Academic literature on the topic 'Conservation in archaeological sites'

The conservation of cultural heritage responds to the necessities of understanding the site’s history, developments and key values. Archaeological heritage comprises tangible and intangible evidence so conservation operates equally on the two main domains, archaeology and architecture, which are inseparable and feed each other. Moreover, urban dimension is essentially included where the cultural heritage presents interesting urban settings linked to the architectural and cultural values. This thesis addresses all these important issues with the aim to identify, preserve and present the cultural values of archaeological sites in Syria, which are exceptionally rich in representing most of the Western ancient civilisations. The thesis focuses on the City of Ugarit, the capital of an important Bronze Age civilisation. The thesis aims to establish a poignant conservation concept on different scales, ranging from micro single architectural unit, the house, to the macro scale of the entire city. The study probes the ways of employing archaeology and architecture to produce conservation principles and architectural approaches for identifying, preserving and presenting the site’s cultural values. These procedures expose tangible and intangible values of the city, facilitate strong engagement of the visitors with the archaeological ruins, and simultaneously protect the original fabric from the visitation flux. The study is built upon understanding Ugarit’s archaeology, architecture and even social aspects, combining them in the analysis of each key area (Royal quarters, Domestic areas and Temples) to form well-founded interpretations and prioritise values. The proposal eventually combines all studied areas in a comprehensive narrative, which feeds the urban proposal for the whole city. In understanding the very rich and complex sites in Ugarit, a combination of in situ surveys, systematic recording, extensive analysis of literature and archaeological reports, and architectural reading of the fabric are carried out. This framework is a coherent base for the architectural intervention choices, which attempt to balance preservation implications and new materiality. Building virtual models of the proposed interventions enables the test of volumes, materiality, choices and the overall architectural experience. These models present the proposed interventions together with the original ruins. Therefore, the models are a great vehicle to transmit the reality of the conservation proposal and enhance its perception.

This thesis concentrates on evolving concepts on conservation of cultural heritage with an emphasis on archaeological sites and evaluates the realization of diverse concepts in a particular case. The study is handled in two main sections that cover theoretical study and case study. The initial conceptual section clarifies the circumstances in archaeological sites with a view to historical developments followed by current approaches at international and national level. The following section comprises the case study concerning the archaeological site of Perge studied through historical and urban evolution and investigation of excavations and interventions for evaluation of concerns for its conservation. The thesis is finalized by concluding remarks of the study as a guide for further studies for conservation issues of the ancient city of Perge.

This study addresses the issue of designing protective structures at archaeological sites. Because the design of these structures often lacks an approach that collectively addresses issues of conservation, presentation, and values of an archaeological site, a better understanding of all design aspects is needed. Additionally, because designing a protective structure at an archaeological site has frequently been seen as a construction project with an immediate need, the ultimate result of a protection attempt is often an ineffective and controversial new intervention. The study catalogues and discusses various design aspects concerned, and focuses on the formulation of a "design methodology" for these structures. The aim is not to provide ready made solutions but to identify practical and effective planning guidelines for architects and site managers. The hub of this research is based on literature studies and field investigations. In the context of "protective sheltering", the research examines: 1) development and relevance of philosophies and processes in the field of heritage conservation and management, 2) previous practical examples of protective structures erected in various parts of the world, and 3) technical aspects in the fields of conservation, environmental control, and climatic architectural design. Design criteria, methods, and available means are accordingly identified to respond to site presentation and conservation requirements. Primarily, these include architectural responses to physical conditions and environmental stability at an archaeological site. Two case studies in England and Jordan were selected to further refine, test, and illustrate the design methodology. Being of different climatic, cultural, and administrative contexts, design options were accordingly devised. Assessment of climatic design options, aimed at reducing daily environmental fluctuations, helped develop the design of protective structures, which act as first lines of defence against weather conditions. To finalise design decisions, the effect of "passive" solutions, inasmuch as possible, was initially investigated. The study concludes by drawing up planning and design guidelines in this area. These are translations of the insights gained from this research into practical solutions. This is the first time that guidelines of this kind have been prepared for this interdisciplinary field of research.

ABSTRACT PRESENTATION OF CLASSICAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT CASE STUDY: SAGALASSOS BASAgA&Ccedil<br>, &Ouml<br>zge M.S, Department of Architecture in Restoration Supervisor: Dr. Fuat G&Ouml<br>K&Ccedil<br>E July 2005, 123 pages Parallel to the growing concern for the protection and presentation of archaeological sites, virtual environments (VE) are in use for visualization purposes since mid 1980&rsquo<br>s. This thesis investigates the potentials and problems of presenting a classical archaeological site in VE from the viewpoint of conservation science, to ensure the welfare of the remains. The study is handled in two sections as a conceptual part and a case study. The conceptual part, first dwells upon the history, aim and techniques of the VE presentations. This section ends with the development of criteria for the evaluation of VE presentations of classical archaeological sites. For the case study, the antique city of Sagalassos is investigated through its history, urban tissue, architecture, multidisciplinary studies and VE projects. The thesis concludes with general remarks on the presentation of classical archaeological sites in VE and proposes some solutions to improve the presentation of Sagalassos in particular.

Shelters, as preventive conservation methods, have traditionally been considered a better option than leaving the site exposed. However, there has been limited research on their effect on the preservation of heritage materials and, as a result, there is no clear scientific evidence to support sheltering. This study aims to provide the first rigorous scientific assessment of the effect of lightweight, open shelters on limestone deterioration at archaeological sites. A method based on the use of low-cost environmental monitoring equipment and limestone blocks and tablets (as indicators of decay) has been developed to determine the degree of protection provided by the shelters at the Bishop' Palace (Witney, England) and Hagar Qim (Malta). Preliminary visual assessments of the field sites were followed by 12-18 month exposure trials. Temperature extremes and fluctuations, frost events, relative humidity extremes and fluctuations, NaCl crystallisation events, solar radiation, wetting events, salt content, atmospheric pollutants and dust deposition were monitored. In addition, stone decay was studied by analysing changes in weight, elasticity, surface hardness, ultrasonic pulse velocity, surface colour, moisture content and general appearance (microscopic and macroscopic pictures) in stone samples. An exhaustive assessment of the shelter at the Bishop's Palace was carried out using Chalk, Cotswold and Portland limestone blocks as well as Portland limestone tablets (specifically for studying dissolution, soiling and biological growth). Additionally, a comparative assessment of the effects of the two shelters in contrasting climatic environments, the Bishop's Palace (temperate maritime) and Hagar Qim (Mediterranean), was undertaken by monitoring Globigerina and Coralline limestone blocks simultaneously at both sites. The research has shown that lightweight, open shelters do not exclude decay completely but minimise it. However, there are some areas at higher risk of decay, i.e. top parts of the walls and the periphery. In addition, problems with the shelter design can enhance some decay mechanisms, such as biocolonisation on the periphery at the Bishop's Palace and dust deposition under the shelter at Hagar Qim. Therefore, the effectiveness of shelters should not be assumed.

Urban development has long been the major threat to archaeological sites. Recent theoretical discussions advocate that archaeological sites in urban areas should be protected not only through technical solutions and archaeological studies, but also through spatial planning processes, which define basic mechanisms to direct and control the urban development. Despite a specific type of spatial plan, the &amp<br>#8216<br>conservation plan&amp<br>#8217<br>in Turkish legislation, negative impacts of urban development on archeological sites could not be successfully eliminated. This is due to the reason that conservation and planning systems do not concern &amp<br>#8216<br>integration of the archaeological site with the urban built environment&amp<br>#8217<br>, which results in either isolation or destruction of the archaeological remains. Based on this assumption, the objective of this dissertation is to determine in which points Turkish conservation and planning systems fail to achieve integration and how this failure could be overcame. Turkish conservation and planning systems are evaluated on selected case study area, Soli-Pompeiopolis Archaeological Site, by using three-step qualitative analysis methodology. First, conservation and planning decisions and the built environment shaped by these decisions are examined in details through process analysis. Then, based on qualities of spatial planning process redefined through theoretical discussions, &amp<br>#8216<br>process integration&amp<br>#8217<br>and &amp<br>#8216<br>outcome integration&amp<br>#8217<br>are evaluated through context analysis. Lastly, reasons of problematic issues on integration are discussed through causality analysis. Concluding the study, a discussion is carried on how to achieve &amp<br>#8216<br>integration of conservation of archaeological sites in urban areas into spatial planning processes&amp<br>#8217<br>by making modifications within the &amp<br>#8216<br>Turkish conservation and planning systems&amp<br>#8217<br>.

Artifacts are moved to museums after the excavations in order to provide an indoor protection, while the immovable findings remain exposed to environmental conditions and human activity. In order to conserve these architectural remains made of vulnerable material, mosaics and wall paintings in situ, covering structures are designed offering temporary or long-term sheltering, preserving and exhibiting facilities. The aim of the study is to evaluate these protective structures. In this study, national and international approaches in the conservation of archaeological sites are studied in order to form the theoretical framework. Following the theoretical research, problems facing excavation sites, in situ conservation, interventions and the presentation of the archaeological sites are studied. New building in an archaeological site is discussed in architectural and conservation perspectives and evaluation criteria are defined. Selected cases are studied according to their material selection, functional and physical efficiency, compatibility with the remaining and its urban context in terms of the determined principles. The study is concluded with the general remarks for a new protective structure for the preservation and presentation of the architectural remains in an archaeological site.

This paper is an archaeological. resources management plan for a proposed archaeological district in Henry County which encompasses four sites known to be significant: New Castle (12Hn-1), Commissary (12-Hn-2), Van Nuys (12-Hn-25), and Hesher (12Hn-298). Information is provided about previous e::cavations at each of the sites as well as details regarding the location, natural setting, and cultural history of each site. Research questions are outlined. The core of the plan relates to niiariagernent of the resources including suggestions regarding future uses and protection. Finally, completed National Register of Historic Places Registration Forms for the incorporation of the four archaeological sites into a single archaeological district are attached.<br>Department of Anthropology

This thesis is an archaeological and ethnographic exploration of historic military sites associated with the Cold War. It takes a multi-sited approach to former radar installations in the UK and examines the range of meanings and values that surround them, as well as their mediation, management and curation in the contemporary landscape. This thesis provides a detailed study of a range of related (although not necessarily overlapping) practices, which have accumulated around these places since the 1990s. Much has been written about the ruined-aesthetic of abandoned military sites. Moreover, conservation professionals have undertaken extensive research and granted heritage status to a number of key sites. However, little academic research has been carried out concerning the contemporary social life of former military installations. Furthermore, despite valuable archaeological research concerning the character and form of Cold War historic sites, little attention has been given to the ways in which they are involved in the production of ideas surrounding the Cold War and Cold War heritage in the present; this thesis aims to cover both of these issues. Each of the main chapters in this thesis focuses on a particular set of practices or relationships surrounding historic radar sites, which have been treated in a relatively sporadic and uneven fashion – some have been demolished, others left in ruination and limbo, whereas as a few have been designated as nationally important heritage sites. Therefore, a number of heritage and memory practices are covered, including conservation management, militarisation and nostalgia, as well as the museumification of Cold War sites and objects and the (often) disparate memory practices of former radar veterans. Principally, the analysis in this thesis focuses on extensive ethnographic research undertaken by the author at a number of sites in the UK. This includes semi-structured interviews, participant observation and archival research undertaken in England and Scotland. The key case-studies are the listed and scheduled monuments at RAF Neatishead in Norfolk; the Air Defence Radar Museum, which is located on the same site; and a former early warning site at Saxa Vord in Unst, Shetland. Research conducted at a number of other Cold War sites and museums is also discussed. The principal aim of this thesis is to contribute a set of nuanced and detailed accounts surrounding the archaeology and heritage of the recent past. The Cold War was a varied and complex phenomenon – one which is much debated. Manifold legacies of the Cold War also continue to shape and influence the contemporary world. In a similar manner, concepts and practices surrounding heritage and memory are widely studied, but remain slippery and resist straightforward interpretation. Therefore, the complexities surrounding these phenomena are magnified when they are combined in the present through the notion of Cold War heritage. In order to add some specificity to these related issues, this thesis focuses on two main questions (which are really two-sides of the same coin): what kind of heritage emerges in relation to historic Cold War radar sites? And, what kind of Cold War is produced in the context of heritage and memory practices? Throughout the thesis, it is argued that the Cold War is an uneven, complex and occasionally difficult heritage to deal with in the UK. Mostly, this relates to practical problems such as the complexities surrounding the ownership of former military sites, as well as a number of other conceptual and philosophical issues. For example, in the context of designation and management, this emerges as a tension between the idea of the Cold War as avant-garde heritage and modern conservation principles that underpin contemporary heritage management practices. Furthermore, the emphasis placed on materiality, place and continuity in heritage and memory practices are also brought into relief. At times, these are shown to be complicated by the (at times) elusive, unpredictable and uncertain character of the Cold War in the present. Using radar sites as a microcosm, it is argued that former Cold War sites are seldom the product of coherent or unified approaches to heritage and memory. Instead, they are often at the centre of a variety of converging, conflicting and confounding agendas. Practices surrounding radar sites also present a number of ethical and political challenges. Moreover, it is also argued that radar sites, despite their billing as Cold War heritage, cannot simply be reduced or collapsed into the concept of the Cold War. Nonetheless, the author argues that this kind of fragmentation and complexity might form the basis of a more comprehensive approach to the Cold War and the recent past in the present. Therefore, in the conclusions to this thesis, the author presents a number of avenues for future research and examines the implications of his findings.