Session 4: Sustainable Practice for Heritage Sites 1
Submitted by adaptive_admin on 27 Sep 2024
By Sara Rodrigues
On the second day of Congress, the projects shared a focus on sustainable, technology-driven approaches to heritage preservation, while also highlighting the importance of integrating natural elements to protect vulnerable sites. In accordance, they all addressed long-term conservation challenges and applicable solutions in often hazardous environments.
The Application of Remote Sensing in the Conservation of the Archaeological Site of Pachacamac (2nd –16th century, Peru)
Denise Pozzi-Escot presented her team project on the application of remote sensing in the Pachacamac archaeological site – a monumental effort to preserve Peru’s cultural heritage.
Using cutting-edge techniques like UAV photogrammetry and digital elevation models, researchers have identified areas of structural vulnerability to natural forces such as earthquakes, wind, and rainfall. I believe the integration of the local community into conservation efforts was highly commendable, having ensured they played a key role in the protection of this historical place.
Overcoming physical distance, the collaboration between Peruvian and Italian teams under the HUACAS project highlights a successful blend of technology and archaeology, showing that innovative approaches can effectively predict and mitigate environmental risks for future generations.
Picture of Denise Pozzi-Escot presenting her team project on “The Application of Remote Sensing in the Conservation Of The Archaeological Site of Pachacamac (2nd-16th century), Peru. Author: Katherine Moya.
Sustainable and Collaborative Solutions for the Long-term Care of Heritage Earthen Sites in Seismic Areas in Peru
Continuing with conservation efforts on extreme environments in Peru, Elena Macchioni talked about the Long-term Care of Heritage Earthen Sites in Seismic Areas in the country.
The Seismic Retrofitting Project exemplifies a remarkable collaboration between the Getty Conservation Institute and Peruvian stakeholders to safeguard heritage sites in earthquake-prone regions.
Having the adobe church of Kuñotambo as a case study, the team masterfully integrated traditional materials with a high-tech structural health monitoring system that allowed for real-time tracking. What stood out to me was the educational component aimed at training Latin American engineers in the latest techniques for monitoring and retrofitting heritage structures.
The long-term seismic resilience of earthen buildings and the development of local expertise contributes to the sustainability of the project as it results in a symbiotic partnership between the preservation of both the historic fabric and community engagement.
Screenshot of Elena Macchioni online streaming her presentation “Sustainable and Collaborative Solutions for the Long-term Care of Heritage Earthen Sites in Seismic Areas in Peru” to the online platform and in-person audience while on video call through Zoom. Author: Sara Rodrigues.
Data Collection for Cultural Heritage Risk Management: A Case Study of the project “Damage Map through Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM)” on the Frontispiece of Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Ouro Preto, Brazil
From the neighbouring country of Brazil, Yacy-Ara Gonçalves and Willi Gonçalves presented the "Damage Map through HBIM" project. Their work uses this cutting-edge tool to document, monitor, and manage the risks.
By using advanced methods like aerial photogrammetry, LiDAR, and infrared thermography, the team has captured intricate details of the Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Ouro Preto, Brazil. Their precise 3D modelling and damage mapping of the church's frontispiece represents a comprehensive understanding of the structure's condition, enabling data-driven decision-making for conservation efforts.
Personally, the combination of archival research with fieldwork to track the history of restoration cycles and environmental impacts on the stone reliefs was rather impressive. This historical context enriches the technical analysis and helps frame long-term preservation strategies.
By developing standardized protocols, the initiative underscores the importance of preventive conservation by creating an ongoing monitoring system to reduce the need for frequent interventions and therefore, preserving the site's authenticity.
Screenshot of Willi Gonçalves presenting his work on “Data Collection for Cultural Heritage Risk Management: A Case Study of the project “Damage Map through Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM)” on the Frontispiece of Saint Francis of Assisi Church, Ouro Preto, Brazil”. Author: Sara Rodrigues.
The positive role of trees in protecting outdoor painted and engraved rock sites.
All the way from Oceania, Andrew Thorne brought to the audience a completely new approach to preserving outdoor painted and engraved rock sites.
Traditionally seen as threats to structures, Thorn’s case studies in Kakadu, Tasmania, and New Zealand highlight how trees can provide natural protection for heritage sites, shielding them from sunlight, rain, and hydrothermal stress. So that when strategically managed, trees can mitigate damage caused by salts, water infiltration, and temperature fluctuations.
One of my favourite moments was when Thorne showcased a forest near a sensitive rock art site where the trees perfectly balanced the rainfall with water absorption. The removal of this forest could cause devastating water influx, demonstrating the importance of balancing conservation needs with natural solutions – for sure a pioneering vision for sustainable heritage management.
This dual perspective on trees—acknowledging both their risks and benefits—invites a deeper, more nuanced understanding of conservation practices, considering the environmental role of trees before making interventions.
Screenshot of Andrew Thorne streaming his presentation “The positive role of trees in protecting outdoor painted and engraved rock sites” to the online platform and in-person audience while on video call through Zoom. Author: Sara Rodrigues.
Q&As
Session 4 Q&A had a global feel, with co-chair Claudia Cancino addressing speakers in English, the first speaker – Denise Pozzi-Escot – answered in Spanish and the online DEV, Sara Rodrigues, engaging in Portuguese with the Brazilian speakers.
Discussion between speakers of different nationalities revealed how natural events like El Niño impact multiple countries, highlighting the need for international heritage conservation protocols.
A few panellists had already met during each other’s projects, sparking questions on shared topics. And we even had two in-person DEVs that had participated in the second presentation’s project, sharing a sense of pride and connection.
The session came to an end with curious questions directed to Thorne, as the audience was intrigued by his groundbreaking approach.
The integration of local communities and education on cultural heritage was a common ground for consensus on preservation strategies. Additionally, the use of innovative, high-tech methods alongside traditional approaches, combined with embracing natural resources, further answered this session’s urgency to present long-term conservation of cultural heritage efforts.
Author byline:
Sara Rodrigues is an MA student in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage, at Universidade Catolica Portuguesa, Porto (Portugal).