Up gradation of buildings for re-use

August 18, 2011

Definitions

Authenticity o Refers to the truthfulness of origins, attributions, commitments, sincerity, devotion, and intentions.1 o Authenticity has been generally considered to mean genuine in terms of materials, workmanship and date, and processes used to authenticate objects concentrated on the identification of raw materials, the examination of tool marks and other aspects of construction, and, where possible, the use of scientific dating techniques.2

o Depending on the nature of the cultural heritage, its cultural context, and its
evolution through time, authenticity judgements may be linked to the worth of a great variety of sources of information. Aspects of the sources may
include form and design, materials and substance, use and function, traditions and techniques, location and setting, and spirit and feeling, and other internal and external factors. The use of these sources permits elaboration of the specific artistic, historic, social, and scientific dimensions of the cultural heritage being examined.3

Significance o Can refer to: with purpose and importance.4 o Cultural significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific or social value for past, present or future generations.5 o Fitted or designed to signify or make known something having a meaning; standing as a sign or token; expressive or suggestive; as, a significant word or sound; a significant look.6

Values
o o

The regard that something is held to deserve; importance or worth.7 Cultural heritage value means possessing historical, archaeological, architectural, technological, aesthetic, scientific, spiritual, social,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authenticity Elizabeth Pye, Caring for the Past: Issues in Conservation for Archaeology and Museums, London 2001, p.59 3 Narra Document of Authenticity, 1994, Article 13. 4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Significance 5 The Burra Charter 1979 6 http://thinkexist.com/dictionary/meaning/significant/ 7 http://www.wordreference.com/definition/values Vaibhav Prakash Department of Architectural Conservation
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Up gradation of buildings for re-use

August 18, 2011

traditional or other special cultural significance, associated with human activity.8 Conservation of cultural heritage in all its forms and historical periods is rooted in the values attributed to the heritage. Our ability to understand

these values depends, in part, on the degree to which information sources about these values may be understood as credible or truthful.9

o The value of architectural heritage is not only in its appearance, but

also in the integrity of all its components as a unique product of the specific building technology of its time.10

Charter for the Conservation of places of Cultural Heritage Values, October, 1992. Narra Document of Authenticity, 1994, Article 9. 10 ICOMOS Charter-Principles for the analysis, conservation and structural restoration of Architectural Heritage, Zimbabwe, October 2003. Article 1.3. Vaibhav Prakash Department of Architectural Conservation
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