Despite growing international awareness of the presence and significance of ruined buildings and archaeological sites, and the increasingly sophisticated technology available for the collection of data about them, these sites continue to be at risk across the globe.
Conservation of Ruins defines and describes these risks, which range from neglect, to destructive archaeology, and even well-meaning intervention in the name of tourism. The book provides detailed, practical instruction on the conservation and stabilisation of ruins by structural and non-structural means, as well as describing the procedures and conditions that need to be in place to ensure the protection of our important historic sites.
In considering aspects of architectural conservation, archaeology and ecology together for the first time, this book provides an integrated, holistic view of this international topic that will be essential reading for those working in this field
Ruins and their landscapes
Implementation of a philosophy
Survey and assessment
Structural condition
Masonry consolidation
Surfaces at risk
Re-burial and enclosure
Flora and fauna
Case study – Herods northern palace, Masada, Israel
Case study – Guildford Castle, UK
Case study – Gosport Railway Terminal, UK
Specifying work on ruined buildings
The contractor and ruined buildings
Training for the conservation of ruins
Interpretation and display of ruins
Bibliography
Index
Biography
John Ashurst
"This is a delightfully illustrated book on a subject that is of as much interest to the layman with an interest in preserving our built heritage as it is to the professional and would-be professional conservator. The book is a delight."
Ecclesiastical & Heritage World