BSB653

BUILDING DESIGN PROJECT III (CONSERVATION)

INTRODUCTION TO

BUILDING CONSERVATION
Sr. Dr. Robiah Abdul Rashid Centre of Study Building Surveying

LECTURE CONTENTS
Introduction Definition The importance why conserve? Conservation process Conservation principles

An historic building is one that gives us a sense of

wonder and makes us want to know more about the people and culture that produced it. It has architectural, aesthetic, historic, documentary, archaeological, economic, social and even political and spiritual or symbolic values; but the first impact is always emotional, for it is a symbol of our cultural identity and continuity- a part of our heritage.
(Fielden, 2003: p1)

Image from http://kebudayaan.kpkk.gov.my/main/announcement/1567

Image from http://www.globalmountainsummit.org/statue-of-liberty.html

Image from www.hillmanwonders.com/colloseum.../colloseum_rome.htm

Image from http://www.travmonkey.com/2010/10/06/taj-mahal/

Image from http://islandsofla.org/wp/?p=4757

Image from http://properties.d-choice.com/

What is Conservation?
Definition all the processes of looking after a place as to
retain its cultural significance.
The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance (Burra Charter)

The process of looking after a place so as to retain its cultural, spiritual and architectural significance; by ways of maintenance, preservation, restoration, reconstruction, adaptation, rehabilitation or any combination
Ahmad, 2005; Bell, 1997 in Said, 2011

What is Cultural Significance? aesthetic, historic, scientific or social value for past, present or future generations.

- understanding of the past - enrich the present - value to future generations

Place of cultural significance enrich peoples lives and being the historical records that also reflect the diversity of communities.

Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah

The left of Parthenon, in-situ

Why Conserve? To understand the significance of heritage places. To ensure that an understanding of their significance guides decisions. To retain the historic integrity of heritage places by doing as much as necessary to preserve their fabric but as little as possible to alter it (minimum intervention). To keep records of what we do.

CONSERVATION PROCESS

 Preservation To prevent future decay. It can be achieved by conducting protection work including maintenance and stabilization if necessary.
(Yahaya Ahmad and Woods,P : 2000)

Maintaining the fabric of a place in its existing state and retarding deterioration.
(Burra Charter : 1999)

Stonehenge; the pre-historic monument

 Restoration Returning the existing fabric of a place to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling components without the introduction of new material.
(Burra Charter : 1999)

Restoration of Suffolk House

 Adaptation (Adaptive Re-Use) Modifying a place to suit the existing use or proposes use.
(Burra Charter : 1999)

Can only applied where it has minimal impact on the cultural significance of the place.

Syed Al-Attas Mansion (Before)

Syed Al-Attas Mansion (After)

 Reconstruction Returning a place to a known earlier state and is distinguished from restoration by the introduction of new material into the fabric.
(Burra Charter : 1999)

Kelab Sultan Sulaiman, Kg. Baru

Building Ratio

Visual Photos

CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES
(A.Ghafar Ahmad,2006)

 Minimizing Intervention Conservation work needs to be conducted with care. Minimizing the intervention on the existing structure and building fabric. Only affected building structure and fabric needs to be repaired while the rest of the building which is still intact and function need to be retained. The use of salvaged materials is encouraged.

 Conducting Scientific Study and Lab Test To ensure the authenticity of the construction materials and structures. To identify the properties of the original materials and level of the building and structural decay. Result shown can be the supporting evidence before any decision made. Eg: Level of salt attact, wall dampness, organic growth, timber species, mortar properties and brick strength analysis.

 Documenting the Conservation Work Either in the form of report on architectural documentation, the method of statements or records with documented photos. Benefited as references while projects are still on going or for maintenance purposes. Building owner and related bodies such as National Heritage Department, the National Archive, and local authorities should keep the documents properly for future records.

 Applying Conservation Method and Technique Apply method and technique that is proven effective. To ensure that work practiced will not create more problems. Should not only to solve the building defects but also should not ruin the authenticity of the historic building design.

Think about this..

Kellies Castle, Batu Gajah

did the work done according to conservation principles?..

Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture

2008-2009 known as Kementerian Perpaduan, Kebudayaan, Kesenian dan Warisan Malaysia. Formerly known as the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage (KEKKWA) until March 2008. Established on March 27, 2004 but the Culture Division of the Ministry has been in existence since 1969 under various ministries. The Ministry is entrusted to formulate cultural heritage policies and programmes with the objectives and visions of safeguarding Malaysian heritages.

Agencies of KPKK are: Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan, Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia, Arkib Negara Malaysia, National Art Gallery, Istana Budaya, Kraftangan Malaysia, Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia, Jabatan Muzium Malaysian and Jabatan Warisan Negara

it is our responsibilities to pass the heritage to our next generation

thank you
rubyeilza@yahoo.co.uk rubyeilza@salam.uitm.edu.my