1.

0 PROCEDURES FOR CONSERVATION AR807- ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION 2013

1.1 HISTORIC BUILDINGS: be recorded methodically and then whatever further studies are required can
be reported. Documentation of these studies must be full and conscientious.
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, Continuing documentation
historic, documentary, archaeological, economic, social and even political and
spiritual or symbolic values; but the first impact is always emotional, for it is a Complete recording is essential before, during and after any intervention. In all
symbol of our cultural identity and continuity—a part of our heritage. Any buildings works of preservation repair or excavation of cultural property there must
that have survived more than 100 years can be classifies under Heritage building. always be precise documentation in the form of analytical and critical reports,
illustrated with photographs and drawings. Every stage of the work of leaning,
1.2 CONSERVATION: consolidation, reassembly and integration, including all materials and
techniques used must he recorded. Reports on technical and formal features
Conservation is the action taken to prevent decay and manage change dynamically. identified during the course of the work should be placed in the archives of a
It embraces all acts that prolong the life of our cultural and natural heritage. The public institution and made available to research workers.
minimum effective action is always the best; if possible, the action should be
reversible and not prejudice possible future interventions. The basis of historic Degrees of intervention
building conservation is established by legislation through listing and scheduling
buildings and ruins, through regular inspections and documentation, and through The minimum degree of intervention necessary and the techniques used
town planning and conservative action. depend upon the conditions of climate to which cultural properly is likely to be
subjected. Atmospheric pollution and traffic vibration must be considered, and
earthquake and flood hazards should be assessed. In any major conservation
1.3 PREPARATORY PROCEDURES FOR CONSERVATION: project, several of these degrees may take place simultaneously in various parts
of the ‘whole’. The seven degrees are: (1) prevention of deterioration; (2)
Inventories preservation of the existing state; (3) consolidation of the fabric; (4) restoration;
(5) rehabilitation; (6) reproduction; (7) Reconstruction. These degrees of
At the national level, conservation procedures consist initially of making an intervention are dealt with below.
inventory of all cultural property in the country. This is a major administrative
task for the government, and involves establishing appropriate categories of Prevention of deterioration (or indirect conservation)
cultural property and recording them as thoroughly, both graphically and
descriptively, as possible. Computers and microfilm records are valuable aids. Prevention entails protecting cultural property by controlling its environment,
Legislation protects from demolition those historic buildings listed in thus preventing agents of decay and damage from becoming active. Neglect
inventories. The inventories also serve as a basis for allocating grants or must also be prevented by sound maintenance procedures based on regular
providing special tax relief for those who must maintain historic buildings. inspections. Therefore, prevention includes control of internal humidity,
temperature and light, as well as measures to prevent fire, arson, theft and
Initial inspections vandalism, and to provide for cleaning and good overall housekeeping. In an
industrial environment, prevention includes measures to reduce both
A preliminary visual inspection and study of each building is necessary in order
to know and define it as a ‘whole’. The present condition of the building must

G.BALAJI |401912051/Ph.D/ARCHITECTURE/NIT,TRICHY 1
 AR807- ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION 2013

atmospheric pollution and traffic vibrations. Ground subsidence must also be Rehabilitation
controlled; it is due to many causes, particularly abstraction of water.
The best way of preserving buildings as opposed to objects is to keep them in
Preservation use. The original use is generally the best for conservation of the fabric, as it
means fewer changes.
Preservation deals directly with cultural property. Its object is to keep it in its
existing state. Repairs must be carried out when necessary to prevent further Reproduction
decay. Damage and destruction caused by water in all its forms, by chemical
agents and by all types of pests and micro-organisms must be stopped in order Reproduction entails copying an extant artifact, often in order to replace some
to preserve the structure. missing or decayed parts, generally decorative, to maintain its aesthetic
harmony. If valuable cultural property is being damaged irretrievably or is
Consolidation (or direct conservation) threatened by its environment, it may have to be moved to a more suitable
environment and a reproduction substituted in order to maintain the unity of a
Consolidation is the physical addition or application of adhesive or supportive site or building.
materials into the actual fabric of cultural property, in order to ensure its
continued durability or structural integrity. In the case of immovable cultural Reconstruction
property, consolidation may for example entail the injection of adhesives to
secure a detached mural painting to the wall and likewise grouting of the Reconstruction of historic buildings and historic centers using new materials
structure. may he necessitated by disasters such as fire, earthquake or war.
Reconstruction cannot have the patina of age. As in restoration, reconstruction
No historical evidence should be destroyed. Only by first understanding how an must be based upon accurate documentation and evidence, never upon
historic building acts as a whole as a ‘spatial environmental system’ is it possible conjecture.
to introduce new techniques satisfactorily, or provide a suitable environment
for objects of art, or make adjustments in favor of a new use.

Restoration

The object of restoration is to revive the original concept or legibility of the

object. Restoration and re-integration of details and features occurs frequently
and is based upon respect for original material, archaeological evidence,
original design and authentic documents. Replacement of missing or decayed
parts must integrate harmoniously with the whole, but must be distinguishable
on close inspection from the original so that the restoration does not falsify
archaeological or historical evidence.

G.BALAJI |401912051/Ph.D/ARCHITECTURE/NIT,TRICHY 2
2.0 ROLE OF CONSERVATION ARCHITECT AR807- ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION 2013

The architect should be able to usually with a view to persuading owners that less radical solutions make
good financial sense.
1. Design significant spaces, forms and structures in accordance with peoples’
needs, which have the qualities of ‘firmness, commodities and delight’ with C. Understand the scope and effect of limitations on the introduction of
the desired environment, in cooperation with the building owner. new services, and have a sound knowledge of effective and acceptable
measures for fire protection, means of escape and security.
2. Understand the nature of materials and their appropriate uses; write
specifications in sufficient detail to allow the contractor to prepare priced 9. Commission and control the necessary survey work including
schedules or for the quantity surveyor to prepare bills of quantities, and for photogrammetry.
the work to be carried out by the contractor.
10. Write, as well as specifications, schedules of work, and ensure that the
3. Consider the climatic conditions and the causes of decay when designing. conditions of contract face up to the hazards inherent in working on an
archaeological site; decide on the extent of opening up or cutting back.
4. Obtain the necessary statutory consents for the work proposed.
11. Understand grant possibilities and available sources of financial assistance.
5. Co-ordinate the work of consultants and specialists, select suitable
contractors, obtain tenders, oversee and administer contracts and settle 12. With reference to the ICOMOS guidelines, para 5, the architect should be
final accounts; act as an ‘enabler’. able to

6. Provide for proper maintenance through design and follow-up services. a. Read a monument, ensemble or site and identify its emotional, cultural
and practical significance.
7. Understand the social significance of historic buildings, the evolution of
their styles and the technology of building; appreciate architecture as a b. Understand the history and technology of monuments, ensembles and
social art objectively, without preference for any style. sites in order to define their identity, plan for their conservation and
interpret the results of this research.
8. a. Visualize solutions to complex problems and advocate new uses to which
a building could be put with a minimum of adaptation if any; design any c. Understand the setting of a monument, ensemble or site, their context and
necessary adaptations so that they preserve essential historic features; surroundings in relation to other buildings, gardens or landscapes.
know enough to be able to question engineering proposals that run
counter to conservation principles; co-operate with planners, surveyors, d. Find and absorb all available sources of information relevant to the
landscape architects and other specialists. monument, ensemble or site being studied.

e. Understand and analyze the behavior of monuments, ensembles and sites

b. Appreciate the different approaches that are appropriate to ancient
as complex systems.
monuments (structures and sites not in beneficial use) and historic
buildings which should be kept in beneficial use; investigate the effects of f. Diagnose intrinsic and extrinsic causes of decay as a basis for remedial
different levels of intervention on the financial value of the building, action.

G.BALAJI |401912051/Ph.D/ARCHITECTURE/NIT,TRICHY 3
 AR807- ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION 2013

g. Inspect and make reports intelligible to non specialist readers of

monuments, ensembles and sites, illustrated by graphic means such as
sketches and photographs.

h. Know, understand and apply UNESCO conventions and recommendations

and ICOMOS and other recognized charters, regulations and guidelines.

i. Make balanced judgments based on shared ethical principles, and accept

responsibility for the long-term welfare of cultural heritage.

j. Recognize when advice must be sought and define the areas of need for
study by different specialists, e.g. wall paintings, sculpture and objects of
artistic and historical value and/or studies of materials and systems.

k. Give expert advice on maintenance strategies, management policies and

the policy framework for environmental protection and preservation of
monuments and their contents, and sites.

l. Document works executed and make documentation accessible.

m. Work in multi-disciplinary groups using sound methods, and being aware of

and applying where appropriates the contribution of art-historians and
archaeologists.

3.0 CLASSIFICATION OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS

3.1 LISTING OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS:

Listed Heritage Buildings / Listed Heritage Precincts may be graded into three
categories. Listing does not prevent change of ownership or usage. However, change
of use of such Listed Heritage Building /Listed Precincts is not permitted without the

G.BALAJI |401912051/Ph.D/ARCHITECTURE/NIT,TRICHY 4
 AR807- ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION 2013

prior approval of the Heritage Conservation Committee. Use should be in harmony the work of master craftsmen or may be models of proportion and ornamentation
with the said listed heritage site. The buildings based on the value can be grades or or designed to suit a particular climate.
classified as follows:
Objective: Heritage Grade-II deserves intelligent conservation.
3.2 GRADE-I:
Scope of Changes:
(A) Definition: Heritage Grade-I comprises buildings and precincts of national or Grade-Il (A): Internal changes and adaptive re-use may by and large be allowed but
historic importance, embodying excellence in architectural style, design, technology subject to strict scrutiny. Care would be taken to ensure the conservation of all
and material usage and/or aesthetics: they may be associated with a great historic special aspects for which it is included in Heritage Grade- 11.
event, personality. They have been and are the prime landmarks of the region.
All natural sites shall fall within Grade-I. Grade-II (B): In addition to the above, extension or additional building in the same
plot or compound could in certain circumstances, be allowed provided that the
(B) Objective: Heritage Grade-I richly deserves careful preservation. extension / additional building is in harmony with (and does not detract from) the
existing heritage building(s) or precincts especially in terms of height and facade.
(C) Scope for Changes: No interventions be permitted either on exterior or interior
of the heritage building or natural features unless it is necessary in the interest of Procedure: Development permission for the changes would be given on the advice
strengthening and prolonging the life of the buildings/ or precincts or any part or of the 1 heritage Conservation Committee.
features thereof. For this purpose, absolutely essential and minimum changes would
be allowed and they must be in conformity with the original Vistas/ Surrounding Development: All development in areas surrounding Heritage
Grade-II shall be regulated and controlled, ensuring that it does not mar the
(D) Procedure: Development permission for the changes would be given on the grandeur of, or view from Heritage Grade-II.
advice of the Heritage Conservation Committee.
Example for Grade II A: Bombay High Court, Royal Bombay Yatch Club
(E) Vistas / Surrounding Development: All development in areas surrounding Example for Grade II B: Taj Mahal Hotel, Bombay Gymkhana
Heritage Grade-I shall be regulated and controlled, ensuring that it does not mar the
grandeur of, or view from Heritage Grade-I. 3.4 Grade- III:

Example: Victoria Terminus Railway Station, Taj Mahal, Agra, Red Fort, Delhi Heritage Grade-Ill comprises building and precincts of importance for townscape;
that evoke architectural, aesthetic, or sociological interest through not as much as in
3.3 GRADE-II: Heritage Grade-II. These contribute to determine the character I of the locality and
can be representative of lifestyle of a particular community or region and may also
Definition: Heritage Grade-II (A&B) comprises of buildings and precincts of regional be distinguished by setting, or special character of the facade and uniformity of
or local importance possessing special architectural or aesthetic merit, or cultural or height, width and scale.
historical significance though of a lower scale than Heritage Grade-I. They are local
landmarks, which contribute to the image and identity of the region. They may be Objective: Heritage Grade-II deserves intelligent conservation (though on a lesser
scale than Grade-11 and special protection to unique features and attributes).

G.BALAJI |401912051/Ph.D/ARCHITECTURE/NIT,TRICHY 5
 AR807- ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION 2013

Scope of Changes: Internal changes and adaptive re-use may by and large be
allowed. Changes can include extensions and additional buildings in the same plot
or compound. However, any changes should be such that they are in harmony with
and should be such that they do not detract from the existing heritage
building/precinct.

Procedure: Development permission for changes would be given on the advice of

the Heritage Conservation Committee.

Vistas/ Surrounding Development: All development in areas surrounding Heritage

Grade-III shall be regulated and controlled, ensuring that it does not mar the
grandeur of. Or view from Heritage Grade-III.

Examples: RBI head quarters, St. Xavier High School.

4.0 RECORDING OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS

4.1 LISTING OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS:

The recording of Historic building is known as listing of heritage building.

The lisitng is done for the following resons:

o Provides a basis for legislative guidelines appropriate to different cultures

at all levels.

G.BALAJI |401912051/Ph.D/ARCHITECTURE/NIT,TRICHY 6
 AR807- ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION 2013

o Function as a data base for monitoring and channelizing new development c. Form and date of most recent records of the property.
within historic areas. d. Present state of conservation
o Help to determine the zones of homogeneity within the settlement where e. Policies and programmes related to the presentation and promotion to the
certain planning and architectural controls could be applied. property.
o Determines the conditions and functions of a settlement and the
component elements 4.5 MANAGEMENT:
o Facilitates decisions regarding the degree of protection necessary and the
type of action required in relation to the needs of the community. a. Ownership
o Form a source of information helping research on zones of similar b. Legal status
traditions and providing insights on life in different areas during different c. Protective measures and means of implementing them
periods. d. Agency / Agencies with management authority
e. Level at which management is exercised (e.g., on property. regionally) and
4.2 IDENTIFICATION OF PROPERTY: name and address of responsible person for contact purposes.
f. Agreed plans related to property (e.g., regional, local plan, conservation
a. Country plan, tourism development plan)
b. State, Province, Region g. Sources and levels of finance
c. Name of the property h. Sources of expertise and training in conservation and management
d. Exact location on map and indication of geographical coordinates to the techniques
nearest second i. Visitor facilities and statistics
e. Maps and / or plans showing boundary of the area proposed for inscription j. Property management plan and statement of objectives (copy to be
and of any buffer zone annexed)
f. Area of property proposed for inscription. k. Staffing levels (professional, technical, maintenance)

4.3 JUSTIFICATION FOR INSCRIPTION: 4.5 FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY:

a. Statement of significance a. Development pressures (eg. Encroachment, adaptation, agriculture,

b. Possible comparative analysis(including state of conservation of similar mining)
properties) b. Environmental pressures ( eg, pollution, climate change)
c. Authenticity/ Integrity c. Natural disasters and preparedness ( earthquake, floods, fires, etc)
d. Criteria under which inscription is proposed d. Visitor / tourism pressures
e. Number of inhabitants inside the property, buffer zone
4.4 DESCRIPTION: f. Other

a. Description of Property 4.5 MONITORING:

b. History and development

G.BALAJI |401912051/Ph.D/ARCHITECTURE/NIT,TRICHY 7
 AR807- ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION 2013

a. Key indicators for measuring state of conservation

b. Administrative arrangements for monitoring property
c. Results of previous reporting exercises DATE dd mm yyyy START TIME: FINISH TIME:

4.6 DOCUMENTATION:
IDENTIFYING PHOTOGRAPH:
a. Photographs, slides and where available film/video
b. Copies of property management plans and extracts of other plans relevant (THIS PHOTOGRAPH IS INTENDED TO LOCATE THE COMPONENT VISUALLY AS
to the property
VIEWED WHEN APPROCHING IT)
c. Bibliography
d. Address where inventory, records and archives are held.

NAME OF PROPOERTY

LOCAL NAME/(S)

LOCATION

IDENTIFYING PARAMETERS

(IN ORDER TO IDENTIFY

COMPONENT IN MIDST OF
OTHER)

STAGE I BOUNDARY DEFINITIONS

This process is aimed at identifying the heritage components in the proposed area. N E S W
The listing process is intended to include an exhaustive list of components, so that
no component is left out for knowledge of identification. Please do no pre-judge the
values and discard any component outside the purview of heritage, before the
listing process.

G.BALAJI |401912051/Ph.D/ARCHITECTURE/NIT,TRICHY 8
 AR807- ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION 2013

DRAFT SKETCH PLAN OF COMPONENT: (Please indicate Orientation)

MAP/PLAN REGIONAL AREA SITE STRUCTURE ANY OTHER

ATTACHED Y N Y N Y N Y N

If Map/Plan is unavailable, please specify reason

SITE VISIBILITY

REQUIRES LOCAL VISIBLE FROM APPROACH SITE IS A PROMINENT

GUIDANCE TO IDENTIFY LANDMARK

ANY OTHER COMMENTS

ASSOCIATED VALUES (Please tick the relevant values)

STAGE II WONDER IDENTITY CONTINUITY SPIRITUAL SYMBOLIC

DOCUMENTARY HISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL ANTIQUE AESTHETIC

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENT: (PRIMARY INFORMATION)
ARCHITECTURAL TOWNSCAPE LANDSCAPE ECOLOGICAL SCIENTIFIC

TECHNOLOGICAL ECONOMICAL SOCIAL POLITICAL

Any other

REASONS FOR CLASSIFICATION (Please support reasons with photographs,

documents or survey reports. Also include special features, if any, which could
SECONDARY SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON THE COMPONENT: Y N
support the classification)
BOOKS/OTHER MEDIA RESOURCE PERSONS ANY OTHER

G.BALAJI |401912051/Ph.D/ARCHITECTURE/NIT,TRICHY 9
 AR807- ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION 2013

OWNERSHIP PUBLIC PRIVATE MAINTENANCE

INDIVIDUAL TRUST COMMUNITY EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR

ANY OTHER VERY POOR VANDALISED

STATUS COMPONENT IS STILL IN USE ANY OTHER OBSERVATION:

COMPONENT IS NO LONGER IN USE

ORIGINAL USAGE

IN BETWEEN USAGE Please fill this if component has been put through
various uses other than what it was intended to be

PRESENT USAGE

PRESENT SCENARIO OF COMPONENT

STRUCTURAL CONDITION (Visual)

EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR

SHOWS SIGNS OF HIGHLY DETERIORATED DANGER OF

DETERIORATION DISAPPEARANCE

Please support the above observation with photographs

THREATS TO COMPONENT

POTENTIAL TO COMPONENT

G.BALAJI |401912051/Ph.D/ARCHITECTURE/NIT,TRICHY 10