Preventive Conservation - From Climate and Damage Monitoring to a Systemic and Integrated Approach: Proceedings of the International WTA - PRECOM3OS Symposium, April 3-5, 2019, Leuven, Belgium

The concept of preventive conservation has successfully introduced the knowledge that prevention is better than cure into the built heritage sector. This approach offers cost-effectiveness, improved protection of heritage values, reduced risk of deterioration, extended physical service life, and empowers local communities to deal with heritage. An international conference was organized by WTA-Nederland-Vlaanderen, the Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation, and KU Leuven to discuss preventive conservation approaches, including climate and damage monitoring, and their implementation within a systemic approach. The contributions aim to meet the increasing demand for information, case studies, and practical examples to support the transition towards more preventive conservation actions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The concept of preventive conservation has revolutionized the built heritage sector by emphasizing the importance of prevention over cure. This approach brings numerous benefits, including cost-effectiveness, enhanced protection of heritage values, reduced risk of deterioration and additional damage, extended physical service life of buildings and building parts, and empowerment of local communities in dealing with heritage. In contrast, arguments against reactive treatment patterns, which often result in postponed interventions and escalating restoration costs, are gaining traction. To address this need, WTA-Nederland-Vlaanderen, in collaboration with the Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation and the Civil Engineering Department of KU Leuven, organized an international conference on preventive conservation approaches, including climate and damage monitoring, and their implementation within a systemic approach. The conference, held during the international WTA days from April 3 to 5, 2019, coincided with the 10th anniversary of the UNESCO Chair on Preventive Conservation, Monitoring, and Maintenance of Monuments and Sites (PRECOM³OS). The contributions presented at the conference meet the growing demand for information, case studies, and practical examples to support the transition towards more preventive conservation actions. The volume aims to serve as a valuable resource for academics and professionals involved or interested in the conservation of buildings, building parts, and heritage.

Weight: 299g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367631352