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Johny AJ
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July 11
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4 Minutes Read
How to document a heritage building - Structuring the report
The basic conservation activities in current practice © https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2011.11.137
What is a Conservation Document?
Architectural conservation documents are records dealing with the preservation and management of architectural heritage. This includes traditional buildings, monuments, historic structures, and the larger built environment. It contains information about architectural heritage, including history, design, construction, materials, and cultural significance of a particular building or site. It may include plans or proposals for conservation, restoration, or adaptive reuse of the building or site. In addition, it may include technical information about the materials and techniques used in conservation. The purpose of an architectural conservation document is to provide guidance on the preservation and maintenance of architectural heritage for future generations.
The basic principles and standards of conservation which contain in international charters are:
Careful recording and research before intervention.Minimum alteration of historic fabrics.Minimal risk of significant loss, damage or uncertainty in performance through intervention.Reversibility of interventions.Retention of a minimum of the original structure.Distinctive or distinguishable use of new and additional material.Sympathy in interpretation and sympathy in use. Respect for the quality of place.Preference for original material and workmanship.Longevity in the finished work.Structure of a Conservation Document.
Any documentation begins with a set of research questions that define the intent of the report.
1. INTRODUCTION
i) Background: Location, established on, purpose, functioning. significance and historic events, local and regional, persons associated, ownership history, etc.
(Much of this information should be available in existing local/national nomination forms)
ii) Construction History: These include the original and subsequent alterations since establishment.
Chronology Historical documentation (letters, diaries, vouchers, newspaper articles, etc.) Site work (including ordering of materials, construction, unusual craft work, etc.) Reference to craftsmen/builders/architects associated with the property Early views, photographs, etc., showing appearance at different periods Physical investigation (e.g., analysis of paint layers relative to construction events) may be necessary to clarify which construction events are historic.iii) Documentation objective: Objectives vary based on the intent of documentation. These may include:
To preserve the collective memory and heritage associated with the college.To document the architectural features, design elements, and historical significance of the campus to create a record of its evolution and serve as a historical reference. To run a conditional assessment critical for conservation efforts. These helps prioritize conservation interventions, plan maintenance activities, and ensure the long-term preservation of the architectural fabric.To understand the original design intent, construction techniques, and materials used in the buildings.To create a baseline for ongoing monitoring and future conservation efforts.Ideal derivable documentation table © https://www.cipaheritagedocumentation.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Onaka-A-Study-of-the-Documentation-Process-for-Conservation-of-Architectural-Heritage-Sites_Illustrated-by-Examples-from-Egyptand-Belgium.pdf
iv) Scope and Limitations:
Scope: To define the extent of the documentation report be it specific to a particular, topic interest or commission.Limitations may include: Time and Resource, Technical Constraint, Future Discoveries, External Factors.v) Methodology:
Explanation of the approach and methods used in documenting the buildingDescription of tools and techniques employedJustification for the chosen methodology2. Condition Assessment
This section evaluates the current condition of the building and identifies any areas that require conservation work.
i) Architectural Evaluation:
Assessment of all exterior and interior features and finishes. Identification of those architectural features, materials and finishes that are character- defining and therefore significant, and which must be preserved in the course of project work. Prioritization of these features (premiere, important, contributing, non-contributing). Room-by-room evaluation, including identification of materials, construction techniques, features (lighting, panelling, wainscoting, radiators, glazing, cabinetwork, fireplaces) and finishes. Prioritization of architectural significance of spaces (premiere, important, contributing, non-contributing).Description and evaluation of building mechanical systems (heating, lighting, plumbing, electrical, etc.) ii) Conditional Analysis:
Analyse existing conditions, damage, structural problems, materials deterioration, etc.Prioritize repair/stabilization work. Assess the need for materials conservation. 3. Conservation Proposal
i) Program/Implementation Plan
Outline the need for a plan and program for general and periodic maintenance, recognizing that deferred maintenance is not an option for historic resources.Identification of necessary permits, approvals, or consultationsCoordination with relevant stakeholders and professionalsii) Proposals / Recommendations
Recommendations for conservation interventions and strategiesDescription of proposed treatments, materials, and techniquesRESTORATION / PRESERVATION / RECONSTRUCTION (Classification with justification)iii) Cost Estimation
Estimate of the costs associated with the proposed conservation worksBreakdown of costs for different components or phases of the projectConsideration of potential contingencies or additional expenses.4. Intervention
Consideration of ethical and technical aspects of the proposed interventions.Recommendations for any proposed work based on existing conditions and preservation objectives (this might include a list of work priorities, phasing, estimated costs)Categories of work: Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Archeological, Conservation, and others. 5. Documentation
Copies of original drawings and specifications, along with similar documentation of subsequent alterations are of great importance.Drawings of the existing facility are also important. Historic and current photographs are of critical importance.Measured drawing accurately depicting and in some detail, delineating the subject building in existing condition, the interior and exterior of a building including the structural detail. These should also illustrate the defect areas such as cracks in plaster and the missing elements.6. Conclusion:
Summary of the main findings and recommendationsRecap of the proposed conservation approachAcknowledgment of limitations or areas requiring further researchSummary
Documentation of architectural conservation provides a valuable foundation for restoring, stabilizing, or reconstructing historic buildings. They are particularly important when it comes to fabricating architectural or landscape features that have been missing for a long time. As part of this process, it may be necessary to recreate the appearance of a property at a specific period in its history, remove later additions, or modify what is already there in an effort to recreate the original appearance. Project architects can use this document to make informed decisions regarding the restoration or removal of fabric, as well as the restoration period, as recommended in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Historic Properties Treatment". In essence, the report should provide an overview of the building’s architectural history: the original appearance, the modifications that have been made and when, and the current condition of the building, as well as guidance regarding any proposed new development.
References
A STUDY of the DOCUMENTATION PROCESS for CONSERVATION of ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE SITES : ILLUSTRATED by EXAMPLES from EGYPTAND BELGIUM KEY WORDS: ABSTRACT.HISTORIC STRUCTURE REPORT FORMAT.” n.d. https://ohp.parks.ca.gov/pages/1069/files/historic%20structure%20report%20format.pdf.Siti Norlizaiha Harun. 2011. “Heritage Building Conservation in Malaysia: Experience and Challenges
