AR0515 ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION
Definition of conservation, Need for conservational activities, brief study in India and abroad, Role of architect in
conservation program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Architectural conservation describes the process through which the material, historical, and design integrity of
mankind's built heritage are prolonged through carefully planned interventions.
The individual engaged in this pursuit is known as an architectural conservator.
Heritage building means a building possessing architectural, aesthetic, historic or cultural values which is
declared as heritage building by the Planning Authority/Heritage conservation committee or any other Competent
Authority in whose jurisdiction such building is situated.
Heritage precinct means an area comprising heritage building or buildings and precincts thereof or related
places that share wholly or partly certain common physical, social, cultural significance worth preservation and
conservation.
Heritage definably into two categories:
Cultural Heritage: includes tangible or intangible form of cultural property, structure or artifact and may include a
heritage matter, object, item, artifact, formation structure, performance, dance, song, music that is pertinent to the
historical or contemporary way of the country people, on or in land or underwater cultural heritage of intangible
form but including natural heritage.
Natural Heritage: includes natural feature of any area in a country which may consist of earthly physical or
biological formation or group of such formations, geological or physiographical features, mountains, river, stream,
rock formation, sea shore or any natural sites of outstanding value from the point of view of nature, science,
history conservation or natural beauty including flora and fauna of the country.

History 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.
1 | P a g e A R 0 5 1 5 A R C H I T E C T U R A L C O N S E R VAT I O N U N I T - 1

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's 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 French architect Eugne Viollet-le-Duc.

Why conserve?
The majority of Indias architectural heritage and sites are unprotected. They constitute a unique
civilisational legacy, as valuable as the monuments legally protected by ASI/ SDA and other governmental and
non-governmental agencies. This legacy is being steadily eroded as a result of insensitive modernization and
urbanization, and the fact that it does not command the same respect as legally protected monuments. Many
unprotected heritage sites are still in use, and the manner in which they continue to be kept in use represents the
living heritage of India. This heritage is manifest in both tangible and intangible forms, and its diversity defines
the composite culture of the country. Beyond its role as a historic document, this unprotected heritage embodies
values of enduring relevance to contemporary Indian society, thus making it worthy of conservation.
This living heritage is not legally protected. The buildings and sites which constitute it are
subject to demolition or unsympathetic interventions. The knowledge of traditional building skills with which it is
associated is also in danger of being lost in the absence of patronage and official recognition. Conserving the
living heritage, therefore, offers the potential to conserve both traditional buildings and traditional ways of
building.
Conserving the unprotected architectural heritage and sites ensures the survival of the countrys
sense of place and its very character in a globalising environment. It offers the opportunity not only to conserve
the past, but also to define the future. It provides alternate avenues for employment and a parallel market for local
building materials and technologies, which needs to be taken into account when resources for development are
severely constrained.
This living heritage also has symbiotic relationships with the natural environments within which it
originally evolved. Understanding this interdependent ecological network and conserving it can make a significant
contribution to improving the quality of the environment.

Conservation Objectives

Retain visual identity

In a globalising world, where visual spaces are rapidly becoming homogenised, it is necessary to retain
the specific visual identity of a place created by the presence of unprotected architectural heritage and sites. Yet,
this image should not be preserved in the manner of legally protected monuments, but must accommodate the
imperatives of change in making the heritage relevant in contemporary society. The objective must be to integrate
unprotected heritage and sites into daily social life by balancing their needs so that neither overshadows the
other.
The visual cacophony created by advertisement boards, signage, hanging electric cables, air conditioning
units, dish antennas, etc. must be carefully controlled to enhance the visual character of the architectural heritage
and site. Additions of street furniture, pavement material, lighting, signage, etc. can add to the experience and
appreciation of the heritage.
In this respect the objectives of conservation can mediate even new buildings or neighbourhoods by
requiring them to make reference to the old by employing elements, methods and devices characterising the
architectural heritage of the area so that the new is linked with the old.
2 | P a g e A R 0 5 1 5 A R C H I T E C T U R A L C O N S E R VAT I O N U N I T - 1

Adaptive re-use
The re-use of historic buildings and neighbourhoods is economically sensible. It is an effective strategy to
conserve architectural heritage, particularly by using traditional craftspeople in the process. Such re-use
distinguishes between preservation as an ideal on the one hand and, on the other, the goal to prolong the useful
life of architectural heritage by retaining as much (and not necessarily, all) of the surviving evidence as a vestigial
presence.
Priority must be accorded to retaining the continuity of original functions. Any new use must be
introduced only after studying its effect on the local context, and must conform to the carrying capacity and
vulnerability of the architectural heritage.
All changes to the original fabric should be preceded and followed by comprehensive documentation.
Additions and alterations must respect the coherence of the whole, and must, to the extent possible, engage
traditional materials, skills and knowledge in the process.
When it becomes necessary to modernise and comprehensively alter the original internal functional
characteristics of the building or site, its external image must be retained.
At the outset, the local community must be made aware of the changes envisaged and explained the
benefits to be derived.
Restoration/ Replication/ Rebuilding
Restoration is an appropriate conservation strategy to reinstate the integrity or complete the fractured
whole of the architectural heritage/ site. It must aim to convey the meaning of the heritage in the most effective
manner. It may include reassembling of displaced and dismembered components of the structure and conjectural
building or replacement of missing or severely deteriorated parts of the fabric. Invariably, restoration work must be
preceded and followed by comprehensive documentation in order to base interventions on informed
understanding of the resource and its context, and in conformity with contemporary practices of local
craftspeople.
In consonance with traditional ideals, replication can be accepted as an appropriate strategy not only to
conserve unprotected historic buildings, but especially if such replication encourages historic ways of building.
At the urban level, the objective of rebuilding historic structures should be to enhance the visual and
experiential quality of the built environment, thereby providing a local distinctiveness to contest the homogenising
influence of globalisation.
In addition, reconstruction/ rebuilding can provide the impetus to develop a parallel market for local
buildings materials and new opportunities for the use of alternative systems of building.
Reconstruction based on minimal physical evidence is appropriate where it is supported by the
knowledge of local craftspeople, including folklore, beliefs, myths and legends, rituals, customs, oral traditions,
etc. The objective of this practice must be to interpret the original meanings of the resource in the contemporary
context and reinforce its bond with society.
Employment generation
Conservation strategy must focus on the potential for employing local raj mistris, labour and materials
because this will prolong the economic viability of traditional ways of building. In conditions of resource scarcity,
the use of architectural heritage can provide an alternate and more economic strategy to meet contemporary
needs as well.
Local material and traditional technology
The use of local materials and traditional technologies must invariably be preferred. Their choice must be
based on the availability of traditional knowledge systems. Modern substitutes should be considered only after
their use is proven efficient and judicious, and must not compromise the integrity and continuity of local building
traditions.
3 | P a g e A R 0 5 1 5 A R C H I T E C T U R A L C O N S E R VAT I O N U N I T - 1

It is necessary to recognise that the use of certain traditional building materials may be inadvisable on
account of the damage this can cause to the natural ecological systems. Thus the use of shell lime in coastal
areas and wood generally may need to be judicially substituted with alternate materials.
Integrated conservation
Conservation of architectural heritage and sites must be integrated with the social and economic
aspirations of society. Conservation-oriented development must be the preferred strategy for social and economic
progress. This necessitates the formation of multi-disciplinary teams to undertake integrated conservation
projects. Since social aspirations are diverse and often at odds with each other, the conservation team must
include social workers to facilitate dialogue and decision-making.
Sustainability
The objective of conservation should be to sustain the building and/or the traditional skill and knowledge
system of building. In this context, continuity must be seen as evolving over time. The test of its validity must be
the positive contribution it makes to the quality of life of the local community.

Caring for cultural heritage

Methods i) Preventive conservation ii) Interventive conservation
Preventive conservation
Many cultural works are sensitive to environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and
exposure to light and ultraviolet light. They must be protected in a controlled environment where such variables
are maintained within a range of damage-limiting levels. Shielding from sunlight of artifacts such as watercolour
paintings for example is usually necessary to prevent fading of pigments.
Preventive conservation is an important element of museum policy and collections care. It is an essential
responsibility of members of the museum profession to create and maintain a protective environment for the
collections in their care, whether in store, on display, or in transit. A museum should carefully monitor the
condition of collections to determine when an artifact requires conservation work and the services of a qualified
conservator.
Interventive conservation
Interventive Conservation refers to any act by a conservator that involves a direct interaction between the
conservator and the cultural material. These interventive treatments could involve cleaning, stabilizing, repair, or
even replacement of parts of the original object. It is essential that the conservator should fully justify any such
work. Complete documentation of the work; carried out before, during, and after the treatment rules out chances
of later doubts.
The principal goal of a conservator is to nullify or at least reduce the rate of deterioration of an object, this
can be achieved through either non-interventive or interventive methodologies. Interventive methodologies
include all those actions taken by the conservator to directly intervene with the material fabric of the object. Such
actions include surface cleaning such as varnish removal, or consolidation such as securing flaking paint. Such
interventive actions are carried out for a variety of reasons including; aesthetic choices, Stabilization needs for
structural integrity, or for cultural requirements for intangible continuity.
One of the guiding principles of conservation has traditionally been the idea of reversibility, that is that all
interventions with the object should be fully reversible, and the object should be able to be returned to the state in
which it was prior to the conservators intervention. Although this concept remains a guiding principle of the
profession, it is a concept that has been widely critiqued within the conservation profession and is now
considered by many to be "a fuzzy concept". Another important principle of conservation is that all alterations
should be well documented and should be clearly distinguishable from the original object.
4 | P a g e A R 0 5 1 5 A R C H I T E C T U R A L C O N S E R VAT I O N U N I T - 1

Approaches to Conservation
Conservation of heritage buildings, structures, areas and precincts of historic or aesthetic, architectural or
cultural or environmental significance involves maintenance, preservation, restoration , reconstruction and
rehabilitation based on requirements.

Preservation, a process involved in the maintenance necessary in order to maintain the building precinct
or artifact in its present state and to prevent and to retard deterioration. It 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.
Restoration , the means necessary to return the fabric to its known earlier state, by means of the
removal of accretion or resembling existing components or by the sensitive introduction of compatible
materials.It 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, Reconstruction means the process of accurately reproducing by new construction, the
form and detail of vanished structure, or part of it, as it appeared at some period in time and includes full
or partial reconstruction. Reconstruction is appropriate only when a site is incomplete, because of the
destruction by any natural calamities like,earthquake,cyclone,flood, tsunami, fire accident,etc., and
reconstruction is necessary for its survival and it reveals the cultural significance of the place as a
whole.It re-creates vanished or non-surviving portions of a property for interpretive purposes.
Rehabilitation /Adaptive reuse.The process 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. The propertys earlier use was identified and it is put into a new suitable functional
purpose.
(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).

Conservation Programs in India and Abroad

Conservation Programmes : GLOBAL
UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a United
Nations organization whose main objective is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting
collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication in order to further universal
respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for
the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion. (www.unesco.org)
INTBAU- The International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism (INTBAU) is
building an active network of individuals and institutions interested in offering a human alternative in architecture
and the built environment and creating new and harmonious places which respect local traditions.
(www.intbau.org) .

ICOMOS - International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is an international nongovernmental organization of professionals, dedicated to the conservation of the world's historic monuments and
sites. (www.icomos.org)

5 | P a g e A R 0 5 1 5 A R C H I T E C T U R A L C O N S E R VAT I O N U N I T - 1

ICCROM - International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property ICCROM contributes to preserving cultural heritage in the world today and for the future through five main
spheres of activity: Training, Information, Research, Co-operation and Advocacy (www.iccrom.org)
OWHC - Organization of World Heritage Cities - An international non-profit non-governmental
organization, the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) was created to assist member cities
adapt and improve their management methods in relation to the specific requirements of having a site
inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. (www.ovpm.org)
World Monuments Fund - WMF is a New York-based non-profit dedicated to preserving and protecting
endangered works of historic art and architecture around the world. The World Monuments Watch List of
100 Most Endangered Sites, a program of WMF, is issued every other year. (www.wmf.org)

UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the
United Nations. Its stated purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration
through education, science, and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and the
human rights along with fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the UN Charter.
UNESCO -Mission:
UNESCOs mission is to contribute to the "building of peace", reducing poverty, promoting sustainable
development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information.
The Organization focuses, in particular, on two global priorities: Africa and Gender Equality.[5]
Other priorities of the Organization include attaining quality education for all and lifelong learning,
addressing emerging social and ethical challenges, fostering cultural diversity, a culture of peace and building
inclusive knowledge societies through information and communication. [6]
The broad goals and concrete objectives of the international community as set out in the internationally
agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) underpin all UNESCOs
strategies and activities.
INTBAU :
The International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism is an active network of
individuals and institutions dedicated to the creation of humane and harmonious buildings and places which
respect local traditions.
Traditions allow us to recognise the lessons of history, enrich our lives and offer our inheritance to the
future. Local, regional and national traditions provide the opportunity for communities to retain their individuality
with the advance of globalisation. Through tradition we can preserve our sense of identity and counteract social
alienation. People must have the freedom to maintain their traditions.
Traditional buildings and places maintain a balance with nature and society that has been developed over
many generations. They enhance our quality of life and are a proper reflection of modern society. Traditional
buildings and places can offer a profound modernity beyond novelty and look forward to a better future.
INTBAU brings together those who design, make, maintain, study or enjoy traditional building,
architecture and places. We will gain strength, significance and scholarship by association, action and the
dissemination of our principles.
The International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture & Urbanism, INTBAU, is an international
educational charity which works under the Patronage of HRH The Prince of Wales to promote traditional
architecture, urbanism and crafts. The central office of the organisation is based in London, United Kingdom. 17
national Chapters of INTBAU are established as independent, affiliated charities in countries around the world.
6 | P a g e A R 0 5 1 5 A R C H I T E C T U R A L C O N S E R VAT I O N U N I T - 1

INTBAU is a world wide organisation dedicated to the support of traditional building, the maintenance of
local character and the creation of better places to live. We are creating an active network of individuals and
institutions who design, make, maintain, study or enjoy traditional building, architecture and places.
INTBAU's architecture and urban design workshops bring together practitioners, artisans and students.
By education and training in traditional architecture, urbanism and the building crafts, we encourage people to
maintain and restore traditional buildings, and to build new buildings and places that contribute to traditional
environments and improve the quality of life in cities, towns and villages around the world.
INTBAU's 4,000 members are a global force for the continuity of tradition in architecture and building and
the promotion of traditional urban design, working to develop programmes taliored to local needs on every
continent. National chapters have been formed in Australia, Canada, Cuba, Cyprus, Germany, India, Iran, Ireland,
Italy, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, Russia, Scandinavia, the UK and the USA.
ICOMOS
The International Council on Monuments and Sites is an association of professionals that currently brings
together approximately 9500 members throughout the world.
ICOMOS works for the conservation and protection of cultural heritage places. It is the only global nongovernment organisation of this kind, which is dedicated to promoting the application of theory, methodology, and
scientific techniques to the conservation of the architectural and archaeological heritage. Its work is based on the
principles enshrined in the 1964 International Charter on the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and
Sites (the Venice Charter).
ICOMOS is a network of experts that benefits from the interdisciplinary exchange of its members, among which
are architects, historians, archaeologists, art historians, geographers, anthropologists, engineers and town
planners.
The members of ICOMOS contribute to improving the preservation of heritage, the standards and the techniques
for each type of cultural heritage property : buildings, historic cities, cultural landscapes and archaeological sites
ICOMOS is an international non-governmental organization of professionals, dedicated to the conservation of the
world's historic monuments and sites.
ICOMOS - Objectives
to bring together conservation specialists from all over the world and serve as a forum for professional
dialogue and exchange;
to collect, evaluate and disseminate information on conservation principles, techniques and policies;
to co-operate with national and international authorities on the establishment of documentation centres
specialising in conservation;
to work for the adoption and implementation of international conventions on the conservation and
enhancement of architectural heritage;
to participate in the organisation of training programmes for conservation specialists on a world-wide
scale;
to put expertise of highly qualified professionals and specialists at the service of the international
community.

7 | P a g e A R 0 5 1 5 A R C H I T E C T U R A L C O N S E R VAT I O N U N I T - 1

ICCROM
ICCROM is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage. Its
members are individual states which have declared their adhesion to it. It exists to serve the international
community as represented by its Member States, which currently number 129.
It is the only institution of its kind with a worldwide mandate to promote the conservation of all types of
cultural heritage, both movable and immovable.
The decision to found the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of
Cultural Property was made at the 9th UNESCO General Conference in New Delhi in 1956, at a time of mounting
interest in the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. It was subsequently established in Rome in 1959 at
the invitation of the Government of Italy.
ICCROM aims at improving the quality of conservation practice as well as raising awareness about the
importance of preserving cultural heritage.
ICCROM contributes to preserving cultural heritage in the world today and for the future through five main
areas of activity:
Training, Information, Research, Cooperation and Advocacy
Training
ICCROM contributes to conservation training by developing new educational tools and materials, and
organizing professional training activities around the world. Since 1966, ICCROM's courses have involved over
4,000 professionals.
Information
ICCROM has one of the world's leading conservation libraries. The catalogue contains over 89,000
entries relating to books, reports and specialized journals in more than 40 languages. ICCROM also has a
collection of over 17,000 images. In addition, this website offers comprehensive information on international
events and training opportunities in the field of conservation-restoration.
Research
ICCROM organizes and coordinates meetings to devise common approaches and methodologies and to
promote the definition of internationally agreed ethics, criteria and technical standards for conservation practice.
The ICCROM Laboratory is both a resource and reference point for conservation experts.
Cooperation
All ICCROM activities involve institutional and professional partners. Cooperation is provided in the form
of technical advice, collaborative visits, and education and training.
Advocacy
ICCROM disseminates teaching materials and organizes workshops and other activities to raise public
awareness and support for conservation.
OWHC
The Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC) was founded on September 8, 1993 in Fez,
Morocco. The Organization is composed of 238 cities in which are located sites included on the UNESCO World
Heritage List. These 238 World Heritage Cities have a combined population of over 130 million. Within the
Organization, these cities are represented by their Mayors with the active participation of their heritage
management specialists.
The OWHC's headquarters are located in Qubec City, which hosted the First International Symposium
of World Heritage Cities in July 1991.

8 | P a g e A R 0 5 1 5 A R C H I T E C T U R A L C O N S E R VAT I O N U N I T - 1

Primary objectives : of the Organization are to favor the implementation of the World Heritage
Convention, to encourage co-operation and the exchange of information and expertise on matters of conservation
and management as well as to develop a sense of solidarity among its member cities.
The OWHC organizes World Congresses, conferences, seminars and workshops dealing with the
challenges to be met in the realm of management and strategies pertaining to the preservation and development
of historic cities.
OWHC's Mission

contribute to the implementation of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and
Natural Heritage and the International Charter for the Protection of Historic Cities;
encourage, on both regional and international levels, cooperation and the exchange of information and
expertise among historic cities throughout the world in close collaboration with other organizations
pursuing similar goals while promoting action likely to support the efforts of cities located in developing
countries;
in cooperation with specialized organizations, ensure better links between research undertaken by
specialists or experts and the needs of local management;
Sensitize the populations to heritage values and their protection

World Monuments Fund

World Monuments Fund is the leading independent organization dedicated to saving the worlds most
treasured places.
Since 1965, in more than 90 countries, our experts have been racing against time, applying proven
techniques to preserve important architectural and cultural heritage sites around the globe.
Through partnerships with local communities, funders, and governments, we inspire an enduring
commitment to stewardship for future generations.
Nearly 85 percent of our revenue goes directly toward preservation projects, fieldwork, advocacy, and
educational programs.

Conservation Programmes : INDIA

ASI (The Archaeological Survey of India )
INTACH(The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage)
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), as an attached office under the Department of
Culture, Ministry of Tourism and Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and
protection of the cultural heritage of the nation. Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and
remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI. Besides it regulate all archaeological activities in
the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It
also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
The ASI's function is to "explore, excavate, conserve, preserve and protect the monuments and sites of
National & International Importance."
The survey performs numerous other activities, including: imparting training to the young professionals in
the field of Archaeology. The Archaeological Survey of India runs a premier institute in New Delhi for this purpose.
For the maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance
the entire country is divided into 24 Circles. The organization has a large work force of trained archaeologists,
conservators, epigraphist, architects and scientists for conducting archaeological research projects through its
9 | P a g e A R 0 5 1 5 A R C H I T E C T U R A L C O N S E R VAT I O N U N I T - 1

Excavation Branches, Prehistory Branch, Epigraphy Branches, Science Branch, Horticulture Branch, Building
Survey Project, Temple Survey Projects and Underwater Archaeology Wing.
INTACH
The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is Indias largest non-profit membership
organization dedicated to conservation and preservation of Indias natural, cultural, living, tangible and intangible
heritage. Its mission is to:
Sensitize the public about the pluralistic cultural legacy of India;
Instill a sense of social responsibility towards preserving our common heritage;
Protect and conserve our living, built, and natural heritage by undertaking necessary actions and
measures;
Document unprotected buildings of archaeological, architectural, historical and aesthetic significance;
and cultural resources, as this is the first step towards formulating conservation plans;
Develop heritage policy and regulations, and make legal interventions to protect our heritage when
necessary;
Provide expertise in the field of conservation, restoration and preservation of specific works of art; and
encourage capacity building by developing skills through training programs;
Undertake emergency response measures during natural or manmade disasters, and support local
administration whenever heritage is threatened;
Foster collaborations, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and partnerships with government and other
national and international agencies; and
Generate sponsorships for conservation and educational projects.

Role of conservation architects

The traditional definition of the role of the conservator involves the examination, conservation, and
preservation of cultural heritage using "any methods that prove effective in keeping that property in as close to its
original condition as possible for as long as possible."
The role of the conservation architect is to provide expert advice for conserving the architectural heritage
and site. Conservation, however, is a multi-disciplinary activity and conservation architects must work closely with
professionals of other disciplines in order to address its diverse objectives. Depending on circumstances, the
conservation architect may either lead the project team or simply participate as a team member with specific
expertise. In any event, the role of conservation architects must be clearly defined, either by conservation
architects themselves or by the initiator of the project.
Conservation architects also have an important advocacy role to play in promoting the conservation of
unprotected architectural heritage and sites.
The conservator applies some simple ethical guidelines, such as:
Minimal intervention.
Appropriate materials and methods that aim to be reversible to reduce possible problems with future
treatment, investigation, and use.
Full documentation of all work undertaken.
In order for the conservator to apply their professional expertise accordingly, they must take into account
the views of the stakeholder, the values and meaning of the object, and the physical needs of the
material, in order to decide upon an appropriate conservation strategy.

10 | P a g e A R 0 5 1 5 A R C H I T E C T U R A L C O N S E R V A T I O N U N I T - 1

11 | P a g e A R 0 5 1 5 A R C H I T E C T U R A L C O N S E R V A T I O N U N I T - 1