end of this assessment
process, the conservator will analvze all the collected data and decide on a conservation plan based
on available funding sources.
2/Treatment : The phrase covers a wide span of activities, from the cleaning of the interior or
exterior of a building - as took place at St Paul's Cathedral in London - to the rebuilding of damaged
or derelict buildings, such as the restoration of the Windsor Great Hall in Windsor Castle after a
destructive fire in 1992. The 1985-1989 removal of 38 layers of paint and the cleaning and repair of
the exterior sandstone walls of the White House in the United States are an example of building
restoration.
Buildings are structures which have, from time to time, particular purposes. They require ongoing
maintenance to prevent them falling into disrepair as a result of the ravages of time and use. Building
restoration can be thought of as that set of activities which are greater than year-to-year
maintenance, but which by retaining the building are less than a demolition and the construction of a
new building.
Not all building conservation seeks to follow the original design of the building. It is reasonably
commonplace for the shell of a building - its external walls - to be retained whilst an entirely new
building is constructed within. This approach is also referred to as adaptive reuse. Although
techniques of architectural conservation are improving, the action of cleaning or repairing buildings
can, with hindsight, be seen to cause problems that at the time were unforeseen. A good example is
the unrestrained use of sandblasting to clean smog deposits from soft-stoned buildings - a technique
employed in the UK in the 1960s and 1970s- which has damaged the external faces of stonework to
the extent that in some cases, later, the stonework has needed to be replaced.
Contemporary building codes recognize such problems, and (it is to be hoped) mitigate poor
outcomes.
Most ancient buildings are constructed of stone and have survived from antiquity as a result of the
stability of this building material. However, stone can deteriorate rapidly without protection,
particularly in our modern era of pollution and climate change.
Architectural conservation refers to the process of preserving the material, historical, and design integrity of
built heritage through carefully planned interventions. It is an interdisciplinary field that combines art,
science, technology, and craft to prolong the life and integrity of historic buildings and structures.
The historical background of architectural conservation dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when the
conservation movement gained momentum as a response to modernism and its emphasis on technological
progress and change. The movement sought to preserve and protect historic structures from unwanted
alteration or destruction. Two schools of thought emerged within the field of building conservation:
preservation/conservation and restoration.
Preservation/conservation focused on maintaining buildings in their current state and preventing further
damage or deterioration. This school of thought saw the original design of old buildings as correct in and of
themselves. One of the main proponents of preservation and conservation in the 19th century was the art
critic John Ruskin, who argued that historic buildings possessed a unique character and beauty that should
be preserved.
Restoration, on the other hand, aimed to improve or complete historic buildings using modern materials and
techniques. This school of thought believed that historic buildings could be improved and sometimes even
completed using current-day materials, design, and techniques. However, restoration must be done with
caution as it risks damaging the historical integrity of the structure. One of the most ardent supporters of this
school of thought in the 19th century was the French architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc.
The conservation process involves a series of steps, starting with an assessment of the structure's condition
and historical significance. This is followed by a decision-making process that considers various factors such
as the artistic, contextual, and informational value of the structure. The conservation architect must also
consider the structure's form, style, and constituent materials, such as stone, brick, glass, metal, and wood.
The interventions must be carefully planned to ensure that the structure's historical and cultural significance
is preserved.
The conservation treatment of a historic structure can include several interventions such as cleaning,
consolidation, and restoration. Cleaning is the process of removing dirt, grime, and pollutants from the
surface of the structure. Consolidation involves stabilizing the structure to prevent further deterioration.
Restoration involves repairing or replacing damaged elements of the structure using traditional materials and
techniques.
In recent years, technological advancements have transformed the conservation process. For example, 3D
printing technology has enabled conservators to produce accurate replicas of missing parts of a structure.
Drones and laser scanning technology have also enabled more detailed assessments of structures, allowing
for better-informed conservation decisions.
Despite the progress in technology, conservation efforts still face challenges such as funding constraints and
ethical considerations. Conservation interventions must be carried out in a way that is respectful of the
structure's historical and cultural significance. This means that interventions must be reversible, and any new
elements should be distinguishable from the original structure.
In conclusion, architectural conservation is an important field that seeks to preserve and protect historic
structures for future generations. The historical background of the conservation movement dates back to the
18th and 19th centuries, and it continues to be an important aspect of preserving cultural heritage. The
conservation process involves a series of carefully planned interventions that must be carried out with
caution to preserve the structure's historical and cultural significance. With the advancement of technology,
conservators can now use innovative techniques to better preserve and protect historic structures. However,
they must remain mindful of ethical considerations and the need to preserve the original character of the
structure.