ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION

WHAT IS CONSERVATION?

• Multi-disciplinary process involving a

team of many professionals,
specialists in different fields, and
crafts workers.
• Preservation from loss, depletion, waste
and harm.
Planned management of an
object, structure, site to prevent
its neglect and to prolong its life
- Means all the processes of looking after a place so as to retain its cultural
significance. (burra charter,2013).

- All operations designed to understand a property, know its history and meaning,
ensure its material safeguard, and, if required, its restoration and enhancement.
(Nara, 1993).

- Is the protection and maintenance of historical and cultural sites by regulating

human activity and not outright eliminating humans from the sites. (IEREK,
2013)

- Shall refer to all the process and measures of maintaining the cultural
significance of a cultural property including, but not limited to, preservation,
restoration, reconstruction, protection, adaptation or any combination thereof.
(“National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009”)
Pyramids of Giza
Stonehenge, Salisbury, England
WHAT ARE WE CONSERVING?
DESIGNED ENVIRONMENT
Manila Metropolitan Theater (The
MET)
WHAT ARE WE CONSERVING?

NATURAL RESOURCES
WHAT ARE WE CONSERVING?

VISUAL ARTS & CRAFTS

WHAT ARE WE CONSERVING?

PERFORMING ARTS
MUSIC & LITERATURE
WHAT ARE WE CONSERVING?

BELIEFS & TRADITIONS

Preservation
- Means maintaining a place in ts existing state and retarding
deterioration. (burra charter,2013).

- Retention of the existing form, material and integrity of site. (Appleton

Charter,1983)

- Preservation is the protection of historical and cultural sites from human

impact and human misuse altogether. International Experts for
Research Enrichment and Knowledge Exchange(IEREK, 2013)
Intramuros (Walled City)
Restoration
- Means returning a place to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by
reassembling existing elements without the introduction of new material.
(burra charter,2013).

- Recovery of an earlier form, material and integrity of a site. (Appleton

Charter,1983)
Rizal Memorial Coliseum
 WHY CONSERVE?

• Embodies or reflects the architectural, artistic,

historic, economic, social, political and spiritual
character of the people who produced it.

• Symbol of our heritage and its continuity -

reflection our CULTURAL IDENTITY.
CULTURAL HERITAGE CONSERVATION CHARTERS & STANDARDS
BY JK GILLON
TIMELINE

• 1877 – Society for the Protection of

Ancient Building’s Manifesto

- The first attempt to establish a

coherent and logically defensible
philosophy for building conservation.

- The Manifesto consists principally of

a plea to “put protection in place of
restoration”.

- Founder William Morris & Philip Web

- Society in England
• 1931 – The Athens
Conference (Athens
Charter)

- Organized by the
International
Museums Office,
established basic
principles for an
an international
code of practice
for conservation.
• 1945 – The United Nations
Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization
(UNESCO)

- Promoted various Conventions

and other instruments for the
conservation of the
cultural heritage.

- UNESCO created the idea of

World Heritage to protect sites
of outstanding universal value.
A selection of these are:

▪ Recommendation Concerning International Competitions in Architecture and Town

Planning (1956). Provides guidance for the drawing up of programs for international
competitions, in the interests both of organizers and of competitors.
▪ Recommendations on International Principles Applicable to Archaeological Excavations
(1956). Deals with general principles and regulations governing excavations and the
trade in antiquities.
▪
Recommendations Concerning the Safeguarding of the Beauty and Character of
Landscapes and Sites (1962). Considers preventative measures aimed at protecting
natural, rural and urban landscapes and sites, whether natural or man-made, which have
cultural or aesthetic interest.
▪ Recommendations Concerning the Preservation of Cultural Property Endangered by
Public or Private Works (1968). Considers preventative and corrective measures which
should be aimed at protecting or saving cultural properties from works likely to damage
or destroy them, such as urban expansion and renewal projects, injudicious repair and
modifications, highway works, agricultural operations, the construction of infrastructure
and industrial development.
A selection of these are:

▪ Recommendations Concerning the Protection at National Level of the Cultural and

Natural Heritage (1972). Defines the terms cultural and natural heritage, and provides a
lengthy consideration of general principles, the organization of services, and protective
measures under the headings financial, administrative, scientific and technical.
▪ Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972). Introduced
the concept of World Heritage Sites.
▪ Recommendations Concerning the Safeguarding and Contemporary Role of Historic
Areas (1976). Another lengthy and detailed document which provides a comprehensive
set of standards and principles for the conservation of the historic environment.
• 1964 – Venice Charter (International
Charter for the Conservation of
Monuments and Sites)
- An important modern milestone for the
conservation movement.
- The second International Congress of
Architects and Technicians of Historic
Monuments and Sites
- The Venice Charter stresses the
importance of setting, respect for original
fabric, precise documentation of any
intervention, the significance of
contributions from all periods to the
building’s character, and the maintenance
of historic buildings for a socially useful
purpose.
- The charter outlines the basic doctrine of
what is now accepted to be an
appropriate approach to dealing in
philosophical terms with historic buildings.
• 1965 – International Council on
Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS)

- An international non-governmental
organization that promotes the study of the
theory, methodology and technology of
conservation applied to monuments, historic
areas and sites.
TIMELINE

• 1972 – Resolution of the Symposium on the Introduction of Contemporary Architecture into

Ancient Groups of Buildings
- Stresses the need for appropriate use of mass, scale, rhythm and appearance, and
the avoidance of imitation.

• 1975 – Resolution on the Conservation of Smaller Towns.

- Considers the potential threats to such places, which are detailed as: lack of
economic activity, outward movement of population, disruption of structures due to
insertion of new elements, and measures to adapt to modern activities. Methods of
counteracting these threats are then considered.

- Declaration of Amsterdam (Congress on the European Architectural Heritage)

- Notes that the significance of the architectural heritage and the justification for
conserving it are now more clearly perceived and considers processes that would
place the conservation of the architectural heritage on firm and lasting foundations.
- The importance of integrating conservation of the architectural heritage into the
urban and regional planning process is identified as one of the most important
factors.
• 1976 – The Charter on Cultural Tourism

- Considers the positive and negative

effects of cultural tourism on historic
monuments and sites.
• 1979 – The Burra Charter ( The Australian ICOMOS
Charter for the Conservation of Places
of Cultural Significance)

- This Charter develops the principles detailed in the

Venice Charter to suit local Australian requirements.
- It includes a comprehensive list of definitions of items
such as place, fabric, conservation, maintenance,
preservation, restoration, reconstruction, adaptation
and compatible use.
- It also introduces the concept of cultural significance, the ‘
aesthetic, historic, scientific or social value for past, present
and future generations’, and requires this to be defined for
each place, and conservation plans to be established and
justified prior to any intervention.
- It continues with a description of conservation principles and
processes that are intended as a definition of good practice.
- The Burra Charter is well established in Australia and is
frequently used by the Australian Government in its formal
capacity.
TIMELINE

• 1982 – The Florence Charter on Historic Gardens

- Provides a definition of the term historic garden and the architectural compositions
that constitute the historic landscape.
- It emphasizes the need to identify and list historic gardens, and provides
philosophical guidance on maintenance, conservation, restoration and
reconstruction.

- Tlaxcala Declaration on the Revitalization of Small Settlements

- Considers initiatives for safeguarding communities living in small settlements and
the traditional environment of such places.

• 1983 – The Appleton Charter for the Protection and Enhancement

- Considers levels of intervention in the historic environment, notes that respect for
original fabric is a fundamental basis for the activities of protection and
enhancement, and considers good practice in terms of documentation, avoidance
of conjecture, distinguishability of new work, use of traditional materials and
techniques, maintenance of patina, reversibility and respect for the integrity of the
structure.
• 1982 – The Florence Charter on
Historic Gardens

- Provides a definition of the term

historic garden and the architectural
compositions that constitute the
historic landscape.
- It emphasizes the need to
identify and list historic gardens, and
provides philosophical guidance of
maintenance, conservation,
restoration and reconstruction.
• 1987 – The Washington Charter
on the Conservation of Historic
Towns and Areas

- A particularly useful document

that considers broad principles for
the planning and protection of
historic urban areas.
• 1990 – Charter for the
Protection and Management
of the Archaeological
Heritage

- Considers the subject of

archaeology under the
following headings: definitions,
integrated protection policies,
legislation, survey,
maintenance and
conservation, presentation, re-
construction, and international
co-operation.
• 1992 – Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Heritage Value
(ICOMOS New Zealand)

- Provides comprehensive definitions of the processes involved in conservation

and sets out principles to guide the conservation of places of cultural heritage
value in New Zealand.
- It aims to provide a frame of reference as guidelines for appropriate professional
practice. Although written for use in New Zealand, the basic principles are
generally applicable and follow the spirit of the Venice Charter.
• 1992 – Preservation Charter for the Historic Towns and Areas of the United States of
America (US ICOMOS)
- Sets down a comprehensive statement concerning the importance of historic town,
neighborhoods and places, and states what should be done to tackle preservation
issues in a coherent and thorough manner.

• 1993 – Guidelines for Education and Training in the Conservation of Monuments,

Ensembles and Sites.
- The aim of this document is to promote the establishment of standards and
guidelines for education and training in the conservation of historic buildings, historic
areas and towns, archaeological sites, and cultural landscapes. It emphasizes the
need to develop a holistic approach to heritage issues and sets out the relevant skills
that are required.

The charters and standards should be viewed as providing guiding principles towards
defining an appropriate response to conservation issues, not as instant and all-inclusive
prescriptions. The following factors form the basis of most of the documents: comprehensive
analysis of the place, minimum intervention in the historic fabric, precise documentation,
respect for contributions from all periods, maintenance of authenticity and the requirement
to take a holistic view of the historic environment.
Significance
Markel Cesar A. Luna

I. How Do We Choose What To Conserve?

People would often assume that any structure that is decades (or even centuries) old is
“vintage”, and worth preserving. With this kind of thinking, we would be blocking off
progress. We would then be freezing time.

There should be a balance between conservation and development. While it is true that
we should retain our heritage, we must be allowed to evolve. Our physical needs
constantly change in this fast-paced world, but we are kept “Human” and “Filipino” by
our cultural values, which serve as our moral guide.

Just because a building or complex is old, it doesn’t automatically mean that it is a

Heritage Structure or Site. Together with “age” as a qualification, it must have
SIGNIFICANCE, as well.
Valuation

The Architectural Heritage Conservation process starts with VALUATION, which is the initial
assessment of probable value.

A. Cultural Mapping

Nowadays, Local Government Units are becoming more active in Cultural Mapping; that is, the
identification and/or documentation of probable Heritage Structures and Sites in their areas.

B. Captured Interest

Buildings or complexes may happen to capture the interest of individuals (community

members, tourists, students, architects, historians, etc.) or groups (organizations, communities,
local government units, advocacy groups) primarily due to their “old” appearance, character,
and/or their observed attachment/connection to the communities where they stands and/or the
general public.

In both cases, further inspection and general research may reveal its value and relevance; thus,
it can be considered as a Heritage Structure or Site, making it SIGNIFICANT and worthy of
Conservation.
II. “SIGNIFICANCE” in Architectural Heritage Conservation

SIGNIFICANCE, in Architectural Heritage Conservation, pertains to “CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE”. A

Heritage Structure/Site, considered as Immovable Tangible Heritage, is deeply connected to our
Culture. It is a “container” of other aspects of our Culture, whether tangible or intangible. It is a part
of our historical context.

CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE expresses the CULTURAL VALUE of a Heritage Structure or Site. It may
be just one “type” of value, or a combination of several. The common “types” of values would be the
following:
A. Historical
B. Aesthetic/Architectural
C. Social
D. Spiritual
E. Scientific
F. Others

A “type” of value is, in essence, a category of significance. If a Heritage Structure or Site has Historical
Value, then it is of Historical Significance; if a Heritage Structure or Site has Historical and
Aesthetic/Architectural Values, then it is of Historical and Aesthetic/Architectural Significance; and so
on.
It can then be said that CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE is the established/determined VALUE
or combination of VALUES of a Heritage Structure or Site. It is the quality that makes a
Heritage Structure/Site special, what connects or attaches it to people in general, and
what makes it worth promoting to the community; thus, it is what gives it the
qualification to be conserved.
III. THOROUGH VALUE ASSESSMENT

To establish/determine the CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE of a Heritage Structure or Site, thorough

assessment must be done. A scientific way to achieve this is to create a set of criteria (or
qualifications) for each “type” of VALUE.

But first, a review of existing sets of criteria created by NCCA’s “declaring bodies” may be helpful.

A. NHCP CRITERIA

Criteria of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), formerly the National
Historical Institute, as the Historical Events knowledge database enumerates (National Historical
Landmark Criteria):

- The structure should be a building, or any kind of structure known for its historical
significance.

- The structure should be a building that is not just a tourist attraction but should serve as
fitting tribute to the momentous events that occurred and the people who took part in
defining moments of Philippine history.
B. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES CRITERIA

Criteria of the National Museum of the Philippines enumerates (Taken from the National Museum's
Office Order No.2012-35 dated January 30, 2012):
- Represents a masterpiece of Filipino creativity;
- Bears a unique or at least exceptional testimony to Philippine cultural tradition (extinct or extant);
- An outstanding or highly exceptional example of type of building, architectural or technological ensemble or
landscape which illustrates significant stages in Philippine History;
- An outstanding or highly exceptional example of traditional human settlement which is representative of a
culture or human interaction with the environment;
- Associated with events or living or living traditions with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of
outstanding or highly exceptional significance;
- Building and structures at least 50 years old; must reasonably intact - 70% authentic; interiors must have been
preserved most of its original furnishings; and architecture must be an excellent representation of artistic style or
technique;
- Contain superlative natural phenomenon or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
- An outstanding or highly exceptional example representing major stages of Philippine geological history or
events;
- An outstanding or highly exceptional example representing significant ecological and biological processes;
- Contains the most important and significant natural habitat for in-situ conservation of biological diversity; and
- Plants and animals that are classified as holotype specimens.
Criteria Per Value
To determine the “type” of VALUE of a Structure or Site, a set of criteria (for each VALUE type) must be used. If one criterion
or any combination of criteria is satisfied, then the Structure or Site is qualified for, and therefore possesses the value that the
set of criteria falls under.

Historical Value
- The structure is identified with and/or symbolic of eras or an era.
- The structure is related to historical events; that is, it should have served as a venue for important events in history and
been associated with important people.
Architectural/Aesthetic Value
- The structure is an outstanding piece of architectural work.
- The structure displays “uniqueness”.
- The structure is representative of a relevant architectural style.
- The structure features elements that are related to Philippine culture. O
Social Value
- The structure has a physical relevance to or a “connection” with the community; that is, it carries an attachment to a group
or groups of people.
- The structure should serve or have served as a venue for various events/activities; thereby promoting and supporting
Philippine culture. o
Spiritual Value
- The structure should be or have been of spiritual importance to a community. O
Scientific Value
- The structure should have featured technology considered as innovative or advanced during its time.
*In a CMP, Each Value must be justified through a discussion.
LEYTE
PROVINCIAL
CAPITOL
IV. Statement Of Significance

Having satisfied the criteria for evaluation and validation, it can then be established that the
Manila Metropolitan Theater is Culturally Significant to Philippine Society in the sense that it
possesses Historical Value, as a reminder of our glorious past and as a monument to survival;
Architectural/Aesthetic Value, as an architectural icon and as a symbol of Filipino culture and
fine artistry; Social Value, as a Treasure Trove of Memories and as the Core of the Community;
and Spiritual Value, as a Venue that expressed the Filipino Community’s Ideals and
Aspirations.

The Manila Metropolitan Theater qualifies to be conserved for it embodies several aspects of
Cultural Significance, living up to its declarations as a National Historical Landmark and a
National Cultural Treasure.
V. What Is The Relevance Of Cultural Significance?

*A DECLARATION May be given to the Structure or Site.

- Funding (Maintenance)
- - Protection from Demolition

*The Loss of Significance may cause Declassification or Delisting.

DISCUSSION
Significant, More Significant, Most Significant ?
Low Significance VS. High Significance ?
REVIEW

A Heritage Structure or Site is worthy of Conservation for several reasons. These reasons were
narrowed down to ten (10), as previously discussed. A Heritage Structure or Site may be:

1. a Symbol of Philippine culture;

2. a Celebration of Philippine Artistry and achievements;
3. a Legacy of our ancestors;
4. a Representation and good example of an Architectural style;
5. a Source of Pride and Inspiration;
6. a Provider of a “Sense of Identity” and the “Sense of Belonging to”;
7. a Reminder of what have transpired in the past;
8. a Source of priceless lessons;
9. a “Custodian” of memories; and/or
10. a Monument to Filipino values.

In a way, these reasons contribute to the SIGNIFICANCE of a Heritage Structure or Site.

CONCLUSION By establishing the Cultural Significance of Heritage Structures and Sites, more
CONCLUSION

By establishing the Cultural Significance of Heritage Structures and Sites, more

of them would hopefully be Conserved; thus, this would give the Filipino People
the opportunity to develop a connection with and an attachment to their
Architectural Heritage, enabling them to learn more about themselves, and to
rekindle their Sense of Nationalism.
DEFECT MAPPING

▪ a crucial process in the architectural heritage

conservation process. It involves the systematic
identification, documentation, and analysis of defects in
historic structures. Defect mapping process
is necessary for diagnosing causes of deterioration as well
as planning appropriate interventions. Below is an
overview of the key aspects of defect mapping in the
context of architectural heritage conservation
 OBJECTIVES OF DEFECT MAPPING
• Identify Problems: Observe structural, material, and
surface damages due to cracks,
dampness, bio-growth, discolouration, or
deformation.
• Identify Causes: Analyze factors that can cause
degradation such as
environmental exposures, material aging,
or inappropriate previous repairs.
• Document: Create a visual and written record of
the present state of the structure
• Prioritize: Set up a priority ranking of the tasks related
to the conservation.
• Track Changes: Be a reference point measure the
development of degradation through time.
2. Types of Defects

▪ • Structural Defects: cracking, settlement,

deformation, and foundation instability.
• Material Deterioration: spalling, delamination,
efflorescence, or reinforcement corrosion in
concrete.
• Moisture-Related Issues: rising damp, seepage, or
water infiltration.
• Biological Growth: mold, moss, or vegetation.
• Surface Damage: erosion, abrasion, graffiti, or
discoloration.
3. Tools and Techniques for Defect Mapping
• Visual Inspection: the most basic method
for identification of apparent defects
• Sketching and Notation: drawing maps with locations of
defects marked.
• Photography: recording of defects through photography to analy
ze defects in detail.

Digital and Advanced Techniques

•Drones: High-resolution imagery for inaccessible areas.

•Laser Scanning: Perfect 3D modeling of a structure to map its surface
with irregularities.
•Thermography: Infrared cameras
to detect moisture entry points and inconsistencies in materials.
•NDT (Non-Destructive Testing): Types of this technique
include ground-penetrating radar, ultrasonic testing, moisture meters,