Research

30 pages, 32585 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discussion of So-Called “Architectural Heritage DNA” via a Case Study of the Conservation of the Nara Palace Site, Japan

by Vinh An Le and Thi Kim Nhung Nguyen

Buildings 2024, 14(1), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14010132 - 04 Jan 2024

Viewed by 783

Abstract

This study introduces a brief history of the discovery of and conservation efforts to preserve the Nara Palace Site in Japan, which brought about the recognition of this heritage site as a World Cultural Heritage location by UNESCO in 1996. Accordingly, the 1994 [...] Read more.

This study introduces a brief history of the discovery of and conservation efforts to preserve the Nara Palace Site in Japan, which brought about the recognition of this heritage site as a World Cultural Heritage location by UNESCO in 1996. Accordingly, the 1994 Nara Document on Authenticity plays an important role in contributing to Japanese cultural heritage conservation achievements, with the expansion of cultural diversity and heritage diversity and the concepts of values and authenticity, which proposed a new orientation in terms of awareness and openness to develop a broader vision when identifying architectural heritage values. Against this background, we first discuss the newly proposed concept of so-called “architectural heritage DNA” and its potential structure, providing a simple formula for appraising the authentic values of architectural heritage conservation works. Working within conservation theory, besides the doctrinal study of the 1994 Nara Document on Authenticity, this study also focuses on other important international conventions, such as the 1964 Venice Charter and the 1999 Burra Charter, to clarify the concepts of conservation, restoration, and reconstruction, adding the concept of inheritance between conservation and development, which addresses the lack of international conventions regarding cultural heritage conservation. The viewpoints expressed in this paper are based on the most common concepts of these international conventions but are interpreted in a novel, understandable, practical, and highly applicable approach suited to both the current socio-political situation and future scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century)

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12 pages, 3208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Architectural Legacy of Lithuanians in the United States during the Post-World War II Era: A Monument to the Cold War

by Vaidas Petrulis, Brigita Tranavičiūtė and Paulius Tautvydas Laurinaitis

Buildings 2023, 13(12), 3138; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13123138 - 18 Dec 2023

Viewed by 761

Abstract

The architectural heritage directly related to the refugees from Europe who came to the USA as a result of World War II is still an under-researched topic. New post-war arrivals from the displaced persons camps resulted in a sizeable growth of the already [...] Read more.

The architectural heritage directly related to the refugees from Europe who came to the USA as a result of World War II is still an under-researched topic. New post-war arrivals from the displaced persons camps resulted in a sizeable growth of the already well-established Lithuanian community, infusing it with highly educated professionals. This also included many architects who needed to adapt and continue their practice in a different environment while also finding a way to be useful for the objectives of their national group. The aim of this paper is to examine the architectural legacy of the Lithuanian community in the post-war decades in the USA, emphasizing buildings that were designed with a specific aspiration to implement national character. Research finds that buildings built for the Lithuanian community carried a strong symbolical language that was a peculiar, yet enriching case, in regard to the then-dominant mid-century modernist trends. These structures show the determination of the national group to use their built environment as a medium to reinforce their identity and use architecture as a political statement. The paper proposes to interpret this politically motivated and stylistically distinctive architecture as monuments testifying to the political atmosphere of the Cold War. In this way, the heritage value of these buildings is linked not to avant-garde architectural styles, but to the political needs of a specific community in exile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century)

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25 pages, 11952 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Built Equality and Sustainable Urban Cultural Space: A Case Study of Quanzhou, China

by Wen-Jie Yan and Shu-Tang Liu

Buildings 2023, 13(9), 2337; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13092337 - 14 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 932

Abstract

Geographic information and the mapping analysis of scientific knowledge have proven to be effective for the management and monitoring of built heritage. To understand built heritage and the urban cultural space, this study incorporates the following integrated data: public surveys, researchers’ knowledge graphs, [...] Read more.

Geographic information and the mapping analysis of scientific knowledge have proven to be effective for the management and monitoring of built heritage. To understand built heritage and the urban cultural space, this study incorporates the following integrated data: public surveys, researchers’ knowledge graphs, and urban map information. Firstly, the urban map of Quanzhou is used to analyze the spatial distribution of cultural heritage points. Secondly, Citespace literature co-citation analysis technology is used to establish a preliminary evaluation index of urban culture governance. Thirdly, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the creative economy and urban culture space, and a theoretical model of the urban culture ecosystem was established using Amos software, which includes six dimensions of “cultural inclusiveness, cultural sustainability, cultural integrity, cultural creativity, and cultural vitality”. Finally, a comparative analysis is conducted on the number of visitors to different types of cultural public spaces in Quanzhou City. The results show that exemplary local knowledge and deep historical memory are core elements for building an ideal cultural ecosystem and are necessary to promote cities toward a sustainable future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century)

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20 pages, 7354 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Dual Strategy in the Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Heritage Buildings: The Shanghai West Bund Waterfront Refurbishment

by Pengfei Ma, Xiangning Li and Di Lan

Buildings 2023, 13(7), 1582; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071582 - 21 Jun 2023

Viewed by 2663

Abstract

Waterfront intervention, as one of the post-industrial reuse paradigms, has flourished around the world and been studied as a global phenomenon. This paper investigates the application of a dual adaptive reuse strategy to industrial heritage waterfront buildings and explores its social significance. The [...] Read more.

Waterfront intervention, as one of the post-industrial reuse paradigms, has flourished around the world and been studied as a global phenomenon. This paper investigates the application of a dual adaptive reuse strategy to industrial heritage waterfront buildings and explores its social significance. The case study is of the West Bund, a waterfront renovation in Shanghai, China. Insights are drawn from the qualitative research approach of triangulation, with evidence derived from document sources, archival records, direct participants and semi-structured interviews. This paper examines a series of galleries and landscapes created from former industrial buildings and facilities along the Huangpu River. It concludes that the West Bund exemplifies a dual strategy of adaptive reuse: art-led and landscape-led building reuse. This dual strategy can be viewed as an endeavour to balance urban gentrification and publicness in the megalopolis. It can also be argued, however, that the dual approach to adaptive reuse is unsustainable within the framework of an entrepreneurial state, and significantly so in the post-epidemic era when economic growth pressure increases. This study contributes to our understanding of the complex nature of industrial heritage in the rapidly shifting landscape of contemporary China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century)

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26 pages, 6441 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Introducing a Conceptual Model for Assessing the Present State of Preservation in Heritage Buildings: Utilizing Building Adaptation as an Approach

by Fenk D. Miran and Husein A. Husein

Buildings 2023, 13(4), 859; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13040859 - 24 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3740

Abstract

Building adaptation comprises a variety of construction actions that enhance current condition and extend the life span of buildings. Architectural adaptation involves refurbishing, retrofitting, restoration, renovation, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, material reuse, conservation, and preservation, as well as other activities to improve building conditions. [...] Read more.

Building adaptation comprises a variety of construction actions that enhance current condition and extend the life span of buildings. Architectural adaptation involves refurbishing, retrofitting, restoration, renovation, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, material reuse, conservation, and preservation, as well as other activities to improve building conditions. In this study, the most relevant definitions, implementations, and ranges of the specified terminologies are examined; on the basis of this classification, a conceptual model is constructed to facilitate accurate categorization of building adaptations and its application in various case studies. The current state of heritage buildings in Erbil (the Erbil Citadel as a World Heritage Site and the buffer zone as cultural heritage) is evaluated. We aimed to investigate their current conservation status and determine whether the Erbil Citadel’s heritage building adaptation has addressed the issue of energy retrofitting to realize green and passive construction. The results indicate that the framework model is an effective assessment tool in the field of conserving heritage buildings. The majority of Erbil’s heritage buildings have been restored and rehabilitated for public interaction; nevertheless, additional interventions are required to improve the buildings’ energy efficiency and conservation for this to be recognized as sustainable heritage development. In the future, academics and practitioners may use the suggested framework to clearly and consistently describe the scope of the work in their building adaptation, thereby eliminating the high costs of correcting code and specification requirements that were not met. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century)

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24 pages, 28472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ensuring the Authenticity of the Conservation and Reuse of Modern Industrial Heritage Architecture: A Case Study of the Large Machine Factory, China

by Xiangrui Xiong, Yanhui Wang, Cheng Ma and Yuwei Chi

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020534 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2193

Abstract

The Large Machine Factory (LMF) was built in the complex historical context of the late Qing Dynasty (1840–1912). Its space and construction faithfully record the architectural and cultural fusion between Chinese and western traditions and mark the beginning of modern architectural techniques in [...] Read more.

The Large Machine Factory (LMF) was built in the complex historical context of the late Qing Dynasty (1840–1912). Its space and construction faithfully record the architectural and cultural fusion between Chinese and western traditions and mark the beginning of modern architectural techniques in China. Through historical data and empirical studies, the historical background and architectural characteristics of the LMF were analyzed, and interventions aimed at ensuring authenticity were established. The cultural significance and results of construction were considered two crucial elements in terms of outstanding characteristics. Comprehensive inspection and assessment strategies were discussed, with minimal intervention and interpretation principles. Preventive reinforcement of the foundation, complementary reinforcement of the main structures, restoration of the historic façade and environment, and adaptive spatial interventions were found to be effective ways to ensure authenticity. The principles of minimal intervention and interpretability, which include prevention, recognizability, invisibility, subsidiarity, and intertextuality, were proposed through a comparison with the literature and practical experience. This study provides an appropriate technical reference for ensuring authenticity in the conservation and reuse of modern historic buildings with complex contexts. We propose a new understanding of intervention principles and suggest a guiding intervention path that avoids the complexities arising from the generalized interpretations of authenticity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century)

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15 pages, 5257 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disturbing Values: Historic Thematic Framework as a Tool to Deal with the Soviet Architectural Legacy

by Vaidas Petrulis, Huriye Armağan Doğan and Raimondas Bliūdžius

Buildings 2023, 13(2), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020424 - 03 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1637

Abstract

The value of cultural heritage is a constantly evolving and debated issue in heritage theory. While primarily the focus was on tangible qualities, intangible values gained more importance in the twenty-first century. However, in some cases, it can be complicated to evaluate the [...] Read more.

The value of cultural heritage is a constantly evolving and debated issue in heritage theory. While primarily the focus was on tangible qualities, intangible values gained more importance in the twenty-first century. However, in some cases, it can be complicated to evaluate the intangible values of specific artefacts with politically disturbing associations, such as Soviet architecture in a post-Soviet context. Based on a Lithuanian case study, the paper contributes to the debate on the value of Soviet architecture, focusing not on individual buildings but on broader themes. By using framework analysis as a conceptual background, the article analyzes the legacy of the Soviet past not as physical objects but as cultural references. Interpreting “cultural references” as containers of social and cultural meanings that are much broader than just the embodiment of the ideological system, the paper suggests that dissonance should not lead to the uncompromising delisting and probably the destruction of the built heritage of troublesome past. Although the article focuses on the evaluation of Soviet architecture in a post-Soviet context, the conceptual approach can contribute to the broader debate on postcolonial heritage globally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century)

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21 pages, 40026 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modernist Heritage versus Contested Legacy: The Case of “Radio City”

by Brigita Tranavičiūtė

Buildings 2023, 13(1), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13010246 - 15 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1751

Abstract

The industrial legacy of the Soviet period in Lithuania has become an object of social tension. Even though the industrial heritage of the Soviet period is not directly related to the crimes of the occupying authorities, the conversion of industrial objects in the [...] Read more.

The industrial legacy of the Soviet period in Lithuania has become an object of social tension. Even though the industrial heritage of the Soviet period is not directly related to the crimes of the occupying authorities, the conversion of industrial objects in the historical parts of cities or of buildings with symbolic significance is contentious among members of the public. For this reason, the conversion of industrial areas in Lithuania has become not only an economic challenge, but also a problem of adaptating to society’s needs, changing society’s attitude toward this type of heritage, and organically integrating that heritage into the city structure. The “Radio City” conversion project is being developed in the context of this social tension but has become an example of adaptation in harmony with the architectural heritage that occupies a dominant position on the block, which is located in one of the historically formed residential districts of Kaunas city. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century)

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21 pages, 3135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Defining the Attributes for Modernist Urban Heritage: The Case of ‘Kaunas 1919–1939: Architecture of Optimism’

by Marija Drėmaitė

Buildings 2023, 13(1), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13010196 - 11 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1678

Abstract

The cultural heritage of modern architecture is a widely acknowledged phenomenon; however, unique urban landscapes that have witnessed a fundamental transformation in urban life in the 20th century are still underrepresented on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In this paper the built urban [...] Read more.

The cultural heritage of modern architecture is a widely acknowledged phenomenon; however, unique urban landscapes that have witnessed a fundamental transformation in urban life in the 20th century are still underrepresented on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In this paper the built urban heritage of Kaunas city (1919–1939) is investigated as an example of a modern urban heritage site with a problematic focus on defining the attributes of urban heritage, especially when intangible heritage values are added to the tangible built heritage. In this paper the attributes of modern urban heritage are discussed on the example of “Modernist Kaunas (1919–1939): Architecture of Optimism”, the nomination dossier for the UNESCO World Heritage List. Three groups of attributes are described using historical research and later discussed by applying the method of comparative analysis. The conclusion proposes that Modernist Kaunas can fill the gap by representing Eastern European modern urbanity and enhance the understanding of the modern global city by reflecting the metropolitan aspirations in modern Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century)

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28 pages, 18279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Construction Technologies and Conservation Strategies for the Bell Tower of Former Nanking University (Nanjing, China)—A Case Study of a Typical Architectural Heritage of the American Church School in the Late 19th Century

by Hechi Wang, Zhanfang Hu, Yanyan Huang, Meng Chen, Linhua Hu and Qi Zhou

Buildings 2022, 12(12), 2251; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12122251 - 17 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2772

Abstract

The bell tower of Nanking University, built in 1888, is a milestone of modern educational architecture in Nanjing. It fully introduced Western architectural concepts and is an important historical witness to the cultural exchange between China and the West. At present, there are [...] Read more.

The bell tower of Nanking University, built in 1888, is a milestone of modern educational architecture in Nanjing. It fully introduced Western architectural concepts and is an important historical witness to the cultural exchange between China and the West. At present, there are few studies on the conservation and reuse of the building, so the authors conducted the project. In this paper, we conducted research by combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative analysis includes analyses of historical maps, photos, text, surveys, mapping of buildings, and a comparative analysis. The quantitative analysis includes statistics on the distribution of the urban school architectural heritage, the number of buildings at Nanking University, and China’s school building design standards. Through the historical research and value analysis of the building, we explore its real information from the aspects of architectural style, space, structure, material, and construction technology, and propose a reasonable conservation method. According to the current urban planning policy and architectural heritage data, the functional upgrading and renovation of the building will be carried out. This paper explores authenticity and integrity-based restoration methods, as well as the adaptive-reuse strategy for China’s architectural heritage, which can provide a paradigm for regional development and historic campus renewal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century)

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24 pages, 7088 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Managing Strategies to Revitalize Urban Cultural Heritage after Wars: The Center of the Old City of Mosul as a Case Study

by Safaaaldeen Hussein Ali, Mohammed Fareed Sherzad and Ahmed Hameed Alomairi

Buildings 2022, 12(9), 1298; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12091298 - 24 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3339

Abstract

This research deals with the process of reviving urban heritage, especially in old cities after the war, due to their symbolic and moral values in society. By studying the reality of the city and its destructed heritage features, there was a local need [...] Read more.

This research deals with the process of reviving urban heritage, especially in old cities after the war, due to their symbolic and moral values in society. By studying the reality of the city and its destructed heritage features, there was a local need to study the integrated strategies of the urban heritage revival process to reach indicators that are drawn from international experiences and the curricula and studies of international organizations (ICOMOS, World Bank, UN-Habitat, IOM) that interested in cultural heritage and to use these indicators in evaluating local projects in the center of the old city of Mosul which was chosen as a case study for this research, due to its historical and civilizational importance, which has contributed greatly to the formation of the city of Mosul through the ages, and as this city has witnessed deliberate sabotage of its urban heritage due to the terrorist acts witnessed before its liberation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century)

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17 pages, 16104 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Visual Behavior Characteristics of Architectural Heritage Using Eye-Tracking

by Na Li, Shanshan Zhang, Lei Xia and Yue Wu

Buildings 2022, 12(7), 1058; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12071058 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2870

Abstract

The visual quality of architectural heritage is crucial to the preservation of architectural features, enhancement of the environmental quality, and conservation of the sustainable development and adaptive use of architectural heritage. Few studies have explored the visual behavior characteristics of rural architectural heritage [...] Read more.

The visual quality of architectural heritage is crucial to the preservation of architectural features, enhancement of the environmental quality, and conservation of the sustainable development and adaptive use of architectural heritage. Few studies have explored the visual behavior characteristics of rural architectural heritage and which elements influence visual perception. Our study used eye-tracking technology to explore this issue. The results indicate that participants have different visual behavior characteristics for architectural heritage in different scenarios, with five eye movement metrics showing statistical differences. Featured elements attracted more visual attention. The visual behavior characteristics were related to the area, relative area, distance from center, and perimeter. Based on the results, decision-makers can target the sustainable and virtuous development of architectural heritage and enhance environmental quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century)

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29 pages, 21657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Value Analysis and Rehabilitation Strategies for the Former Qingdao Exchange Building—A Case Study of a Typical Modern Architectural Heritage in the Early 20th Century in China

by Meng Chen, Hui Tong, Yabing Xu, Qi Zhou and Linhua Hu

Buildings 2022, 12(7), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12070980 - 09 Jul 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3284

Abstract

The Qingdao Exchange Building, built in the 1920s, is the largest products and stock exchange building in modern Shandong. In addition to being a historical witness to the economic development of Qingdao over the last 100 years, it has also been a historical [...] Read more.

The Qingdao Exchange Building, built in the 1920s, is the largest products and stock exchange building in modern Shandong. In addition to being a historical witness to the economic development of Qingdao over the last 100 years, it has also been a historical scene of cultural exchanges between China and the West after the opening up of China in the early 20th century. After several changes in the building’s property rights, the building was out of use for a long period of time, with a large number of materials and structures being damaged. The present authors participated in a feasibility study project on the conservation and restoration of the Qingdao Exchange Building. The objective of the present study was achieved through several qualitative methods, including the collection and analysis of historical files, analysis of historical maps and photos, investigation and research of historical information, comparative analysis, and others. Through the value research and technical analysis of the Qingdao Exchange Building, the historical, artistic, and scientific values of architectural heritage were investigated in the present study, and rehabilitation strategies and methods were explored. Additionally, the spread of certain characteristics of Western architectural culture in China in the early modern times was investigated based on the present case. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Built Heritage Conservation in the Twenty-First Century)

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