The GCI Newsletter Volume 37 • Number 1 • Spring 2022, 2022
The extent of that heritage is vast. Consider just those earthen heritage sites internationally r... more The extent of that heritage is vast. Consider just those earthen heritage sites internationally recognized-about 10 percent of the cultural sites on the World Heritage List are made of earth. And the world's earthen architectural heritage extends well beyond places on the List, running the gamut from churches and forts to homes and human settlements in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. For decades now, the GCI has engaged in research and field projects related to the conservation of earthen architecture. My GCI colleague currently leading that work is Claudia Cancino, a senior project specialist in the Buildings and Sites department and the author of the feature for this edition of Conservation Perspectives. In her article, Claudia charts the development of earthen architectural conservation, highlighting some of the people and organizations that have endeavored to bring attention and research to the preservation of this segment of the world's built heritage. She also suggests further work that can and should be undertaken to build on that half century of effort. In his article on education in the conservation of earthen architecture, GCI project specialist Benjamin Marcus reviews education efforts that began in the 1970s and explores the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in providing professionals the specific skills needed to preserve our earthen built heritage. In another article, Soumyen Bandyopadhyay, the Sir James Stirling Chair in Architecture at the University of Liverpool, traces the development of the conservation of historic earthen architecture in Oman and then explores in more depth conservation and adaptive reuse in Omani historic settlements constructed with earth. Offering us examples of how up-to-date engineering techniques are helping to characterize the condition of earthen structures is Rafael Aguilar, a professor in the Department of Engineering at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, who has been part of a team applying these techniques to adobe buildings in his country. And in our roundtable, conservator Angelyn Bass, archaeologist Annick Daneels, and architectural engineer Aqeel Aqeel discuss the challenges in conserving and preserving that particularly vulnerable earthen heritage-earthen archaeological sites. Working with Conservation Perspectives editor Jeffrey Levin as guest coeditors on this edition were his GCI colleagues, Claudia Cancino, Benjamin Marcus, and Leslie Rainer. The use of earth for construction is both practical and apt. It's practical because it's an abundant and inexpensive building material. And it's apt because an earthen structure is composed of the very material upon which it stands. That our built earthen heritage continues to stand-now and in the future-is a responsibility we all should share.
Al Hayla tower is a historic stone building located in Liwa Oasis in the vast ‘Empty Quarter’ des... more Al Hayla tower is a historic stone building located in Liwa Oasis in the vast ‘Empty Quarter’ desert of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. As one of the few remaining unaltered stone buildings in the emirate, Halya is a rare record of stone construction techniques and a significant part of Abu Dhabi’s heritage. When first surveyed in 2009, the tower was in critical condition with large vertical cracks that threatened to cause total collapse of the structure. Emergency conservation measures including shoring and strapping were carried out and a conservation management plan was drafted to guide future interventions. Documentation, materials analysis and treatment trials were also carried out followed by conservation. The interventions included structural reinforcement, grouting, repointing, and application of a shelter coat. Geogrid fiber was chosen for reinforcement because of its high tensile strength and resistance to heat deformation and corrosion in the desert environment. After several years of monitoring following the interventions, the tower has remained stable. This paper describes the conservation and structural stabilization work in detail, focusing on materials analysis, mortar selection, and the conservation and structural solutions chosen to stabilize the tower.
Southern Morocco is home to thousands of earthen kasbahs and ksour, or fortified earthen settleme... more Southern Morocco is home to thousands of earthen kasbahs and ksour, or fortified earthen settlements. In 2011 the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) partnered with the Centre de Conservation et de Réhabilitation du Patrimoine Architectural Atlasiques et Subatlasiques (CERKAS) to develop a Conservation and Rehabilitation Plan (CRP) for the Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate. The CRP developed a methodology for preserving this large earthen complex as a model for similar sites in the region. This paper describes the project with a focus on the planning process and the development of conservation policies that guided physical interventions on the site. The important role of these policies in the rehabilitation process is explored and recommendations are made for applying the methodology at earthen sites in Morocco and the wider region.
Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, 2014
Protection, conservation, and site-management planning are normally financed and conducted on maj... more Protection, conservation, and site-management planning are normally financed and conducted on major archaeological sites only, where there are expectations for visitor access and economic returns. Many smaller sites with lesser visible remains are then virtually abandoned, despite the value of their physical remains and archaeological, historical, and scientific potential. A pilot project by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority was conducted at Rumeilah, an Iron Age site excavated over the past forty-five years. The project consisted of a full-scale site-management planning process including documentation and assessment of the site conditions and of its administrative context to demonstrate the benefits of applying value and community-based site management planning processes to ‘invisible’ heritage. The process resulted in the development of a management plan which identifies continued explorations at the site and in the involvement of local schools and universities in the activities that will be able to sustain its long-term preservation.
IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, Vol. 37, 2012
The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is responsible for the conservation and ... more The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is responsible for the conservation and management of historic buildings and archaeological sites in the Emirate. Laboratory analysis has been critical for understanding the composition of historic materials and establishing appropriate conservation treatments across a wide variety of building types, ranging from Iron Age earthen archaeological sites to late-Islamic stone buildings. Analysis was carried out on historic sites in Al Ain, Delma Island and Liwa Oasis using techniques such as micro-x-ray fluorescence (MXRF), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Testing was conducted through consultant laboratories and in collaboration with local universities. The initial aim of the analysis was to understand historic earthen materials and to confirm the suitability of locally sourced clays for the production of mud bricks and plasters. Another important goal was to characterize materials used in historic stone buildings in order to develop repair mortars, renders and grouts.
Proceedings of the XIth International Conference on the Study and Conservation of Earthen Architecture Heritage, 2012
"Home to a recently designated world heritage site, the city of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi Emirate conta... more "Home to a recently designated world heritage site, the city of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi Emirate contains many significant archaeological sites dating from the Bronze and Iron ages. Reflecting the historic importance of Al Ain’s oases as crossroads of trade between Oman and the Arabian Gulf, the sites range from large earthen residential settlements to fortified mud brick towers. Archaeological excavations begun in the 1960s left earthen remains exposed, with minimal protection or conservation measures put in place.
Facing the ongoing loss of a number of important sites, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage has undertaken a program of protection, documentation and conservation at two archaeological areas: Hili Archaeological Park and Rumeilah. A comprehensive conditions assessment and site management plan was developed to prioritize critical needs for more than 30 individual structures. The site management planning process was developed with the involvement of conservators, local archaeologists, government officials and the community. This paper describes the management planning and conservation measures implemented at three high priority sites: Hili 8, a fortified mud brick tower from the third millennium BCE; and the Iron Age settlements of Rumeilah and Hili 17. Conservation measures have included emergency reburial of critical features, laboratory characterization to develop compatible conservation materials, laser scanning, and testing and implementation of conservation treatments such as grouting and loss filling. Shelters at selected sites, as well as interpretation schemes including walking paths, signage, and a visitor center, are among the long-term goals of the project at Hili; while continued archaeological and conservation research is the focus at Rumeilah.
Responsibilities and Opportunities in Architectural Conservation: Theory, Education and Practice, Vol. 1: 145-163, 2008
"South-western Tunisia, historically occupied by Berber ethnic groups, has
become the focus of i... more "South-western Tunisia, historically occupied by Berber ethnic groups, has
become the focus of increased visitation, particularly in the form of group
tourism. This paper focuses on four historic sites located near the border with Algeria, an area that has received little attention by conservation practitioners. Applying a cultural landscape model, the authors assess the conservation issues facing these important sites and propose a framework for their stabilization and management, working towards a larger conservation program for this unique and largely ignored region. This framework encompasses key short-term recommendations to insure the immediate protection of historic fabric, and longterm recommendations that address the future survival of the larger ecosystem and cultural traditions that are exemplified in this area. The creation of a cultural landscape conservation and management plan is the best approach to include
both the built and natural environments, and the tangible and intangible elements of Berber culture in Tunisia."
"While technology and historical documents are
vital for recording and interpreting cultural her... more "While technology and historical documents are
vital for recording and interpreting cultural heritage, living
memory can convey both tangible and intangible aspects of
a site such as alterations, use, cultural significance, and
meaning. Despite the widespread application of oral
history in related fields, it is often ignored as a tool for
documenting historic buildings and sites. However,
because it records not only physical, but social, spiritual
and ritual phenomena, the oral record is essential to
understanding the intangible and capturing sense of place.
This paper examines research and case studies in which
oral history was used to document a site and its cultural
context. The case studies recorded testimony about various
aspects of historic sites including architectural features and
alterations to an Ottoman-era house and hamam in Kars,
Turkey, and urban social conflicts that led to the
abandonment of a monumental 1930s swimming pool in
Brooklyn, New York."
The oasis valleys of southern Morocco are home to thousands of earthen kasbahs and ksours, or for... more The oasis valleys of southern Morocco are home to thousands of earthen kasbahs and ksours, or fortified earthen settlements. From 2011 to 2016, the Getty Conservation Institute partnered with the Centre de Conservation et de Réhabilation du Patrimoine Architectural Atlasiques et Subatlasiques (CERKAS) in Morocco to develop a Conservation and Rehabilitation Plan (CRP) for one of the region's most significant settlements, Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate. The objective was to develop a methodology for preserving the Kasbah that holistically addressed economic, social, cultural, and technical challenges and that served as a model for similar sites in the region. The project sought to establish an appropriate conservation process that respected the original fabric, preserved local building traditions, promoted earthen architecture, developed appropriate participatory processes and built local capacity. Conservation and Rehabilitation Plan for Tighermt (Kasbah) Taourirt, Southern Morocco, is the final report from this project. It presents the work in ten chapters including documentation of the site; archival and historical research; conditions assessment of architectural fabric and wall paintings; significance and values of the Kasbah; policies adopted to guide the site's re-use; conservation interventions; and recommendations for future conservation and management. An extensive bibliography provides references related to the history and cultures of southern Morocco; Amazigh architecture and decorative arts; rehabilitation planning and intervention case studies; and practical references related to conservation of rammed earth. The appendix presents all documentation produced during the project.
The GCI Newsletter Volume 37 • Number 1 • Spring 2022, 2022
The extent of that heritage is vast. Consider just those earthen heritage sites internationally r... more The extent of that heritage is vast. Consider just those earthen heritage sites internationally recognized-about 10 percent of the cultural sites on the World Heritage List are made of earth. And the world's earthen architectural heritage extends well beyond places on the List, running the gamut from churches and forts to homes and human settlements in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. For decades now, the GCI has engaged in research and field projects related to the conservation of earthen architecture. My GCI colleague currently leading that work is Claudia Cancino, a senior project specialist in the Buildings and Sites department and the author of the feature for this edition of Conservation Perspectives. In her article, Claudia charts the development of earthen architectural conservation, highlighting some of the people and organizations that have endeavored to bring attention and research to the preservation of this segment of the world's built heritage. She also suggests further work that can and should be undertaken to build on that half century of effort. In his article on education in the conservation of earthen architecture, GCI project specialist Benjamin Marcus reviews education efforts that began in the 1970s and explores the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in providing professionals the specific skills needed to preserve our earthen built heritage. In another article, Soumyen Bandyopadhyay, the Sir James Stirling Chair in Architecture at the University of Liverpool, traces the development of the conservation of historic earthen architecture in Oman and then explores in more depth conservation and adaptive reuse in Omani historic settlements constructed with earth. Offering us examples of how up-to-date engineering techniques are helping to characterize the condition of earthen structures is Rafael Aguilar, a professor in the Department of Engineering at the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, who has been part of a team applying these techniques to adobe buildings in his country. And in our roundtable, conservator Angelyn Bass, archaeologist Annick Daneels, and architectural engineer Aqeel Aqeel discuss the challenges in conserving and preserving that particularly vulnerable earthen heritage-earthen archaeological sites. Working with Conservation Perspectives editor Jeffrey Levin as guest coeditors on this edition were his GCI colleagues, Claudia Cancino, Benjamin Marcus, and Leslie Rainer. The use of earth for construction is both practical and apt. It's practical because it's an abundant and inexpensive building material. And it's apt because an earthen structure is composed of the very material upon which it stands. That our built earthen heritage continues to stand-now and in the future-is a responsibility we all should share.
Al Hayla tower is a historic stone building located in Liwa Oasis in the vast ‘Empty Quarter’ des... more Al Hayla tower is a historic stone building located in Liwa Oasis in the vast ‘Empty Quarter’ desert of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. As one of the few remaining unaltered stone buildings in the emirate, Halya is a rare record of stone construction techniques and a significant part of Abu Dhabi’s heritage. When first surveyed in 2009, the tower was in critical condition with large vertical cracks that threatened to cause total collapse of the structure. Emergency conservation measures including shoring and strapping were carried out and a conservation management plan was drafted to guide future interventions. Documentation, materials analysis and treatment trials were also carried out followed by conservation. The interventions included structural reinforcement, grouting, repointing, and application of a shelter coat. Geogrid fiber was chosen for reinforcement because of its high tensile strength and resistance to heat deformation and corrosion in the desert environment. After several years of monitoring following the interventions, the tower has remained stable. This paper describes the conservation and structural stabilization work in detail, focusing on materials analysis, mortar selection, and the conservation and structural solutions chosen to stabilize the tower.
Southern Morocco is home to thousands of earthen kasbahs and ksour, or fortified earthen settleme... more Southern Morocco is home to thousands of earthen kasbahs and ksour, or fortified earthen settlements. In 2011 the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) partnered with the Centre de Conservation et de Réhabilitation du Patrimoine Architectural Atlasiques et Subatlasiques (CERKAS) to develop a Conservation and Rehabilitation Plan (CRP) for the Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate. The CRP developed a methodology for preserving this large earthen complex as a model for similar sites in the region. This paper describes the project with a focus on the planning process and the development of conservation policies that guided physical interventions on the site. The important role of these policies in the rehabilitation process is explored and recommendations are made for applying the methodology at earthen sites in Morocco and the wider region.
Conservation and Management of Archaeological Sites, 2014
Protection, conservation, and site-management planning are normally financed and conducted on maj... more Protection, conservation, and site-management planning are normally financed and conducted on major archaeological sites only, where there are expectations for visitor access and economic returns. Many smaller sites with lesser visible remains are then virtually abandoned, despite the value of their physical remains and archaeological, historical, and scientific potential. A pilot project by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority was conducted at Rumeilah, an Iron Age site excavated over the past forty-five years. The project consisted of a full-scale site-management planning process including documentation and assessment of the site conditions and of its administrative context to demonstrate the benefits of applying value and community-based site management planning processes to ‘invisible’ heritage. The process resulted in the development of a management plan which identifies continued explorations at the site and in the involvement of local schools and universities in the activities that will be able to sustain its long-term preservation.
IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, Vol. 37, 2012
The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is responsible for the conservation and ... more The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is responsible for the conservation and management of historic buildings and archaeological sites in the Emirate. Laboratory analysis has been critical for understanding the composition of historic materials and establishing appropriate conservation treatments across a wide variety of building types, ranging from Iron Age earthen archaeological sites to late-Islamic stone buildings. Analysis was carried out on historic sites in Al Ain, Delma Island and Liwa Oasis using techniques such as micro-x-ray fluorescence (MXRF), scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), polarized light microscopy (PLM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Testing was conducted through consultant laboratories and in collaboration with local universities. The initial aim of the analysis was to understand historic earthen materials and to confirm the suitability of locally sourced clays for the production of mud bricks and plasters. Another important goal was to characterize materials used in historic stone buildings in order to develop repair mortars, renders and grouts.
Proceedings of the XIth International Conference on the Study and Conservation of Earthen Architecture Heritage, 2012
"Home to a recently designated world heritage site, the city of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi Emirate conta... more "Home to a recently designated world heritage site, the city of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi Emirate contains many significant archaeological sites dating from the Bronze and Iron ages. Reflecting the historic importance of Al Ain’s oases as crossroads of trade between Oman and the Arabian Gulf, the sites range from large earthen residential settlements to fortified mud brick towers. Archaeological excavations begun in the 1960s left earthen remains exposed, with minimal protection or conservation measures put in place.
Facing the ongoing loss of a number of important sites, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage has undertaken a program of protection, documentation and conservation at two archaeological areas: Hili Archaeological Park and Rumeilah. A comprehensive conditions assessment and site management plan was developed to prioritize critical needs for more than 30 individual structures. The site management planning process was developed with the involvement of conservators, local archaeologists, government officials and the community. This paper describes the management planning and conservation measures implemented at three high priority sites: Hili 8, a fortified mud brick tower from the third millennium BCE; and the Iron Age settlements of Rumeilah and Hili 17. Conservation measures have included emergency reburial of critical features, laboratory characterization to develop compatible conservation materials, laser scanning, and testing and implementation of conservation treatments such as grouting and loss filling. Shelters at selected sites, as well as interpretation schemes including walking paths, signage, and a visitor center, are among the long-term goals of the project at Hili; while continued archaeological and conservation research is the focus at Rumeilah.
Responsibilities and Opportunities in Architectural Conservation: Theory, Education and Practice, Vol. 1: 145-163, 2008
"South-western Tunisia, historically occupied by Berber ethnic groups, has
become the focus of i... more "South-western Tunisia, historically occupied by Berber ethnic groups, has
become the focus of increased visitation, particularly in the form of group
tourism. This paper focuses on four historic sites located near the border with Algeria, an area that has received little attention by conservation practitioners. Applying a cultural landscape model, the authors assess the conservation issues facing these important sites and propose a framework for their stabilization and management, working towards a larger conservation program for this unique and largely ignored region. This framework encompasses key short-term recommendations to insure the immediate protection of historic fabric, and longterm recommendations that address the future survival of the larger ecosystem and cultural traditions that are exemplified in this area. The creation of a cultural landscape conservation and management plan is the best approach to include
both the built and natural environments, and the tangible and intangible elements of Berber culture in Tunisia."
"While technology and historical documents are
vital for recording and interpreting cultural her... more "While technology and historical documents are
vital for recording and interpreting cultural heritage, living
memory can convey both tangible and intangible aspects of
a site such as alterations, use, cultural significance, and
meaning. Despite the widespread application of oral
history in related fields, it is often ignored as a tool for
documenting historic buildings and sites. However,
because it records not only physical, but social, spiritual
and ritual phenomena, the oral record is essential to
understanding the intangible and capturing sense of place.
This paper examines research and case studies in which
oral history was used to document a site and its cultural
context. The case studies recorded testimony about various
aspects of historic sites including architectural features and
alterations to an Ottoman-era house and hamam in Kars,
Turkey, and urban social conflicts that led to the
abandonment of a monumental 1930s swimming pool in
Brooklyn, New York."
The oasis valleys of southern Morocco are home to thousands of earthen kasbahs and ksours, or for... more The oasis valleys of southern Morocco are home to thousands of earthen kasbahs and ksours, or fortified earthen settlements. From 2011 to 2016, the Getty Conservation Institute partnered with the Centre de Conservation et de Réhabilation du Patrimoine Architectural Atlasiques et Subatlasiques (CERKAS) in Morocco to develop a Conservation and Rehabilitation Plan (CRP) for one of the region's most significant settlements, Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate. The objective was to develop a methodology for preserving the Kasbah that holistically addressed economic, social, cultural, and technical challenges and that served as a model for similar sites in the region. The project sought to establish an appropriate conservation process that respected the original fabric, preserved local building traditions, promoted earthen architecture, developed appropriate participatory processes and built local capacity. Conservation and Rehabilitation Plan for Tighermt (Kasbah) Taourirt, Southern Morocco, is the final report from this project. It presents the work in ten chapters including documentation of the site; archival and historical research; conditions assessment of architectural fabric and wall paintings; significance and values of the Kasbah; policies adopted to guide the site's re-use; conservation interventions; and recommendations for future conservation and management. An extensive bibliography provides references related to the history and cultures of southern Morocco; Amazigh architecture and decorative arts; rehabilitation planning and intervention case studies; and practical references related to conservation of rammed earth. The appendix presents all documentation produced during the project.
Uploads
Papers by B. Marcus
In 2011 the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) partnered with the Centre de Conservation et de Réhabilitation
du Patrimoine Architectural Atlasiques et Subatlasiques (CERKAS) to develop a Conservation
and Rehabilitation Plan (CRP) for the Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate. The CRP developed a methodology
for preserving this large earthen complex as a model for similar sites in the region. This paper describes the
project with a focus on the planning process and the development of conservation policies that guided physical
interventions on the site. The important role of these policies in the rehabilitation process is explored and
recommendations are made for applying the methodology at earthen sites in Morocco and the wider region.
Facing the ongoing loss of a number of important sites, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage has undertaken a program of protection, documentation and conservation at two archaeological areas: Hili Archaeological Park and Rumeilah. A comprehensive conditions assessment and site management plan was developed to prioritize critical needs for more than 30 individual structures. The site management planning process was developed with the involvement of conservators, local archaeologists, government officials and the community. This paper describes the management planning and conservation measures implemented at three high priority sites: Hili 8, a fortified mud brick tower from the third millennium BCE; and the Iron Age settlements of Rumeilah and Hili 17. Conservation measures have included emergency reburial of critical features, laboratory characterization to develop compatible conservation materials, laser scanning, and testing and implementation of conservation treatments such as grouting and loss filling. Shelters at selected sites, as well as interpretation schemes including walking paths, signage, and a visitor center, are among the long-term goals of the project at Hili; while continued archaeological and conservation research is the focus at Rumeilah.
"
become the focus of increased visitation, particularly in the form of group
tourism. This paper focuses on four historic sites located near the border with Algeria, an area that has received little attention by conservation practitioners. Applying a cultural landscape model, the authors assess the conservation issues facing these important sites and propose a framework for their stabilization and management, working towards a larger conservation program for this unique and largely ignored region. This framework encompasses key short-term recommendations to insure the immediate protection of historic fabric, and longterm recommendations that address the future survival of the larger ecosystem and cultural traditions that are exemplified in this area. The creation of a cultural landscape conservation and management plan is the best approach to include
both the built and natural environments, and the tangible and intangible elements of Berber culture in Tunisia."
vital for recording and interpreting cultural heritage, living
memory can convey both tangible and intangible aspects of
a site such as alterations, use, cultural significance, and
meaning. Despite the widespread application of oral
history in related fields, it is often ignored as a tool for
documenting historic buildings and sites. However,
because it records not only physical, but social, spiritual
and ritual phenomena, the oral record is essential to
understanding the intangible and capturing sense of place.
This paper examines research and case studies in which
oral history was used to document a site and its cultural
context. The case studies recorded testimony about various
aspects of historic sites including architectural features and
alterations to an Ottoman-era house and hamam in Kars,
Turkey, and urban social conflicts that led to the
abandonment of a monumental 1930s swimming pool in
Brooklyn, New York."
Books by B. Marcus
The objective was to develop a methodology for preserving the Kasbah that holistically addressed economic, social, cultural, and technical challenges and that served as a model for similar sites in the region. The project sought to establish an appropriate conservation process that respected the original fabric, preserved local building traditions, promoted earthen architecture, developed appropriate participatory processes and built local capacity.
Conservation and Rehabilitation Plan for Tighermt (Kasbah) Taourirt, Southern Morocco, is the final report from this project. It presents the work in ten chapters including documentation of the site; archival and historical research; conditions assessment of architectural fabric and wall paintings; significance and values of the Kasbah; policies adopted to guide the site's re-use; conservation interventions; and recommendations for future conservation and management.
An extensive bibliography provides references related to the history and cultures of southern Morocco; Amazigh architecture and decorative arts; rehabilitation planning and intervention case studies; and practical references related to conservation of rammed earth. The appendix presents all documentation produced during the project.
In 2011 the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) partnered with the Centre de Conservation et de Réhabilitation
du Patrimoine Architectural Atlasiques et Subatlasiques (CERKAS) to develop a Conservation
and Rehabilitation Plan (CRP) for the Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate. The CRP developed a methodology
for preserving this large earthen complex as a model for similar sites in the region. This paper describes the
project with a focus on the planning process and the development of conservation policies that guided physical
interventions on the site. The important role of these policies in the rehabilitation process is explored and
recommendations are made for applying the methodology at earthen sites in Morocco and the wider region.
Facing the ongoing loss of a number of important sites, the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage has undertaken a program of protection, documentation and conservation at two archaeological areas: Hili Archaeological Park and Rumeilah. A comprehensive conditions assessment and site management plan was developed to prioritize critical needs for more than 30 individual structures. The site management planning process was developed with the involvement of conservators, local archaeologists, government officials and the community. This paper describes the management planning and conservation measures implemented at three high priority sites: Hili 8, a fortified mud brick tower from the third millennium BCE; and the Iron Age settlements of Rumeilah and Hili 17. Conservation measures have included emergency reburial of critical features, laboratory characterization to develop compatible conservation materials, laser scanning, and testing and implementation of conservation treatments such as grouting and loss filling. Shelters at selected sites, as well as interpretation schemes including walking paths, signage, and a visitor center, are among the long-term goals of the project at Hili; while continued archaeological and conservation research is the focus at Rumeilah.
"
become the focus of increased visitation, particularly in the form of group
tourism. This paper focuses on four historic sites located near the border with Algeria, an area that has received little attention by conservation practitioners. Applying a cultural landscape model, the authors assess the conservation issues facing these important sites and propose a framework for their stabilization and management, working towards a larger conservation program for this unique and largely ignored region. This framework encompasses key short-term recommendations to insure the immediate protection of historic fabric, and longterm recommendations that address the future survival of the larger ecosystem and cultural traditions that are exemplified in this area. The creation of a cultural landscape conservation and management plan is the best approach to include
both the built and natural environments, and the tangible and intangible elements of Berber culture in Tunisia."
vital for recording and interpreting cultural heritage, living
memory can convey both tangible and intangible aspects of
a site such as alterations, use, cultural significance, and
meaning. Despite the widespread application of oral
history in related fields, it is often ignored as a tool for
documenting historic buildings and sites. However,
because it records not only physical, but social, spiritual
and ritual phenomena, the oral record is essential to
understanding the intangible and capturing sense of place.
This paper examines research and case studies in which
oral history was used to document a site and its cultural
context. The case studies recorded testimony about various
aspects of historic sites including architectural features and
alterations to an Ottoman-era house and hamam in Kars,
Turkey, and urban social conflicts that led to the
abandonment of a monumental 1930s swimming pool in
Brooklyn, New York."
The objective was to develop a methodology for preserving the Kasbah that holistically addressed economic, social, cultural, and technical challenges and that served as a model for similar sites in the region. The project sought to establish an appropriate conservation process that respected the original fabric, preserved local building traditions, promoted earthen architecture, developed appropriate participatory processes and built local capacity.
Conservation and Rehabilitation Plan for Tighermt (Kasbah) Taourirt, Southern Morocco, is the final report from this project. It presents the work in ten chapters including documentation of the site; archival and historical research; conditions assessment of architectural fabric and wall paintings; significance and values of the Kasbah; policies adopted to guide the site's re-use; conservation interventions; and recommendations for future conservation and management.
An extensive bibliography provides references related to the history and cultures of southern Morocco; Amazigh architecture and decorative arts; rehabilitation planning and intervention case studies; and practical references related to conservation of rammed earth. The appendix presents all documentation produced during the project.