Sustainability and cultural heritage buildings

[Excerpt from Introduction] Conservation of cultural heritage buildings is a demand from society, which recognizes this heritage as a part of their identity, but it is also an economical issue. In Europe, tourism accounts for 10% of the GDP and 12% of the employment, if linked sectors are considered [x.1]. The EU is the world's number one tourist destination, with 40 % of arrivals in the world and with 7 European countries among the top ten [x.2]. According to the WTO estimates, international tourist arrivals in Europe will increase significantly. The built European heritage, namely monuments or historical centres, is a main attractor for tourism, with 45% of the UNESCO World Heritage sites within the EU. Therefore, the need for their conservation is unquestionable. [...

PENERAPAN ANALYTICAL HIERARCHY PROSESS (AHP) DALAM EVALUASI KONSEP REVITALISASI BANGUNAN CAGAR BUDAYA: STUDI KASUS BANGUNAN GALERI NASIONAL INDONESIA

This research aims to provide recommendations based on the evaluation of the concept of the revitalization of cultural heritage buildings. Taking the case at the Galeri Nasional Indonesia (GNI), the application of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method was used to evaluate the revitalization concept of cultural heritage buildings based on a review of criteria of significance values, identity values, and authenticity values of cultural heritage buildings. AHP applies a quantitative-qualitative evaluation structure with weighted criteria, based on interviews with experts who have backgrounds in archaeology, architecture and fine arts. This study provides results, namely, the value of identity has the highest weight value in the revitalization concept of GNI cultural heritage buildings, followed by the significance value and the last value of the authenticity of cultural heritage buildings. This result recommends that the revitalization concept of cultural heritage buildings in the GNI be reviewed because it can potentially reduce the values contained in cultural heritage buildings. Keywords: AHP, revitalization of cultural heritage buildings, GNI

Improving the seismic resistance of cultural heritage buildings

The paper addresses a possible methodology to improve the seismic resistance of cultural heritage buildings (CHB). The ICOMOS recommendations are briefly reviewed and recent research issues are addressed, with a focus on: (a) Behavior of masonry components under cyclic loading (tension, compression and shear); (b) Behavior of stone masonry shear walls under cyclic and dynamic loading; (c) Behavior of dry masonry blocks and structures under dynamic loading; (d) Possibilities of numerical analysis at the laboratory and engineering levels; (e) Monastery of Jerónimos as a case study: An EC funded research project aiming at reducing seismic vulnerability of CHB

Dynamic identification and monitoring of cultural heritage buildings

Preservation of architectural heritage is considered a fundamental issue in the cultural life of modern societies. This heritage is accumulating damage due to deterioration of materials, repeated loading and exceptional events. This means that conservation, repair and strengthening are often necessary. In this process, monitoring and non-destructive testing play a major role, providing information on the building condition and existing damage, and allowing to define adequate remedial measures. Dynamic based methods are an attractive tool because they are non-destructive and are able to capture the global structural behavior. The present paper focuses on three main aspects related to dynamic identification and monitoring: (a) exploring damage in masonry structures at an early stage by vibration measurements, using one arch model constructed in the laboratory. Progressive damage was induced in the arch and sequential modal identification analysis was performed at each damage stage, aiming at finding adequate correspondence between dynamic behavior and internal crack growth. The dynamic based methods allowed detecting and locating the damage; (b) two complex case studies of modal and structural identification of monuments using conventional sensors. Operational modal analysis was used to estimate the modal parameters, followed by statistical analysis to evaluate the environmental effects on the dynamic response. The aim is to explore damage assessment in masonry structures at an early stage by vibration signatures, as a part of a health monitoring process; (c) finally, a comparison between commercial wireless based platforms and conventional wired based systems is presented for a laboratory specimen and a structural element from a 15th century building

Circular economy strategies for adaptive reuse of cultural heritage buildings to reduce environmental impacts

Circular economy strategies seek to reduce the total resources extracted from the environment and reduce the wastes that human activities generate in pursuit of human wellbeing. Circular Economy concepts are well suited to the building and construction sector in cities. For example, refurbishing and adaptively reusing underutilized or abandoned buildings can revitalize neighborhoods whilst achieving environmental benefits. Cultural heritage buildings hold a unique niche in the urban landscape. In addition to shelter, they embody the local cultural and historic characteristics that define communities. Therefore, extending their useful lifespan has multiple benefits that extend beyond the project itself to the surrounding area, contributing to economic and social development. To explore this complex issue, the research applies systematic literature review and synthesis methods. Decision makers lack knowledge of the environmental benefits of adaptive reuse of cultural heritage buildings and lack tools to implement these projects. A new comprehensive circular economy framework for the adaptive reuse of cultural heritage buildings to reduce environmental impacts intends to meet these needs. The framework integrates methods and techniques from the building and construction literature that aim to reduce lifecycle environmental impact of buildings with a circular product supply chain approach

Risk and resilience in practice: Cultural heritage buildings

[Excerpt] The recent occurrence of devastating natural and man-made hazardous events has raised the awareness ofnumerous international institutions connected to dis-aster risk reduction (DRR) and disaster risk manage-ment (DRM). The development of new risk assessmentand mitigation strategies is, therefore, internationallyencouraged, particularly by focussing on the identifica-tion of the most vulnerable elements to reduce theirvulnerability, while enhancing preparedness and recov-ery capacity. In the particular case of cultural heritage,international frameworks and programmes for DRR areincreasingly echoing concerns about its protection fromdisasters given its irreplaceable value for society.Coherent recommendations for assessing and mitigat-ing disaster risk in the built cultural heritage should,therefore, be considered a priority. Still, in order to beable to define more adequate mitigation strategies andoutline appropriate conservation and restoration inter-ventions that will reduce vulnerabilities and enhancethe overall resilience, the protection of cultural heritagebuildings should be based on a comprehensive knowl-edge of risks. [...]- (undefined

Conservation of cultural heritage buildings: methodology, practice and challenges

Las sociedades modernas entienden su patrimonio cultural como un hito de cultura y diversidad. Sólo durante las últimas décadas la idea de que edificios antiguos podrían ser conservados y reutilizados se ha convertido en atractiva. La política actual no solo es preservar si no también hacer de los edificios y toda la parte histórica de las ciudades en una parte viva, funcional y atractiva para sus habitantes y turistas. Sin embargo, una gran parte de este patrimonio es afectado por problemas estructurales lo cual amenaza la seguridad de los edificios y personas. Los países europeos han desarrollado una valiosa experiencia y conocimiento en el ámbito de la conservación. Grandes inversiones han sido concentradas en este campo, dando lugar a impresionantes desarrollos en el área de inspección, ensayos no destructivos, seguimiento y análisis estructural de construcciones históricas. Estos desarrollos, y recientes normas para reutilización y conservación, permiten medidas correctivas más seguras, económicas y adecuadas. El artículo aborda las metodologías adoptadas, en diferentes casos de estudio así como presentes desafíos.Only during the last decades the idea that ancient buildings could be conserved and reused became appealing. The present policy is not only to preserve but also to make buildings and the whole historic part of the cities alive, functioning and appealing to the inhabitants and to the tourists. Still, a large part of this heritage is affected by structural problems which menace the safety of buildings and people. European countries have developed a valuable experience and knowledge in the field of conservation. Large investments have been concentrated in this field, leading to impressive developments in the areas of inspection, non-destructive testing, monitoring and structural analysis of historical constructions. These developments, and recent guidelines for reuse and conservation, allow for safer, economical and more adequate remedial measures. The paper addresses the issues of the methodology to adopt, of different cases studies and of present challenges

Conservation of cultural heritage buildings: Methodology, research and applications

Proceedings 5th Symposium on Strengthening and Preservation of Historical Buildings and Cultural Heritage.Modern societies understand built cultural heritage as a landmark of culture and diversity. Only during the last decades the idea that ancient buildings could be conserved and reused became appealing. Still, a large part of this heritage is affected by structural problems which menace the safety of buildings and people. The developments in the areas of inspection, non-destructive testing, monitoring and structural analysis of historical constructions, together with recent guidelines for reuse and conservation, allow for safer, economical and more adequate remedial measures. The paper addresses the issues of the methodology to adopt, of different cases studies and of present challenges. In particular, recent interventions in Portuguese cases studies (the Cathedral of Porto and a theological school in Braga) are analyzed in detail