Architectural and Cultural Heritage
Architecture in the cultural form can be termed or considered as a cultural symbol. It is perceived as a symbol or a reflection of any civilization.
Architecture is not only knowledge of science, arts, materials, technology but humanity as well. Through the architectural style, one can easily know about the lifestyle, culture, and traditions of that specific era.
Architecture is a part of Tangible Cultural Heritage. This provides a way to know about the physical artifacts produced and maintained for the coming generations as a heritage. These tangible heritages are a part of society and a proof of human creativity since decades when it was not the era of technology. It has started from the time when people just wished to travel to the moon and journeys to different continents was a game of nerves along with hundreds of days. During that time people through their knowledge, techniques, and manpower created wonders.
This is the reason why there is a lot of importance given to the tangible heritage because it is considered as a symbol of our forefathers. So, a lot of importance is being given to the conservation of architectural heritage.
Architectural Conservation is a process through which the material, historical, design integrity of humanity’s built heritage is protected. In response to the sentimental attachment to those buildings different movements started. One of the movements that were in response to “Modernism” gained momentum in the 18th and 19th century.
The growth of this movement took place at a time of significant archaeological discoveries. In response to these movements, two schools of thoughts came into being. One was to conserve the heritage and the other was to restore by using present-day materials and techniques.
Architectural Heritage declared by UNESCO
There are many organizations that are working to raise awareness regarding architectural heritage. Many conferences and seminars are being held in different countries to promote the conservation of this cultural heritage.
Following are 6 architectural heritages declared by UNESCO:
1. Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (Afghanistan)
This is a minaret dating back to 12th century. 65 m tall minaret of Jam is a grace-full soaring structure. It is covered in elaborate brick work having a blue tiled inscription on it. The Minaret of Jam is one of the few well-preserved monuments representing the exceptional artistic creativity and mastery of structural engineering of the time.
2. Memphis and its Necropolis – the Pyramid Fields from Giza to Dahshur (Egypt)
The capital of the Old Kingdom of Egypt has some extraordinary funerary monuments, including rock tombs, ornate mastabas, temples and pyramids. In ancient times, the site was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
3. Levuka Historical Port Town (Fiji)
It was the first capital of Fiji ceded to the British in 1874. It developed from the early 19th century as a center of commercial activity by Americans and Europeans it is the rare example of a late colonial port town that was influenced in its development by the indigenous community which continued to outnumber the European settlers.
4. Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae (In the Mountains of Arcadia)
This famous temple to the god of healing and the sun was built towards the middle of the 5th century B.C. in the lonely heights of the Arcadian mountains. The temple, which has the oldest Corinthian capital yet found, combines the Archaic style and the serenity of the Doric style with some daring architectural features.
5. Humayun’s Tomb Delhi (India)
This tomb has a specific cultural significance as it was the first garden- tomb on the Indian sub-continent. It inspired several major architectural innovations. This was built in 1570.
6. Rohtas Fort (Pakistan)
Sher Shah Suri built this fort in 1541 when he was defeated by Mughal emperor Humayun. The main fortifications consist of the massive walls, which extend for more than 4 km; they are lined with bastions and pierced by monumental gateways. Rohtas Fort, also called Qila Rohtas, is an exceptional example of early Muslim military architecture in Central and South Asia.
The 4th intnational conference on “Conservation of Architectural Heritage
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If you are eager to know more about Architectural and Cultural Heritage, Luckily, IEREK is organizing The 4th Edition of International Conference On: conservation of Architectural Heritage (CAH) to be held in Aswan – Luxor, Egypt from Jan 31 to Feb 02, 2020, following the success of the previous 3 versions which took place in 2015 & 2018 & 2019.
CAH aims to bring together, researchers, urban planners, architects and other stakeholders from across the globe to discuss the latest scientific advances in the following topics:
1. Cultural Heritage Protection
2. Conservation Strategies
3. Technology And Development
4. Materials And Restoration
5. Reuse Of Cultural Heritage
6. Historic Urban Landscape
7. Site Management Of The Archaeological Site
8. Sustainability Of Heritage
9. Historic Conservation And Economy
10. Ecological Approach Of Conservation Projects
11. Identity And Heritage
12. International Efforts In Heritage Conservation
13. Public Regulations And Heritage
*For more details about CAH-2020 regarding topics, fees and how to attend, visit this link:
https://www.ierek.com/events/cah4th#conferencetopics
