HERITAGE CONSERVATION: THEORIES, PRNCIPLES AND PRACTICE
ARC61104
​TUTOR : MS. DELLIYA MOHD ZAIN
PROJECT 1
CULTURAL MAPPING + SITE STUDY
The study site is located around Central Market, Medan Pasar, and the Petaling Street area.
Group Task
Cultural Mapping
In groups of five, students are tasked with conducting a cultural mapping and background study of a designated heritage street. This involves a site visit to observe and document tangible elements like architectural features and materials, as well as intangible aspects such as daily activities and local stories. The study includes exploring the historical background of the street, its buildings, and residents, along with examining its cultural and architectural significance. Students are required to produce a street site plan and cultural map, document the condition of a selected building's façade, and create scaled drawings of the elevation and five-foot walkway. The project emphasizes the importance of conserving the site and uncovering its hidden gems through detailed research, interviews, and analysis, highlighting the street's unique cultural and historical value.
Individual Task
Precedent Study
Individually, students are required to conduct two precedent studies focusing on conservation projects similar in size or condition to the selected building on-site. The first study emphasizes façade treatment, while the second explores the full conservation process. Each study includes a historical overview of the site, its cultural and architectural significance, and detailed documentation with drawings, before-and-after photos, and conservation methods. Adaptive reuse efforts, if any, are analyzed alongside the application of principles from ICOMOS and JWN charters. The studies conclude with a comparative analysis of conservation practices, highlighting lessons learned and their contribution to the final project proposal. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of heritage preservation and adaptive reuse strategies.
PROJECT 2
HERITAGE AND CONSERVATION PROPOSAL
Adaptive Reuse Proposal focuses on conserving and improving the façade and five-foot walkway of a selected heritage building while retaining its significant value and original characteristics. The introduction outlines the building's historical background, including its architect, property owner, and stakeholders, and highlights its tangible and intangible cultural significance. An analysis of the building delves into its architectural style, structural elements, materials, and construction methods, supported by old and current images. A review of the existing conditions and a detailed dilapidation survey identify key issues, their root causes, and appropriate remedial measures. The conservation method proposal draws on the ICOMOS Charter (2003) and JWN guidelines, incorporating preservation or restoration strategies supported by case studies. The adaptive reuse section proposes a future use for the building, justified with case studies and references, and includes visualizations of the proposed design. The report concludes with a summary of the proposed conservation and reuse strategies, emphasizing their importance in prolonging the building’s life and preserving its heritage value.
SELF REFLECTION
The cultural mapping assignments and heritage conservation proposals were quite informative in understanding and preserving the complexity of cultural heritage. Through this process, I gained a growing appreciation for how history, architecture, and community identity interact.
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The cultural mapping exercise taught me to identify and analyze cultural assets, unveiling layers of meaning attached to tradition, space, and practice. It also impresses on me the need for community engagement in capturing genuine narratives that ensure heritage preservation efforts find relevance in the lived experiences of people.
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The heritage and conservation proposal required balancing historical integrity with modern functionality. Crafting adaptive reuse solutions, like integrating multimedia storytelling and exhibition spaces, challenged me to think creatively about how to maintain cultural essence while meeting contemporary needs.
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In conclusion, these assignments significantly developed my ability to approach heritage projects holistically, merging research, community engagement, and innovative design strategies in a manner that celebrates and sustains cultural legacies.