ARCHITECTURAL
CONSERVATION
SUMMERY VENICE CHARTER 1964
Submitted to Dr.Najma Kabir
Submitted by Syed Zaigham Abbas
(F2016101013)
WHAT IS VENICE CHARTER?
The Venice Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and
Sites is a set of guidelines, drawn up in 1964 by a group of conservation professionals
in Venice that provides an international framework for the conservation and
restoration of historic buildings.
It is essential that the principles guiding the preservation and restoration of ancient
buildings should be agreed and be laid down on an international basis, with each
country being responsible for applying the plan within the framework of its own
culture and traditions.
ARTICLE 1:
The concept of a historic monument embraces not only the single architectural work but also the
urban or rural setting in which is found the evidence of a particular civilization, a significant
development or a historic event. This applies not only to great works of art but also to more
modest works of the past which have acquired cultural significance with the passing of time.
EXAMPLE:
MOHENJO DARO and HARRAPA conserved because they are most famous and largest
civilization.
ARTICLE 2:
The conservation and restoration of monuments must have recourse to all the sciences and
techniques which can contribute to the study and safeguarding of the architectural heritage.
EXAMPLE:
MOSQUE WAZIR KHAN safeguarded the paintings and scientific techniques.
ARTICLE 3:
The intention in conserving and restoring monuments is to safeguard them no less as
works of art than as historical evidence.
EXAMPLE:
Lahore fort
ARTICLE 4:
It is essential to the conservation of monuments that they be maintained on a
permanent basis.
EXAMPLE:
BADSHAHI MOSQUE maintained on PERMANENT basis.
ARTICLE 5:
The conservation of monuments is always facilitated by making use of them for some
socially useful purpose. Such use is therefore desirable but it must not change the lay-
out or decoration of the building. It is within these limits only that modifications
demanded by a change of function should be envisaged and may be permitted.
EXAMPLE:
In LAHORE FORT modifications demands by a change of function are envisaged and
permitted.
ARTICLE 6:
The conservation of a monument implies preserving a setting which is not out of
scale. Wherever the traditional setting exists, it must be kept. No new construction,
demolition or modification which would alter the relations of mass and colour must
be allowed.
EXAMPLE:
SHAHI HAMMAM conserved by using the same techniques and material.
ARTICLE 7:
Items of sculpture, painting or decoration which form an integral part of a monument
may only be removed from it if this is the sole means of ensuring their preservation.
EXAMPLE:
Terracotta Goblets, Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa
Great Bath Model of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa
Seal Mohenjo-Daro
ARTICLE 8:
A monument is inseparable from the history to which it bears witness and from the
setting in which it occurs. The moving of all or part of a monument cannot be allowed
except where the safeguarding of that monument demands it or where it is justified by
national or international interest of paramount importance.
EXAMPLE:
MANJO DARO & HARIPA
OUTCOMES:
The Venice Charter is the most influential document on conservation
since 1964. However, the following aspects are not covered in the
Venice Charter:
The concept of site which also applies to historic landscapes and
gardens
The concept of reversibility in restoration
The social and financial issues
In the years after the publishing, the purpose of the charter a number of
symposiums took place in order to improve common understandings
and awareness of it by those involved in the conservation and
restoration works of the historic buildings. How it was applied in
different countries varied according to their social, economic and
cultural conditions, as well as the technical qualifications of those
applying it. Translation mistakes and misunderstandings of the Charter
also led to differences in its application.
