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Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management

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A special issue of Heritage (ISSN 2571-9408).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2024) | Viewed by 7805

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Prof. Dr. Fernando Vegas López-Manzanares

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Collection Editor

Centro de Investigación en Arquitectura, Patrimonio y Gestión para el Desarrollo Sostenible (PEGASO), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
Interests: vernacular heritage; sustaintability; heritage education; heritage communities; local construction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Camilla Mileto

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Collection Editor

Centro de Investigación en Arquitectura, Patrimonio y Gestión para el Desarrollo Sostenible (PEGASO), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
Interests: traditional architecture; cultural heritage; vernacular construction; heritage conservation; earthen architecture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Sergio Manzano-Fernández

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Collection Editor

Centro de Investigación en Arquitectura, Patrimonio y Gestión para el Desarrollo Sostenible (PEGASO), Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
Interests: earthen architecture; archaeological sites; climate change; heritage risk; heritage threats; traditional construction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Vernacular heritage represents tangible and intangible values of global culture. It is a fundamental part of the values of a society transcending them as it can evoke the identity of the community to which it belongs. It comes from the practical experience of local inhabitants, developing cultural, social and constructive traditions based on the surrounding nature and habitat conditions. Climate change, natural hazards, depopulation and unsustainable tourism threaten this heritage. The unconditional development and unsustainable management of natural resources are some of the causes of exploitation and deterioration of the environment, leading to a modification of the balances and arrangements of natural systems. In this challenging context, education and awareness of sustainable development are increasing. Therefore, the conservation of vernacular heritage is considered essential as it conveys key lessons on environmental, social and economic sustainability. Accordingly, this Topical Collection aims to address the challenges of analyzing and documenting vernacular heritage within the framework of the sustainable development of society. The inventory of vernacular heritage and the analysis of traditional materials and techniques is essential to understand the sustainability of this heritage in order to implement it in contemporary practices. Thus, heritage education research is fundamental for developing creative and inclusive environments. Moreover, the intangible heritage of the management of know-how and local culture may enhance and innovate construction practices and crafts. The reflection on traditional knowledge provides a basis for the conservation, restoration and enhancement of vernacular heritage, focusing on materials, techniques and project management in order to develop sustainable practices and transmit knowledge to the general public and future generations.

The discussions in this Topical Collection will focus on (but are not limited to) the following thematic areas:

Study and cataloging of vernacular heritage;
Urban studies of vernacular heritage;
Studies of traditional techniques and materials;
Sustainability of vernacular heritage;
Research in heritage education;
Heritage education and social inclusion;
Heritage communities;
Creativity and heritage education;
Training and innovation in traditional construction crafts;
Conservation and restoration projects of vernacular heritage;
Materials and intervention techniques for vernacular architecture;
Difficulties and possibilities of using traditional crafts in conservation;
Management and maintenance of vernacular architecture.

Prof. Dr. Fernando Vegas López-Manzanares
Prof. Dr. Camilla Mileto
Dr. Sergio Manzano-Fernández
Collection Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

vernacular heritage
traditional techniques and materials
heritage education
traditional crafts
vernacular architecture

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 12784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Farmhouses in the Mid-Adriatic: From Architectural Artifacts to Devices for the Landscape Development

by Sara Cipolletti

Heritage 2024, 7(12), 6791-6805; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7120314 - 3 Dec 2024

Viewed by 259

Abstract

Rural settlement in Central Italy represents one of the most original heritages for understanding the link between architectural principles and the environmental, economic, and social aspects of the cultivated land. The scattered farmhouses are the basis of a particular land management strategy, the Mezzadria (sharecropping), a contract between a landowner and a farmer. The structure of the architecture is always the same, with slight variations, and is characterized by an external staircase that is the prevailing distinctive element. However, the isolated buildings developed a complex system of relations in the territory, a cultural landscape process made up of physical and visual connections. This paper investigates the rural architecture of Central Italy, particularly in the mid-Adriatic area of southern Marche, renewing the knowledge of this peculiar heritage. The exploratory method considers different scales and is based both on the interpretation of hilly geography and on architectonic comparison between artifacts. Ruins in situ visual exploration, valuation of historical maps, and transcription of signs elaborated in drawings and photographs allow us for better identification of the open space relations and building characters. It is concluded that farmhouses are not only architectural objects with ‘honest functional logic’ but real devices for the creation of the hillside landscape, so they need broad investigations that start from solid scientific references to direct future trajectories. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management)

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31 pages, 26347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reviving the Practices of Transhumance in a Forgotten Settlement in Mainland Greece

by Julia Nerantzia Tzortzi, Sofia Theodoridou and Styliani Koukosoula

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5932-5962; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100278 - 21 Oct 2024

Viewed by 888

Abstract

The aim of this research project is the investigation of the forgotten landscape of transhumance in mainland Greece, focusing on areas that have been abandoned by modern society and their historical significance. The goal is to make these lands functional again by preserving their cultural heritage and developing a sustainable community that meets the needs of people, livestock, and the environment. The investigation employs a dual approach: examining transhumance as a cultural and natural practice while analyzing vernacular architecture to preserve collective memory. This involves extensive historical research and a simultaneous analysis of spatial, social, symbolic, and architectural elements. This study identifies points of convergence between cultural practices and architectural heritage, applying these insights to contemporary redevelopment scenarios. Findings reveal a significant interplay between transhumance practices and the region’s anonymous architecture. Key characteristics of the landscape and its spatial identity are documented, providing insights into effective preservation and redevelopment strategies. Specific case studies validate these strategies, demonstrating their relevance to current and future efforts. This study concludes that understanding the historical context and spatial identity of transhumance landscapes is crucial for sustainable redevelopment. By preserving cultural practices and architectural heritage, this project provides a framework for revitalizing these landscapes, ensuring a balanced coexistence of people, livestock, and the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management)

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25 pages, 29589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preservation and Redevelopment of Cultural Heritage Through Public Engagement and University Involvement

by Nadia Frullo and Manuela Mattone

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5723-5747; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100269 - 11 Oct 2024

Viewed by 786

Abstract

In recent decades, there has been a growing awareness of the importance and desirability of fostering the involvement of more actors, and in particular local communities, in the protection of cultural heritage. Since universities have long been asked to become promoters of actions aimed at increasing society’s general level of well-being through interventions with cultural, social, and educational implications via technology transfer and knowledge sharing, a mutual collaboration between different researchers of the Politecnico di Torino, public administrations, and local communities has been consolidated over the last few years to provide a proactive contribution to both the preservation of cultural heritage and the social and economic development of the territories. A new educational methodology with direct and mutual collaboration between teachers and students, local communities, and policymakers was tested. The experiences conducted so far testify to the university’s ability to fulfil its training, research, and “Third Mission” tasks, both by responding to the needs of the territory and by transmitting up-to-date work methodologies, disciplinary skills, attention to context, and dialogue with local communities. The work carried out, appreciated by citizens and municipal administration representatives, was able to provide hints and stimuli for new opportunities and actions to be undertaken, foreshadowing possible development trajectories of the contexts investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management)

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17 pages, 2429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harnessing Vernacular Knowledge for Contemporary Sustainable Design through a Collaborative Digital Platform

by Letizia Dipasquale, Jacopo Ammendola, Lucia Montoni, Edoardo Paolo Ferrari and Matteo Zambelli

Heritage 2024, 7(9), 5251-5267; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090247 - 18 Sep 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 889

Abstract

Vernacular architecture offers valuable technological and typological solutions rooted in knowledge systems that connect environmental, social, economic, and cultural contexts. This paper introduces the Heritage for People Platform, a collaborative digital tool developed under the VerSus+ project (Creative Europe Program), aimed at organising and disseminating vernacular architectural knowledge with a focus on sustainable practices that are both culturally and environmentally conscious. The platform builds upon lessons learned from similar projects, offering key improvements such as the adoption of a Case-Based Reasoning methodology, which organises examples by geographic location, materials, and intervention types. A structured classification system based on sustainability principles and strategies enables cross-disciplinary research and comparison. The design process was highly participatory, incorporating user feedback at every stage to ensure the platform is accessible to a wide range of users, including designers, scholars, craftspeople, and the general public. A cross-device, user-centered approach further broadens its accessibility. The platform provides a public, web-based geospatial repository where users can create, update, and explore a dynamic collection of artefacts, design models, people, and institutions from across the globe. This tool marks a significant advance in promoting and preserving both physical and intangible heritage, with strong educational and practical applications for sustainable architecture. The paper details the theoretical framework and real-world potential of the platform as a critical resource for promoting sustainability in the built environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management)

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22 pages, 28071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling Vernacular Features: Interdisciplinary Knowledge for the Conservation of Villa Murat in the Sorrento Peninsula

by Andrea Pane, Raffaele Catuogno and Maria Parente

Heritage 2024, 7(9), 5210-5231; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090245 - 17 Sep 2024

Viewed by 608

Abstract

The Sorrento Peninsula is characterized by a significant occurrence of examples of vernacular architecture, which exhibit distinctive morphological and constructive features. These have been the subject of numerous studies. However, some buildings have undergone a process of transformation over time, the details of which have yet to be investigated. Architectures that initially held a rural character were enlarged and ennobled, thereby becoming what could be termed as “villas of delights”. However, these clearly manifest their origin based on the permanence of some vernacular features. This paper focuses on the analysis of a case study, Villa Murat, which is exemplary in illustrating this process. This thorough interdisciplinary research combines historical investigation, based mainly on archival documents, with a direct examination of the Villa. This has enabled the retracing of the building’s evolution and of the events that occurred in it. An integrated survey, which employed photogrammetry and laser scanning, enabled the assessment of the current state of conservation. The ultimate objective of this research is to propose conservative interventions which, in conjunction with the suggested new intended use, could ensure the preservation of the Villa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management)

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36 pages, 15749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Domestic and Productive Earthen Architecture Conserved In Situ in Archaeological Sites of the Iberian Peninsula

by Sergio Manzano-Fernández, Camilla Mileto, Fernando Vegas López-Manzanares and Valentina Cristini

Heritage 2024, 7(9), 5174-5209; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090244 - 14 Sep 2024

Viewed by 700

Abstract

For past societies on the Iberian Peninsula, one of the most prolific architectures was earthen construction, with a wealth of typologies and solutions derived from the legacy of local construction and materials. However, its study within the field of archaeology has been limited. The challenges posed by conservation, archaeological identification and social recognition have traditionally limited the dissemination of this type of architecture. Its low profile is perceived as fragile once the original protections collapse. The ethnological information preserved and linked to past ways of life and societies is crucial to the interpretation of the cultural development handed down over generations by different communities and now transmitted to the general public through archaeological sites. This research aims to provide an overview of the main earthen vestiges from domestic, productive and funerary architecture dating from the prehistoric, protohistoric, Roman and medieval periods. For this, a bibliographical review and data collection through fieldwork were conducted for numerous case studies. These included the classification of materials, compositions and construction techniques, creating an integrated comprehensive database with information on geography, measurements and the general state of conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management)

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19 pages, 15779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Representation of Vernacular Architecture in the Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti

by Alessandro Merlo and Gaia Lavoratti

Heritage 2024, 7(9), 5084-5102; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090240 - 12 Sep 2024

Viewed by 887

Abstract

Often, artists of all time periods have unintentionally crystallized in their works the image of landscapes distant in time; of those landscapes, sometimes only faint traces remain, adding to the collection of so-called indirect sources. In many cases, a critical analysis carried out using the comparative method of those iconographic sources allows the inference of the relevant information regarding the layout of places, the structures housed there, and the practice of arts and crafts, or about customs and habits (e.g., dressing, eating, etc.); it is possible to recompose the so-called ‘buried landscapes’ by combining it with, and thanks to, the substantial contributions of other disciplines (such as history, archaeology, and anthropology). This contribution shows the first outcomes of research carried out within the Ghibertiana Project by CHMlab of DIDA (UNIFI), which aims to analyze the ‘landscape characterised by cultivated areas’ from the Florentine countryside in the early fifteenth century. In particular, it is maintained that Lorenzo Ghiberti (Pelago, 1378–Florence, 1455), just like other contemporary artists, depicted territories and architectures he had first experienced in some of the ten bronze panels of the Gates of Paradise of the Baptistery of Florence. He described in great detail the flora, fauna, and anthropic structures of the extra moenia territory. The focus of the early stage of analysis and this contribution is mainly on shelters: temporary structures functional to agricultural work. The encouraging results obtained may give rise to new research on other Florentine landscape elements artfully chiseled in Ghiberti’s workshop. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management)

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22 pages, 23855 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Construction through Tradition: Inventory of Cob Buildings in the Guérande Peninsula (France)

by Philippe Poullain, Marta Miranda-Santos, Alison Hilton, Erwan Hamard and Corentin Mouraud

Heritage 2024, 7(9), 4768-4789; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090226 - 31 Aug 2024

Viewed by 868

Abstract

This paper delves into the investigation and inventory of cob buildings within the Guérande Peninsula, employing an interdisciplinary framework merging academic inquiry, fieldwork, and digital cartographic methodologies. Against the backdrop of escalating environmental concerns within the construction sector, raw earth construction emerges as a compelling avenue for sustainable building practices due to its low embodied energy and reversible characteristics. Despite historical prevalence in regions such as northwest France, traditional earth-building techniques have experienced waning prominence with the advent of industrial materials. However, the resurgence of interest in raw earth’s minimal carbon footprint has catalyzed renewed attention towards earth-building methods. Through a meticulous investigation methodology, this study identifies and analyzes 802 potentially old cob buildings, with 46 structures confirmed as cob constructions. Employing statistical analyses of building characteristics, including wall and lift heights, preservation states, and geographical distributions, this research sheds light on the significance of preserving cob heritage amidst rapid urbanization. The findings underscore the imperative for ongoing research and awareness efforts to safeguard these vernacular architectural traditions. By illuminating centuries-old building practices, this research contributes to the scholarly discourse on sustainable construction methodologies and local cultural preservation. Moreover, it underscores the necessity of integrating traditional knowledge systems with contemporary sustainability initiatives to foster resilience and longevity within the built environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management)

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44 pages, 486674 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reflections on the Decay Mechanisms of Half-Timbered Walls in Traditional Spanish Architecture: Statistical Analysis of Material and Structural Damage

by Alicia Hueto-Escobar, Fernando Vegas, Camilla Mileto and María Lidón de Miguel

Heritage 2024, 7(6), 2880-2923; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7060136 - 3 Jun 2024

Viewed by 955

Abstract

Knowledge on the state of conservation and vulnerability of traditional techniques when faced with the most common degradation phenomena is vital in order to propose the most suitable conservation and maintenance actions. This article presents the systematic review of 1218 half-timbered walls found throughout Spain, enabling the identification of a total of 27 material lesions, classified by atmospheric, biological or anthropic origin, and 9 structural lesions due to stress or excessive deformation. Their qualitative and quantitative analysis has focused on the frequency of the individual lesions and the possible correlation with different constructive characteristics, such as the materials used, the geometry of the framework and the presence of plinths, eaves and protective rendering. Almost the entire sample presents some degree of material degradation, mostly atmospheric lesions of limited severity, such as superficial atmospheric erosion and chromatic alteration and dehydration of the timber. In terms of structural lesions, half-timbered walls are seen to be more vulnerable to this type of deformation. Considering the risk of loss affecting all traditional architecture, it becomes particularly important to promote the continued maintenance of half-timbered walls in order to reduce the influence of material lesions caused by atmospheric agents. Subsequently, suitable criteria for intervention are established in order to reduce the effect of anthropic lesions and structural degradation phenomena, particularly linked to a lack of maintenance and modifications of anthropic origin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management)

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