Architectural Conservation PDF

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION WHAT IS CONSERVATION? Multi-disciplinary process involving a team of many professionals, specialists in different fields, and crafts workers. Preservation from loss, depletion, waste and harm. Planned manag...

ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION WHAT IS CONSERVATION? Multi-disciplinary process involving a team of many professionals, specialists in different fields, and crafts workers. Preservation from loss, depletion, waste and harm. Planned management of an object, structure, site to prevent its neglect and to prolong its life - Means all the processes of looking after a place so as to retain its cultural significance. (burra charter,2013). - All operations designed to understand a property, know its history and meaning, ensure its material safeguard, and, if required, its restoration and enhancement. (Nara, 1993). - Is the protection and maintenance of historical and cultural sites by regulating human activity and not outright eliminating humans from the sites. (IEREK, 2013) - Shall refer to all the process and measures of maintaining the cultural significance of a cultural property including, but not limited to, preservation, restoration, reconstruction, protection, adaptation or any combination thereof. (“National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009”) Pyramids of Giza Stonehenge, Salisbury, England WHAT ARE WE CONSERVING? DESIGNED ENVIRONMENT Manila Metropolitan Theater (The MET) WHAT ARE WE CONSERVING? NATURAL RESOURCES WHAT ARE WE CONSERVING? VISUAL ARTS & CRAFTS WHAT ARE WE CONSERVING? PERFORMING ARTS MUSIC & LITERATURE WHAT ARE WE CONSERVING? BELIEFS & TRADITIONS Preservation - Means maintaining a place in ts existing state and retarding deterioration. (burra charter,2013). - Retention of the existing form, material and integrity of site. (Appleton Charter,1983) - Preservation is the protection of historical and cultural sites from human impact and human misuse altogether. International Experts for Research Enrichment and Knowledge Exchange(IEREK, 2013) Intramuros (Walled City) Restoration - Means returning a place to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling existing elements without the introduction of new material. (burra charter,2013). - Recovery of an earlier form, material and integrity of a site. (Appleton Charter,1983) Rizal Memorial Coliseum  WHY CONSERVE? Embodies or reflects the architectural, artistic, historic, economic, social, political and spiritual character of the people who produced it. Symbol of our heritage and its continuity - reflection our CULTURAL IDENTITY. CULTURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION CHARTERS & STANDARDS BY JK GILLON TIMELINE 1877 – Society for the Protection of Ancient Building’s Manifesto - The first attempt to establish a coherent and logically defensible philosophy for building conservation. - The Manifesto consists principally of a plea to “put protection in place of restoration”. - Founder William Morris & Philip Web - Society in England  1931 – The Athens Conference (Athens Charter) - Organized by the International Museums Office, established basic principles for an an international code of practice for conservation.  1945 – The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) - Promoted various Conventions and other instruments for the conservation of the cultural heritage. - UNESCO created the idea of World Heritage to protect sites of outstanding universal value. A selection of these are: ▪ Recommendation Concerning International Competitions in Architecture and Town Planning (1956). Provides guidance for the drawing up of programs for international competitions, in the interests both of organizers and of competitors. ▪ Recommendations on International Principles Applicable to Archaeological Excavations (1956). Deals with general principles and regulations governing excavations and the trade in antiquities. ▪ Recommendations Concerning the Safeguarding of the Beauty and Character of Landscapes and Sites (1962). Considers preventative measures aimed at protecting natural, rural and urban landscapes and sites, whether natural or man-made, which have cultural or aesthetic interest. ▪ Recommendations Concerning the Preservation of Cultural Property Endangered by Public or Private Works (1968). Considers preventative and corrective measures which should be aimed at protecting or saving cultural properties from works likely to damage or destroy them, such as urban expansion and renewal projects, injudicious repair and modifications, highway works, agricultural operations, the construction of infrastructure and industrial development. A selection of these are: ▪ Recommendations Concerning the Protection at National Level of the Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972). Defines the terms cultural and natural heritage, and provides a lengthy consideration of general principles, the organization of services, and protective measures under the headings financial, administrative, scientific and technical. ▪ Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972). Introduced the concept of World Heritage Sites. ▪ Recommendations Concerning the Safeguarding and Contemporary Role of Historic Areas (1976). Another lengthy and detailed document which provides a comprehensive set of standards and principles for the conservation of the historic environment.  1964 – Venice Charter (International Charter for the Conservation of Monuments and Sites) - An important modern milestone for the conservation movement. - The second International Congress of Architects and Technicians of Historic Monuments and Sites - The Venice Charter stresses the importance of setting, respect for original fabric, precise documentation of any intervention, the significance of contributions from all periods to the building’s character, and the maintenance of historic buildings for a socially useful purpose. - The charter outlines the basic doctrine of what is now accepted to be an appropriate approach to dealing in philosophical terms with historic buildings.  1965 – International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) - An international non-governmental organization that promotes the study of the theory, methodology and technology of conservation applied to monuments, historic areas and sites. TIMELINE 1972 – Resolution of the Symposium on the Introduction of Contemporary Architecture into Ancient Groups of Buildings - Stresses the need for appropriate use of mass, scale, rhythm and appearance, and the avoidance of imitation. 1975 – Resolution on the Conservation of Smaller Towns. - Considers the potential threats to such places, which are detailed as: lack of economic activity, outward movement of population, disruption of structures due to insertion of new elements, and measures to adapt to modern activities. Methods of counteracting these threats are then considered. - Declaration of Amsterdam (Congress on the European Architectural Heritage) - Notes that the significance of the architectural heritage and the justification for conserving it are now more clearly perceived and considers processes that would place the conservation of the architectural heritage on firm and lasting foundations. - The importance of integrating conservation of the architectural heritage into the urban and regional planning process is identified as one of the most important factors.  1976 – The Charter on Cultural Tourism - Considers the positive and negative effects of cultural tourism on historic monuments and sites.  1979 – The Burra Charter ( The Australian ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance) - This Charter develops the principles detailed in the Venice Charter to suit local Australian requirements. - It includes a comprehensive list of definitions of items such as place, fabric, conservation, maintenance, preservation, restoration, reconstruction, adaptation and compatible use. - It also introduces the concept of cultural significance, the ‘ aesthetic, historic, scientific or social value for past, present and future generations’, and requires this to be defined for each place, and conservation plans to be established and justified prior to any intervention. - It continues with a description of conservation principles and processes that are intended as a definition of good practice. - The Burra Charter is well established in Australia and is frequently used by the Australian Government in its formal capacity. TIMELINE 1982 – The Florence Charter on Historic Gardens - Provides a definition of the term historic garden and the architectural compositions that constitute the historic landscape. - It emphasizes the need to identify and list historic gardens, and provides philosophical guidance on maintenance, conservation, restoration and reconstruction. - Tlaxcala Declaration on the Revitalization of Small Settlements - Considers initiatives for safeguarding communities living in small settlements and the traditional environment of such places. 1983 – The Appleton Charter for the Protection and Enhancement - Considers levels of intervention in the historic environment, notes that respect for original fabric is a fundamental basis for the activities of protection and enhancement, and considers good practice in terms of documentation, avoidance of conjecture, distinguishability of new work, use of traditional materials and techniques, maintenance of patina, reversibility and respect for the integrity of the structure.  1982 – The Florence Charter on Historic Gardens - Provides a definition of the term historic garden and the architectural compositions that constitute the historic landscape. - It emphasizes the need to identify and list historic gardens, and provides philosophical guidance of maintenance, conservation, restoration and reconstruction.  1987 – The Washington Charter on the Conservation of Historic Towns and Areas - A particularly useful document that considers broad principles for the planning and protection of historic urban areas.  1990 – Charter for the Protection and Management of the Archaeological Heritage - Considers the subject of archaeology under the following headings: definitions, integrated protection policies, legislation, survey, maintenance and conservation, presentation, re- construction, and international co-operation.  1992 – Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Heritage Value (ICOMOS New Zealand) - Provides comprehensive definitions of the processes involved in conservation and sets out principles to guide the conservation of places of cultural heritage value in New Zealand. - It aims to provide a frame of reference as guidelines for appropriate professional practice. Although written for use in New Zealand, the basic principles are generally applicable and follow the spirit of the Venice Charter.  1992 – Preservation Charter for the Historic Towns and Areas of the United States of America (US ICOMOS) - Sets down a comprehensive statement concerning the importance of historic town, neighborhoods and places, and states what should be done to tackle preservation issues in a coherent and thorough manner. 1993 – Guidelines for Education and Training in the Conservation of Monuments, Ensembles and Sites. - The aim of this document is to promote the establishment of standards and guidelines for education and training in the conservation of historic buildings, historic areas and towns, archaeological sites, and cultural landscapes. It emphasizes the need to develop a holistic approach to heritage issues and sets out the relevant skills that are required. The charters and standards should be viewed as providing guiding principles towards defining an appropriate response to conservation issues, not as instant and all-inclusive prescriptions. The following factors form the basis of most of the documents: comprehensive analysis of the place, minimum intervention in the historic fabric, precise documentation, respect for contributions from all periods, maintenance of authenticity and the requirement to take a holistic view of the historic environment. Significance Markel Cesar A. Luna I. How Do We Choose What To Conserve? People would often assume that any structure that is decades (or even centuries) old is “vintage”, and worth preserving. With this kind of thinking, we would be blocking off progress. We would then be freezing time. There should be a balance between conservation and development. While it is true that we should retain our heritage, we must be allowed to evolve. Our physical needs constantly change in this fast-paced world, but we are kept “Human” and “Filipino” by our cultural values, which serve as our moral guide. Just because a building or complex is old, it doesn’t automatically mean that it is a Heritage Structure or Site. Together with “age” as a qualification, it must have SIGNIFICANCE, as well. Valuation The Architectural Heritage Conservation process starts with VALUATION, which is the initial assessment of probable value. A. Cultural Mapping Nowadays, Local Government Units are becoming more active in Cultural Mapping; that is, the identification and/or documentation of probable Heritage Structures and Sites in their areas. B. Captured Interest Buildings or complexes may happen to capture the interest of individuals (community members, tourists, students, architects, historians, etc.) or groups (organizations, communities, local government units, advocacy groups) primarily due to their “old” appearance, character, and/or their observed attachment/connection to the communities where they stands and/or the general public. In both cases, further inspection and general research may reveal its value and relevance; thus, it can be considered as a Heritage Structure or Site, making it SIGNIFICANT and worthy of Conservation. II. “SIGNIFICANCE” in Architectural Heritage Conservation SIGNIFICANCE, in Architectural Heritage Conservation, pertains to “CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE”. A Heritage Structure/Site, considered as Immovable Tangible Heritage, is deeply connected to our Culture. It is a “container” of other aspects of our Culture, whether tangible or intangible. It is a part of our historical context. CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE expresses the CULTURAL VALUE of a Heritage Structure or Site. It may be just one “type” of value, or a combination of several. The common “types” of values would be the following: A. Historical B. Aesthetic/Architectural C. Social D. Spiritual E. Scientific F. Others A “type” of value is, in essence, a category of significance. If a Heritage Structure or Site has Historical Value, then it is of Historical Significance; if a Heritage Structure or Site has Historical and Aesthetic/Architectural Values, then it is of Historical and Aesthetic/Architectural Significance; and so on. It can then be said that CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE is the established/determined VALUE or combination of VALUES of a Heritage Structure or Site. It is the quality that makes a Heritage Structure/Site special, what connects or attaches it to people in general, and what makes it worth promoting to the community; thus, it is what gives it the qualification to be conserved. III. THOROUGH VALUE ASSESSMENT To establish/determine the CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE of a Heritage Structure or Site, thorough assessment must be done. A scientific way to achieve this is to create a set of criteria (or qualifications) for each “type” of VALUE. But first, a review of existing sets of criteria created by NCCA’s “declaring bodies” may be helpful. A. NHCP CRITERIA Criteria of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), formerly the National Historical Institute, as the Historical Events knowledge database enumerates (National Historical Landmark Criteria): - The structure should be a building, or any kind of structure known for its historical significance. - The structure should be a building that is not just a tourist attraction but should serve as fitting tribute to the momentous events that occurred and the people who took part in defining moments of Philippine history. B. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES CRITERIA Criteria of the National Museum of the Philippines enumerates (Taken from the National Museum's Office Order No.2012-35 dated January 30, 2012): - Represents a masterpiece of Filipino creativity; - Bears a unique or at least exceptional testimony to Philippine cultural tradition (extinct or extant); - An outstanding or highly exceptional example of type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates significant stages in Philippine History; - An outstanding or highly exceptional example of traditional human settlement which is representative of a culture or human interaction with the environment; - Associated with events or living or living traditions with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding or highly exceptional significance; - Building and structures at least 50 years old; must reasonably intact - 70% authentic; interiors must have been preserved most of its original furnishings; and architecture must be an excellent representation of artistic style or technique; - Contain superlative natural phenomenon or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; - An outstanding or highly exceptional example representing major stages of Philippine geological history or events; - An outstanding or highly exceptional example representing significant ecological and biological processes; - Contains the most important and significant natural habitat for in-situ conservation of biological diversity; and - Plants and animals that are classified as holotype specimens. Criteria Per Value To determine the “type” of VALUE of a Structure or Site, a set of criteria (for each VALUE type) must be used. If one criterion or any combination of criteria is satisfied, then the Structure or Site is qualified for, and therefore possesses the value that the set of criteria falls under. Historical Value - The structure is identified with and/or symbolic of eras or an era. - The structure is related to historical events; that is, it should have served as a venue for important events in history and been associated with important people. Architectural/Aesthetic Value - The structure is an outstanding piece of architectural work. - The structure displays “uniqueness”. - The structure is representative of a relevant architectural style. - The structure features elements that are related to Philippine culture. O Social Value - The structure has a physical relevance to or a “connection” with the community; that is, it carries an attachment to a group or groups of people. - The structure should serve or have served as a venue for various events/activities; thereby promoting and supporting Philippine culture. o Spiritual Value - The structure should be or have been of spiritual importance to a community. O Scientific Value - The structure should have featured technology considered as innovative or advanced during its time. *In a CMP, Each Value must be justified through a discussion. LEYTE PROVINCIAL CAPITOL IV. Statement Of Significance Having satisfied the criteria for evaluation and validation, it can then be established that the Manila Metropolitan Theater is Culturally Significant to Philippine Society in the sense that it possesses Historical Value, as a reminder of our glorious past and as a monument to survival; Architectural/Aesthetic Value, as an architectural icon and as a symbol of Filipino culture and fine artistry; Social Value, as a Treasure Trove of Memories and as the Core of the Community; and Spiritual Value, as a Venue that expressed the Filipino Community’s Ideals and Aspirations. The Manila Metropolitan Theater qualifies to be conserved for it embodies several aspects of Cultural Significance, living up to its declarations as a National Historical Landmark and a National Cultural Treasure. V. What Is The Relevance Of Cultural Significance? *A DECLARATION May be given to the Structure or Site. - Funding (Maintenance) - - Protection from Demolition *The Loss of Significance may cause Declassification or Delisting. DISCUSSION Significant, More Significant, Most Significant ? Low Significance VS. High Significance ? REVIEW A Heritage Structure or Site is worthy of Conservation for several reasons. These reasons were narrowed down to ten (10), as previously discussed. A Heritage Structure or Site may be: 1. a Symbol of Philippine culture; 2. a Celebration of Philippine Artistry and achievements; 3. a Legacy of our ancestors; 4. a Representation and good example of an Architectural style; 5. a Source of Pride and Inspiration; 6. a Provider of a “Sense of Identity” and the “Sense of Belonging to”; 7. a Reminder of what have transpired in the past; 8. a Source of priceless lessons; 9. a “Custodian” of memories; and/or 10. a Monument to Filipino values. In a way, these reasons contribute to the SIGNIFICANCE of a Heritage Structure or Site. CONCLUSION By establishing the Cultural Significance of Heritage Structures and Sites, more CONCLUSION By establishing the Cultural Significance of Heritage Structures and Sites, more of them would hopefully be Conserved; thus, this would give the Filipino People the opportunity to develop a connection with and an attachment to their Architectural Heritage, enabling them to learn more about themselves, and to rekindle their Sense of Nationalism. DEFECT MAPPING ▪ a crucial process in the architectural heritage conservation process. It involves the systematic identification, documentation, and analysis of defects in historic structures. Defect mapping process is necessary for diagnosing causes of deterioration as well as planning appropriate interventions. Below is an overview of the key aspects of defect mapping in the context of architectural heritage conservation  OBJECTIVES OF DEFECT MAPPING Identify Problems: Observe structural, material, and surface damages due to cracks, dampness, bio-growth, discolouration, or deformation. Identify Causes: Analyze factors that can cause degradation such as environmental exposures, material aging, or inappropriate previous repairs. Document: Create a visual and written record of the present state of the structure Prioritize: Set up a priority ranking of the tasks related to the conservation. Track Changes: Be a reference point measure the development of degradation through time. 2. Types of Defects ▪ Structural Defects: cracking, settlement, deformation, and foundation instability. Material Deterioration: spalling, delamination, efflorescence, or reinforcement corrosion in concrete. Moisture-Related Issues: rising damp, seepage, or water infiltration. Biological Growth: mold, moss, or vegetation. Surface Damage: erosion, abrasion, graffiti, or discoloration. 3. Tools and Techniques for Defect Mapping Visual Inspection: the most basic method for identification of apparent defects Sketching and Notation: drawing maps with locations of defects marked. Photography: recording of defects through photography to analy ze defects in detail. Digital and Advanced Techniques Drones: High-resolution imagery for inaccessible areas. Laser Scanning: Perfect 3D modeling of a structure to map its surface with irregularities. Thermography: Infrared cameras to detect moisture entry points and inconsistencies in materials. NDT (Non-Destructive Testing): Types of this technique include ground-penetrating radar, ultrasonic testing, moisture meters,