UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture

Principles of Conservation

Definition of Terms
Useful definitions are drawn from THE AUSTRALIAN ICOMOS CHARTER FOR THE
CONSERVATION OF PLACES OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE (The Burra Charter), The Singapore
Objectives, Principles and Standards for Preservation and Conservation, Draft of Philippine Built Heritage Bill
(2000), Charter of Brasilia (1996), Appleton Charter, Draft of Philippine Omnibus Cultural Heritage Bill (1994),
New Zealand Charter, Conserving Buildings: Guide to Techniques and Materials, Dictionary of Architecture
and Construction and, Historic Sourcebook are cited herein;
1

Adaptation - modifying a place to suit the existing use or a proposed use.

2
Addition a periodic activity: a modification, which involves the introduction of new material.
Aesthetic Value- encompasses works representing rare and outstanding contributions in national
architecture that are reflected in its design, style, construction, and age. Other criteria may include
consideration of architectural design, form, scale, color, texture, material, used and the aesthetic value of a
3
building or groups of buildings that relates both to location and context.
Alteration Any act or process that changes one or more of the exterior architectural features of a
structure, including but not limited to, the erection, construction, reconstruction, or removal of any structure
4
or part thereof.
Artifactual Value Sites of the highest cultural significance are to be considered primarily as artifacts,
5
demanding protection as fragile and complex historical monuments.
6
Associations - the special connections that exist between people and a place.
Authenticity - It is expressed in the concept of truth, that which is authentic, certain and presents no doubt.
Its goal of preserving memory and its cultural manifestations to enrich culture and it is beyond the material
7
aspect. It is the affirmation of the socio-cultural evolution of a nation or a place.
Carbonation the process of loss of alkalinity, consequent corrosion of reinforcement and deterioration of
8
concrete.
Compatible use means a use, which respects the cultural significance of a place. Such a use involve no,
9
or minimal, impact on cultural significance.
Conservation means all the processes of looking after a place so as to retain its cultural significance. It is
based on a respect for the existing fabric, use, associations and meanings. It requires a cautious approach
of changing as much as necessary but as little as possible. The traces of additions, alterations and earlier
treatments to the fabric of a place are evidence of its history and uses which may be part of its significance.
10
Conservation action should assist and not impede their understanding.
Contemporary buildings refers to structures within the historic site built in the 1950s but part of the
historic layering of the evolution of the site/place.
Contextual Value- that which conserves the authenticity in terms of its socio-cultural, historical and
aesthetic content of a site, monument or landmark.
Consolidation is the physical addition or application of materials that strengthen or support the actual
11
fabric of the monument or conservation building to ensure its continued durability or structural integrity.
Cultural Significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for past, present or
future generations. Cultural significance is embodied in the place itself, its fabric, setting, use, associations,
meanings, records, related places and related objects. Places may have a range of values for different
12
individuals or groups.
Demolition is confined to actions, which reveal structures or relationships of much greater significance than
13
the structure demolished or what will remove intrusions, which reduce the significance of the building.
Documentation Registry- a list of landmarks that are protected by national or local legislation composed of
buildings, groups of buildings, sites, cultural landscapes of significance in national, regional or local
1

The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. 2.
Appleton Charter, for the Protection and Enhancement of the Built Environment, ICOMOS Ottawa, Canada. 1983. 3.
3
Loren Legarda. Draft of Philippine Built Heritage Bill (2000), Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City. 2000. 2.
4
Ibid.
5
Appleton Charter, for the Protection and Enhancement of the Built Environment, ICOMOS Ottawa, Canada. 1983. 4.
2

The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. 3.

Charter of Brasilia (1996). ICOMOS Brazil, 1996. 1.

Martin E. Weaver and F. G. Matero. Conserving Buildings: Guide to Techniques and Materials. John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
York, 1998. 146.
9
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. 2.
10
Ibid.2.
11
Objectives, Principles and Standard for Preservation and Conservation Urban Redevelopment Methods Preservation of
Monument Board, Singapore, August 1993. 25.
12
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. 2.
13
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. 6.
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UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture

Principles of Conservation

architecture archeology, engineering and culture. Places included in the Register are considered
14
landmarks.
Dwell time the period of time for poultice and any other application of chemical compounds is left to carry
15
out its cleaning process.
Education Interpretation appropriate ways of making the significance of the place understood consistent
with the retention of that of that significance. This maybe a combination of the treatment of the fabric, the
16
use of the place and the use of introduced interpretive material.
Educational Value embraces the qualities of the place as a venue for educational development and
innovation.
Efflorescence- a powdery deposit of crystals of various salts in the surface of a masonry caused by free
17
alkalies leached from mortar or adjacent concrete as moisture moves through it.
Enhancement The activities of removal or addition are characteristic of measures in support of
18
enhancement of the heritage resource.
Exfoliation peeling, swelling, or scaling of stone or mineral surfaces in thin layers caused by physical
19
weathering.
Fabric means all the physical material of the place including components, fixtures, contents, and
20
objects.
Facadism a conservation approach, when a certain portion of the faade of a historic structure is
retained.
Funding a fund for the purpose of conservation, restoration, preservation, reconstruction and protection
of built heritage and all activities for the site.
Galvanic corrosion an electro-chemical action which, takes place when two dissimilar metals are in
21
contact in the presence of an electrolyte, resulting in corrosion.
Gardens/ Parks refers to parks and landscapes within the site with cultural significance.
Grouting injecting of fluid mortar or synthetic adhesive materials to fill up voids, joints, cracks and cracks
on masonry works.
Guidelines/Standards are building-specific directions based on the overall Principles and Standards for
22
preservation and conservation.
Historical buildings - refers to a structure/s where significant development or event occurred, categorized
23
as a Historical Shrine, Historical Monument and Historical Landmark.
Historical Value- a place that has influenced, or has been influenced by, a historic figure, event, phase or
24
activity.
Identity It is a way to belong and to participate. It is how we are capable of finding a place, a name, an
image, not by contrast but by discovering links that tie us to those others with whom we share one and the
25
same culture.
Integrity Structural and technological integrity must be respected and will require attention to
26
performance as well as appearance.
Interpretation means all the ways of presenting the cultural significance of a place. Interpretation may be a
combination of the treatment of the fabric (e.g. maintenance, restoration, reconstruction); the use of and
27
activities at the place; and the use of introduced explanatory material.
Intervention Involves maintenance, stabilization, repair, restoration, reconstruction or adaptation, where
28
appropriate, conservation processes may be applied to parts or components of a structure or site.
Intrusive Elements a disruptive element of slight significance, which tends to devaluate the significance
29
of the other components.

14

Loren Legarda. Draft of Philippine Built Heritage Bill (2000), Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City. 2000. 3.
Martin E. Weaver and F. G. Matero. Conserving Buildings: Guide to Techniques and Materials. John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
York, 1998. 165.
16
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. 15.
17
Cyril M Harris. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1975. 177.
18
Appleton Charter, for the Protection and Enhancement of the Built Environment, ICOMOS Ottawa, Canada. 1983. 4.
19
Op cit. 87.
20
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. 2.
21
Cyril M Harris. Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1975. 224.
22
Loren Legarda. Draft of Philippine Built Heritage Bill (2000), Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City. 2000. 2.
23
Edgardo Angara and Leticia Shahani, Draft of Philippine Omnibus Cultural Heritage Bill (1999), Senate of the Philippines,
Manila City. 1999. 5.
24
Loren Legarda. Draft of Philippine Built Heritage Bill (2000), Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City. 2000. 3.
25
Charter of Brasilia (1996). ICOMOS Brazil, 1996. 2.
26
Appleton Charter, for the Protection and Enhancement of the Built Environment, ICOMOS Ottawa, Canada. 1983. 5.
27
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1999.
28
The Aotearoa Charter: New Zealands Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Heritage Value (1992). ICOMOS,
New Zealand. 1992. 3.
29
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. .
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UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture

Principles of Conservation

Landmarks- a property or structure designated as such by national legislation pursuant to procedures

prescribed by the designated authority, that is worthy of rehabilitation, restoration and preservation because
30
of its historic and or architectural significance to Philippine culture.
Layering refers to the components of a historic site or monument or building that pertains to its historical
evolution expressed either in layout, style or materials.
Maintenance- means the continuous protective care of the fabric and setting of a place, and is to be
31
distinguished from repair. Repair involves restoration or reconstruction.
Management- a management structure through which the conservation policy is capable of being
implemented; identifying those responsible for subsequent conservation management decisions and the
day to day management of the place; the mechanism by which these decisions are to be made and
32
recorded; and the means of providing security and regular maintenance for the place.
33
Meanings denote what a place signifies, indicates, evokes or expresses.
Monuments - are buildings, structures, sculptures, or historic sites of national historical significance placed
under the protection and designation of appropriate authorities for which there is in force a preservation
34
order under national or local legislation.
Movable Structures refers to non-permanent structure/s where significant event occurred or significant
35
personalities in context with the cultural significance of the place.
National Cultural Agencies refers to the cultural Center of the Philippines, Records Management and
Archives Office, National Historic Institute, National Library, National Museum, National Commission on
36
Culture and Arts.
Occupancy- refers to the intended use of the building or the character of its occupants.
Open Spaces refers to open spaces within the site of historic significance.

37

Period Style an architectural characteristic; either interior or exterior style representing a given era of
cultural significance.
Petrographic analyses the analysis of thin section of rock/stone under a Scanning Electron Microscope
(SEM), to classify rock and determine elements present in the sample.
Poulticing technique uses an inert powder which may be mixed with water to form a stiff paste and
applied to a lightly wetted surface, the moisture absorbs the salts or efflorescence from the surface of
38
masonry once it dries and it is removed from the covered surface.
39
Preservation means maintaining the fabric of a place in its existing state and retarding deterioration.
40
Protection may involve stabilization; it must involve a continuing program of maintenance.

Reconstruction means returning a place to a known earlier state and is distinguished from restoration by
the introduction of new material into the fabric. New material may include recycled material salvaged from
41
other places. This should not be to the detriment of any place of cultural significance.
Redevelopment- insertion of contemporary structures or additions sympathetic to the setting.

42

Rehabilitation is the process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair, or alteration,
which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the
43
property which are significant to its historic, architectural and cultural values.
Related object means an object that contributes to the cultural significance of a place but is not at the
44
place.
45
Related place means a place that contributes to the cultural significance of another place.
30

Loren Legarda. Draft of Philippine Built Heritage Bill (2000), Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City. 2000. 3.
Ibid. 2.
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. 15 .
33
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. 3.
34
Loren Legarda. Draft of Philippine Built Heritage Bill (2000), Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City. 2000. 3.
35
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. 5.
36
Edgardo Angara and Leticia Shahani, Draft of Philippine Omnibus Cultural Heritage Bill (1999), Senate of the Philippines,
Manila City. 1999. 8.
37
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. .
38
Martin E. Weaver and F. G. Matero. Conserving Buildings: Guide to Techniques and Materials. John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
York, 1998. 81.
39
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. 2.
40
Appleton Charter, for the Protection and Enhancement of the Built Environment, ICOMOS Ottawa, Canada. 1983. 4.
41
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1999.
42
Appleton Charter, for the Protection and Enhancement of the Built Environment, ICOMOS Ottawa, Canada. 1983. 4.Ibid. 3.
43
Objectives, Principles and Standard for Preservation and Conservation Urban Redevelopment Methods Preservation of
Monument Board, Singapore, August 1993. 27.
44
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. 3 .
45
Ibid. 2.
31

32

UNIVERSITY OF SANTO TOMAS, College of Architecture

Principles of Conservation

Related Sources of Information the contribution which related places and related objects make to the
46
cultural significance of the place should be retained.
Religious Value/ Sacred Value/ Symbolic Value- embrace the qualities of which, as a site has become a
focus for a spiritual and religious practice.
Repointing the secondary application of mortar or neat finishing of mortar joints which was executed with
47
a point of a trowel or other pointed tool.
Restoration - means returning the existing fabric of a place to a known earlier state by removing accretions
48
or by reassembling existing components without the introduction of new material.
Retention- means the maintenance of a particular component of a historic site/structure with cultural
49
significance.
Scaffolding an elevated platform use to access the face of the structure or to work or inspect elements
above ground level.
Scientific/ Technological Value recognizing the rarity and quality of technology available at the time of
50
construction and to the degree which a building, structure or monument reflects a certain period.
51
Setting means the area around a place, which may include the visual catchments.
Social Value- embraces the qualities of which, as a site has become a focus for a spiritual, political or
52
national cultural sentiment.
Spalling concrete deterioration indicated by small chips or fragments removed from the surface of the
masonry caused by action of the elements.
Stabilization a periodic activity to halt deterioration and to put the existing form and materials of a site
53
into a state of equilibrium, with minimal change.
Stakeholders people for whom the place has a special associations and meanings or who have social,
spiritual or other cultural responsibilities for the place.
Stereophotogrammetry- a recording technique using photo mosaic in 1:25 or 1:50 scale, use for the
54
analyses of the condition and measurement of historic building and its features.
Structure means any building, equipment, device or other facility made by people and which is fixed to
55
the land.
Treatment- refers to the articulation and application of materials and methods or systems of construction.
Use means the functions of a place, as well as the activities and practices that may occur at the place.
Vista The panorama that includes the foreground and background elements, either manmade or natural,
which, are relevant to the overall context of the view of a historic site/structure.
Visual Catchments The visual inertia that refers to the orientation, position and location of the structure/s
natural or manmade that makes the entourage unique in terms of aesthetic significance.
Zoning- means designated areas of use/occupancy in a historic site or building.

46

Appleton Charter, for the Protection and Enhancement of the Built Environment, ICOMOS Ottawa, Canada. 1983. 5.
Martin E. Weaver and F. G. Matero. Conserving Buildings: Guide to Techniques and Materials. John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
York, 1998. 133.
48
Op cit. 2.
49
Objectives, Principles and Standard for Preservation and Conservation Urban Redevelopment Methods Preservation of
Monument Board, Singapore, August 1993. 47.
50
Loren Legarda. Draft of Philippine Built Heritage Bill (2000), Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City. 2000. 4.
51
The Burra Charter, The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance, Australia, 1979. 2
52
Loren Legarda. Draft of Philippine Built Heritage Bill (2000), Senate of the Philippines, Pasay City. 2000. 4.
53
Appleton Charter, for the Protection and Enhancement of the Built Environment, ICOMOS Ottawa, Canada. 1983. 3.
47

54

Martin E. Weaver and F. G. Matero. Conserving Buildings: Guide to Techniques and Materials. John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
York, 1998. 4.
55
The Aotearoa Charter: New Zealands Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Heritage Value (1992). ICOMOS,
New Zealand. 1992. 4.