SHOULD HERITAGE BUILDINGS AND SITES BE REMODELLED ON MODERN
ARCHITECTURAL PRINCIPLES OR RESTORE THEIR ORIGINAL ESSENCE.
INTRODUCTION
Preservation of existing buildings for new functions has caused debates within the
architectural community .While others argue that replacing certain buildings with
commercial ones is a better approach, since they can generate money and thus benefit
towards a country's economy. Others however, claim that these heritage sites should be
preserved, as they are part of a country's cultural identity. But how important is it to
maintain old buildings? And should history prevent artistic progress?
Cultural Heritage is more than just a petrified memory of the past that has a particular
significance in the life of a nation .it is also an active resource of the future for the future.
Reusing and valorising it changes the way we think about preservation .Since many of
the listed buildings have outstanding landscape or picturesque values ,it is essential that
nothing is carried out that might impair these qualities. Although precious cultural
heritage resources are reusable, they are neither renewable nor replaceable. This means
that all interventions to modify buildings must involve minimal disturbance to both the
buildings themselves and to their wider context.
Heritage is primarily not about the past but rather about our relationship with the present
and the future and our ability to deal with a constant changing society .Therefore there
is a strong need for understanding the active processes of making cultural heritage .To
ensure a sustainable development of society, based on democratic values, there is a need
of constant reflection on what we choose to preserve from the past.
The early post-war modern architecture introduced to Korea in the 60's and 70's have
reached its 50 year cycle to emerge as candidates for the registered heritage .However
conservation is a complicated topic when applied to modern architecture due to its social
and political status among the general public and is often a sacrificial target for demolition
or insensitive acrrrr3 iteration. The conservational values of modern architecture
to be maintained are identified as flexible open space, material and structural
system and extension of interior and exterior relation. These values are examined
through the filter of comparative analysis on domestic and international conservation
SHOULD HERITAGE BUILDINGS AND SITES BE REMODELLED ON MODERN
ARCHITECTURAL PRINCIPLES OR RESTORE THEIR ORIGINAL ESSENCE.
INTRODUCTION
Preservation of existing buildings for new functions has caused debates within the
architectural community .While others argue that replacing certain buildings with
commercial ones is a better approach, since they can generate money and thus benefit
towards a country's economy. Others however, claim that these heritage sites should be
preserved, as they are part of a country's cultural identity. But how important is it to
maintain old buildings? And should history prevent artistic progress?
Cultural Heritage is more than just a petrified memory of the past that has a particular
significance in the life of a nation .it is also an active resource of the future for the future.
Reusing and valorising it changes the way we think about preservation .Since many of the
listed buildings have outstanding landscape or picturesque values ,it is essential that
nothing is carried out that might impair these qualities. Although precious cultural heritage
resources are reusable, they are neither renewable nor replaceable. This means that all
interventions to modify buildings must involve minimal disturbance to both the buildings
themselves and to their wider context.
Heritage is primarily not about the past but rather about our relationship with the present
and the future and our ability to deal with a constant changing society .Therefore there is
a strong need for understanding the active processes of making cultural heritage .To
ensure a sustainable development of society, based on democratic values, there is a need
of constant reflection on what we choose to preserve from the past.
The early post-war modern architecture introduced to Korea in the 60's and 70's have
reached its 50 year cycle to emerge as candidates for the registered heritage .However
conservation is a complicated topic when applied to modern architecture due to its social
and political status among the general public and is often a sacrificial target for demolition
or insensitive acrrrr3 iteration. The conservational values of modern architecture
to be maintained are identified as flexible open space, material and structural
system and extension of interior and exterior relation. These values are examined
through the filter of comparative analysis on domestic and international conservation
standards, along with cross-examination on recently renovated local works performed on
the modern architecture of the period.
Remodelling the architectural heritage buildings and sites does not ensure the survival of
the country's sense of place and its very character in a globalizing environment. It does not
offer the opportunity not to only conserve the past but also to define the future. But again
it provides alternate avenues for employment and a parallel market for local building
materials and technologies, which needs to be taken into account when resources for
development are severely constrained.
This living heritage also has symbiotic relationships with the natural environments within
which it originally evolved. Understanding this interdependent ecological network and
conserving it can make a significant contribution to improving the quality of the
environment.
Maintaining a building's original essence is to maintain the significance of the architectural
site or heritage building. Significance is constituted in both the tangible and intangible
forms.
The tangible heritage includes historic buildings of all periods, their setting in the historic
precincts of cities and their relationship to the natural environment .It also includes
culturally significant modern buildings and towns. Then we have the Intangible heritage
which includes the extant culture of traditional building skills and knowledge, rites and
rituals, social life and lifestyles of the inhabitants, which together with the tangible
heritage constitutes the living heritage. Both tangible and intangible heritage and
especially the link between them should by all means be conserved.
Remodelling of architectural heritage buildings and sites must retain meaning for the
society in which it exists .This meaning may change over time ,but taking it into
consideration ensures that heritage buildings and sites will at all times have a
contemporary logic underpinning its practice .This necessitates viewing conservation as a
multi-disciplinary activity.
AUTHENTICITY
The traditional knowledge systems and the cultural landscape in which it exists
,particularly If these are living should define the authenticity of the heritage value to be
conserved .In the absence of such contexts ,the official and legal guidelines particularly. as
defined by the nara document on authenticity of the architectural heritage and site.
Traditional knowledge systems and cultural landscapes vary from one regional or cultural
context to another or within the same region or culture, thus the values of living
architectural heritage can differ from one context to another reflecting the cultural
diversity of the country. In each case however, conservation should faithfully reflect the
significant values, which define the heritage.
CONJECTURE
It would be easy to surmise that modern heritage is well loved, cared for, and conserved.
However, many important twentieth-century places remain unprotected. Since there is
not enough widespread recognition and support for the conservation of twentieth-century
buildings, it became important to reflect on how the practice of conserving modern
architecture has advanced, in order to identify the area on which future efforts should be
concerned.
This prompted the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) to launch the Conserving Modern
Architecture Initiative in 2012. Where the initiative aims to advance practice in the area of
conservation through compressive research and an implementation program, which
includes materials-based research that investigates innovative techniques to arrest decay
in buildings while sustaining them into the future.
Historic objects must be retained

If its existence is not bought at the price of bad living conditions for the population
that is compelled to live in it.

When the opportunity is afforded to remove its restricting influence on
development by the diversion of traffic round it or the shifting of the focal point.

An aesthetic adaptation of new parts of the city to the historic area has a
catastrophic effect on the development of a city and is not to be desired.

By the demolition of slum dwellings surrounding the historic monuments, green
areas can be created, which improve the hygienic conditions in those areas.
Conjecture
Local master builders build, rebuild, restore, renew and make additions/alterations to
historic buildings in response to contemporary exigencies or evolving local needs of the
community; they must be encouraged to follow their traditions even when there is no
available evidence in the form of documentation, oral histories or physical remains of
previous structures. Appropriate craftspeople for undertaking such work should be
identified as described in article 5.1.4
An exact replacement, restoration or rebuilding must be valued when it ensured continuity
of traditional building practices. Conjectural restoration or rebuilding must never less
respect the overall spatial and volumetric composition of historic settings. The parameters
of the historical setting should be defines through comprehensive urban design studies.
These parameters should also guide new urban development in the vicinity of heritage
building.
Historic buildings and their remains, which belong to the monumental heritage of a
society, should be protected from further deterioration, restored and adapted to modern
requirements and modern social changes. The restoration of historic building that includes
energy refurbishment measures while maintaining the authentic appearance and
materialization of the building will ensure successful reuse of restored building. The
subject of this research is the restoration of the dining room within the Zica Monastery
property, in the village of Zica near KraIjevo, the town in Serbia, in terms of energy
efficiency and modern conservation requirements.
Heritage buildings are architectural and historic monuments, and their preservation is
crucial in terms of passing on the cultural identify to the future generations. What
characterizes in the dining room is its unchanged role and function in the development of
monastic life in the last ninety years. Architectural heritage and historic buildings are
primarily influenced by the bioclimatic design principles, specific resilient architectural
structure and strategic design choice of durable construction materials, as well as by
characteristic free land space and greenery they are surrounded with. Their sustain.
In order to archive a more satisfying result for the architectural community, it may be
necessary to override the professional imperative to adhere to the principles governing the
conservation of legally protected monuments. This is acceptable when dealing with
unprotected architectural heritage buildings and sites. Not remodelling seeks strategies
economically to archive maximum protection of the significant values of the architectural
heritage buildings and sites.
If a historic structure has outlived its significance and its meanings to local people are lost,
it may be preserved as a ruin or, if circumstances do not permit that, left undisturbed to
meet its natural end. Where the existence of a cultural resource is under severe threat by
natural calamities or man-made hazards, the buildings may be dismantled and
reassembled at another appropriate site after undertaking thorough documentation of its
extant condition.
The concept of jeernodharanam, or relegation of what decays, must guide the nature of
conservation .This beliefs is fundamental to conserving traditional ways of buildings and
maintaining the continuity of local knowledge systems.
Today however working with existing buildings, repairing and restoring them for continued
use has become a creative challenge. The process of wholeheartedly changing a building
is typically called adaptive reuse. According to the contemporary conservation theory and
practice, adaptive reuse is considered to be an important strategy towards the
conservation of cultural building and sites heritage.
Altering existing buildings for new functions has not been a new phenomenon in the past
buildings that were structurally secure have been adapted to fit changed needs or new
functions without questions or theoretical reflections. For example, during the French
revolution, religious buildings were transformed for industrial purposes and military use.
But it is really a good idea to transform classical buildings into modern styles. While it’s
true that architecture keeps on evolving, l honestly believe that long standing structures
should be preserved as living testaments of our history and culture. Naturally, these old
structures will deteriorate in time. But there are several ways to repair and restore them
without altering the original design. Unfortunately, these buildings ended up losing their
former glory for eternity and it’s a bit infuriating to see how modern architecture simply
erased the historical elements in them.
Of course, the result is utterly disappointing, while we admit that modern architecture has
its advantages over classical architecture, this should not be used as an excuse to efface
the architectural styles of the buildings. Sure, industrialized materials used in modern
structures such as glass and steel look perfect in contemporary buildings homes. But the
same can’t be said for centuries old structures .At least the architects who renovated these
have learned an important lesson. And we are quite sure you will agree with us when we
say that cultural heritage such as these historic buildings should be preserved, not
redesigned.
Historic buildings are an integral part of today’s cities and their preservation is an element
of basic architecture. Elizabeth Fisher discovers what it takes to successfully blend old and
new structural designs in modern metropolises.
The face of many historic cities has changed over the past few decades with varying
architectures and newer mushrooming across whole areas of towns. Today, ancient
centres and buildings, such as pre-war office blocks and churches, intermingle with
futuristic skyscrapers and ultra-modern financial districts.
A building occupies a specific place .it has its own identity and a distinct relationship with
its surroundings ,involving not just its immediate neighbours particular building or place
can be influenced by its context .it’s just a small element within a huge collage of different
points and references .Rehabilitation acknowledges the need to alter or add to a historic
property to meet continuing or changing uses while retaining the property’s historic
character .Restoration depicts a property at a particular period of time in its history while
removing evidence of other periods.
When remodelling a heritage building and sites a few tips have to be taken into
consideration.
-Ensure that a building can support modern amenities
When first getting started with a historic building remodelling project, there is a
temptation to immediately start picking out new cabinets, crown moulding and appliances,
but the first step should be more practical than aesthetic.
Historic buildings time after time have complications that directly affect the building’s
integrity. When remodelling a heritage building or sites it is preferable to retain and repair
as much of the original structural system as possible .However ,if you find that more
amenities need to be added ,you will first want to make sure that the building can support
such additions.
Some heritage buildings have structural systems may require sensitivity when altering or
repairing its elements and in some cases .it may be necessary to add an entirely new
structural system to strengthen the existing system with modern innovations.
-Maintain the building’s character
The next step of the remodelling should be to determine the building’s significance to its
surrounding community .Historic buildings have seen a lot of history throughout the years,
but they also have a rich architectural features, design details, and unique layouts that
have since disappeared from modern construction.
Determining a building’s historical, cultural or architectural significance is important for
raising awareness, but it can also help when it comes to applying for grants or funding, as
well as meeting specific codes guidelines.
Did a historical event occur here? Was it the first building of its kind in the area? These are
only a couple of questions that need to be answered before making any drastic changes to
the building’s appearance.
Working with local historians, community leaders, and past owners to acquire as much
information about the building as possible .Remodelling heritage buildings allows the
chance to keep the craftsmanship and local history alive.
-Retain As Much of the Original Building as Possible
The character of a heritage building should be respected as much as possible when
incorporating new additions .No matter how big the changes being made are, each can
have a significant impact on the building over time, and specific care should be taken to
avoid any potential loss of integrity.
Any remodelling to be considered on a heritage building or site should be sympathetic to
the original architect’s specific design intent and they should also be installed to avoid
damage to character-defining features and finishes.
Working Around the historic fabric as much as possible. If a disturbance is unavoidable,
any replacement should match the design, colour, texture and materials of the original as
closely as possible substituting materials is unavoidable, and they should convey the
overall form, design.
-Paying Close Attention to Building codes and Historic Building Regulations
Not only do remodelling projects need to place priority on the building’s resources .but
they also need to prioritize the safety of the building’s occupants .So it is extremely
important to also address building codes and regulations ,as well as safety and security
measures
Designers, facility managers and code officials should be involved early on in the planning
and design process so they are given the proper amount of time to look at potential issues
and challenges that may arise within the historic property .Application of such codes
should be done in consultation with code authorities and preservation experts to ensure
they address issues such as egress, fire and smoke separation, detection and suppression,
as well as operational considerations.
-Asking For Expert Advice
Last but certainly not least, it’s always wise to assemble a team of experts to help .A
heritage building remodelling projects is no small task, and it could prove to be quiet
useful to have a team of experienced people to help provide assistance throughout the
remodelling process while also understanding the ultimate goal of remodelling the
property.
A contactor and an inspector can help estimate the amount of work that needs to be done
and its cost while a researcher can help ensure your purchase the right materials for the
job .We understand you may feel like tackling this sort of project on your own, but you will
most certainly want talented people around the project when remodelling of a heritage
building or sites.
Reference list
.White, Michael. (2003). De Stijl and Dutch Modernism, Manchester: Manchester
University
Press.
.Weston, Richard. (2004). Key Buildings of the Twentieth Century: Plans, Sections,
Elevations.
.New York: W. W. Norton & Company. pp.48-49, 60-61
UNESCO. (2001). Tugendhat Villa in Brno, World Heritage List.
Available through: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1052
.Brno City Museum. (2012). Villa Tugendhat Official Website.
Available through: http://www.tugendhat.eu/en
.Barasch, Moshe. Theories of Art, 2 – From Impressionism to Kandinsky (New York
University Press, New York, 1999)
.Herbert, Robert L. (Edited by) Modern Artists on Art (Prentice-Hall, New Jersey, 1964)
.See Jean-Louis Cohen’s entry on Bat’a in: Le Corbusier, une encyclopédie, pp 62–67. See,
also, Gilles
Ragot: Le Corbusier et l’exposition, in: Paris, 1937: cinquantenaire de l’Exposition
internationale des
arts et techniques dans la vie moderne, ed. Bertrand Lemoine, Paris, 1987, pp 72–79.
. Le Corbusier: Creation is a Patient Search, trans. James Palmes, New York, 1960, p 186.
IMAGE REFERENCE