The human race’s collective history is strongly represented by the ancient architecture that stands worldwide in different shapes and forms. Countless cultures, countries, and religions have continued to express their vision and designs over millions of centuries in the form of architectural spaces built for various purposes. What we view as ancient architecture today was often a space built for communal use, a place of worship, and a home for royalty. Preserving these architectural structures is not only an effort to preserve the vision of our ancestors but also an opportunity for present and future generations to reflect on and acquire inspiration. Ancient architectural structures consist of materials and showcase designs that were relevant to the period in which it was built, the purpose of the space, and the equipment and transportation facilities available in that geographical location. Therefore, cultivating innovative approaches to preserve ancient architecture can vary widely over cultures, locations, and methodologies.
The Use of Innovative Materials in Preservation
One of the most recent tools that has emerged for the preservation of ancient buildings is nanotechnology. Structures that have undergone weathering and pollution can benefit from this method. The method consists of the usage of nanoscale lime particles to consolidate decayed stone and mortar, which enhances its internal strength, and keeps its physical appearance intact (Baglioni & Chelazzi, 2013). Nanotechnology is highly popular for preserving ancient architecture due to its wide applicability to a variety of materials. These materials range from simpler materials like stone, concrete, wood, and glass to complex materials like metals, textiles, and ceramics.
Another recent development that has significantly contributed to the preservation of ancient architecture is the use of self-healing materials. This includes the use of bio concrete, which uses bacteria embedded in the concrete to fill out the cracks whenever water seeps into it. This method is highly effective for ancient structures since the methodologies mimic the natural process of autonomous repair damage and can be used with structures that have withstood constant environmental stressors like temperature changes, natural seismic activities, moisture, and fungus. Bio concrete effectively targets this issue by sealing cracks before they emerge, hence maximizing the life of the structure. This method is popular because, unlike traditional restoration methods that often involve the replacement of sections of damaged materials, healing materials do not invade the natural structure of the original building and allow for non-invasive repair, hence preserving the historical value and authenticity of ancient architectural buildings.
Digital Documentation and Analysis
Moving to restorative methods of the 21st century, ancient architecture can be preserved not only through physical methods but also through using the appropriate technologies and creating these ancient architectural buildings in the digital space. Recent technologies like laser scanning, drone mapping, and photogrammetry allow these historical spaces to be accurately captured with the details of the structure. These techniques restore the ancient architecture as well as create a digital archive and documentation that can be referred to quickly, and from anywhere in the world. It can further be used for educational and tourism purposes which can further boost the area’s economy (Stylianidis & Remondino, 2016).
A technology that is used in particular is called the Building Information Modeling (BIM). This process creates 3D digital structures of ancient architecture and allows architects, designers, and conservationists to analyze and structure their restoration projects which also facilitates the physical restoration process by increasing its accuracy and effectiveness. BIM was actively used in the restoration of the Cologne Cathedral, which allowed the entire restorative team to visualize effects and changes in the digital space and create alterations as per the requirements of the project (Fai et. al, 2011).
Ancient architecture stands as a symbol of our heritage and a means for the present and future generations to develop a deeper understanding of the collective past. Methods of preservation have evolved through the years, with newer methods integrating modern technologies. From laser scanning to Building Information Modeling, each of these methods is an attempt to preserve our ancient structures, while ensuring their sustenance through the coming years. In addition to these, the use of eco-conscious materials and practices aligns preservation with modern environmental practices that guide toward a sustainable future. Innovative methods of preservation don’t just foster the preservation of ancient structures but also allow the human race to go a step further and develop digital archives and documentation which can persist through the years and serve as an efficient way of preserving the past.
References List:
- Baglioni, P. & Chelazzi, D., 2013. Nanoscience for the Conservation of Works of Art. Cambridge: Royal Society of Chemistry. http://www.cosch.info/images/stylianidis%20and%20remondinoinfo_3d%20recording.pdf
- Fai, S., Graham, K., Duckworth, T., Wood, N. & Attar, R., 2011. Building Information Modeling and Heritage Documentation. CIPA Heritage Documentation, 26(4), pp. 352-363. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Stephen-Fai/publication/308634697_Building_Information_Modeling_and_Heritage_Documentation/links/5cf2ab04a6fdcc8475fcce3a/Building-Information-Modeling-and-Heritage-Documentation.pdf
- Stylianidis, E. & Remondino, F., 2016. 3D Recording, Documentation and Management of Cultural Heritage. Dunbeath: Whittles Publishing. http://www.cosch.info/images/stylianidis%20and%20remondinoinfo_3d%20recording.pdf
Image References:
- Claire, R. (2019). Ruins of old palace near water. Available at: https://www.pexels.com/photo/ruins-of-old-palace-near-water-4577649/ [Accessed 17 Nov. 2024].
- Blake, S. (2018). Laser Scanning. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/man-looking-at-device-on-road-K6JzHiV4aq8 [Accessed 17 Nov. 2024].
- Kuhn, D. (2017). Cologne Cathedral, Cologne, Germany. Available at: https://unsplash.com/photos/low-angle-photography-of-cologne-cathedral-france-ABY7MMKCGkU?utm_content=creditCopyText&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=unsplash [Accessed 17 Nov. 2024].
