2013 Nottingham Trent University Showcase

ArCHIAM has accumulated a high level of expertise in the documentation of heritage sites, in close co-operation with government and academic institutions, to ensure and facilitate the preservation of the architectural and urban remains of the past. As part of the documentation efforts the ArCHIAM team – composed of researchers in the fields of Architecture, Archaeology and Anthropology – is focused on a high degree of economic and social sustainability by including the local stakeholder communities into the process at all stages.

The ArCHIAM team produces documentation material of the highest quality and detail, creating detailed drawings based on measured sketches and other architectural and anthropological data collected on site. Apart from architectural drawings the centre has focused on the application of a variety of survey techniques including microcopter aerial photography and GIS analysis. The HD resolution images provided by our micro aerial vehicle (MAV) delivers highly selective imagery of the site from any desired angle and time of day, therefore greatly enhancing the documentation aspect of the work.

To improve accuracy of measured drawings, GPS points are taken at various locations within and around the relevant site in order to not only accurately delineate the spatial geometry of the built environment, but also in order to produce 3D digital elevation models (DEM) from which to determine environmental factors such as watersheds and topography.

Fieldwork and data collection are followed by an extensive and professionalised analysis of the gathered materials. On-site sketches are transferred to CAD plans and GIS and GPS data are collated to produce valuable contextual and environmental studies for the future preservation and development of the respective site.

As an academic research centre, ArCHIAM is intent on providing valuable contributions of scientific rigour and quality of the highest standards to the field of heritage management. In this sense, apart from concentrating exclusively on the built fabric, the research envelope is extended to the surrounding areas and countryside to establish a holistic picture of the site and determine the historical and current contexts thereof. Constant stakeholder feedback and extensive community involvement ensure a sustainable and sensitive approach to the preservation and reuse of cultural heritage.

Beyond the often urgent consolidation of a site’s rapidly decaying architectural fabric, ArCHIAM’s HMPs focus on assessing the potential future uses or re-uses of the site or its structures. In the case of Oman’s traditional oasis settlements, for example, the focus has tended to be on the partial reuse of the settlements in a sustainable and nondisruptive manner. Reintegrating these ancient locations into the country’s economic life will reopen markets and will encourage the continuation of local agricultural practices by restoring irrigation channels and wells.

Architectural interventions on sites and structures are always proposed in accordance with international conventions accorded by the ICOMOS Heritage Charters. In this sense the preservation of a site’s authenticity by clearly distinguishing original from new fabric is of the utmost importance.

Architectural design precedents from comparable sites elsewhere in the world figure prominently in our development proposals. preservation and development of the respective site.

In addition to high quality management plans, ArCHIAM has been accumulating significant photographic records of a number of relevant sites.

In addition to these the team has been producing 3D visualisations, architectural renders, virtual reconstructions and walkthroughs to better illustrate past manifestations of the relevant structures and their possible future uses. These images, apart from constituting an invaluable record for the state of reservation of a given structure of settlement, also have great educational value and have been displayed in museums and exhibitions.

ArCHIAM’s fieldwork campaigns are normally carried out in collaboration with local institutions who participate in the data collection process. This offers the opportunity to provide practical training and a hands-on experience to collaborators and stakeholders,contributing to capacity building. Past development plans have taken into account the educational aspect of heritage preservation by promoting the establishment of crafts workshops and related businesses and institutions.

CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA, ARABIA AND THE MAGHREB

CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF ARCHITECTURE AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA, ARABIA AND THE MAGHREB School of Architecture, Design and the Built Environment