Thematic Activities

As our definition of the built heritage continues to expand, the conservation issues related to specific themes or typologies of the heritage continue to become a more important area of study and debate. From archaeological sites which often contain some of the oldest records of our cultural heritage to the architectural heritage of the recent past, ICCROM has helped to develop and implement a number of courses in thematic areas of importance to the conservation of the built heritage. The selection of these themes are based on needs expressed by ICCROM Member States, and are often carried out in partnership with one or more national institutions. These courses may take place in Rome or in the countries of the course partners.

Thematic activities during the 2010-2011 biennium will centre on three priority areas as identified by the ICCROM Council, staff, and partner organizations. They include Conservation of Archaeological Sites, Conservation of Modern Architecture, and Documentation and Inventory.

• To provide an in-depth knowledge of conservation issues related to specific priority themes to professionals working extensively in those areas in their home countries.

Course on conservation of archaeological sites in the Asia–Pacific Region
This course, held every two years since 2000, is a collaboration between the ACCU Nara Office, the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan, and ICCROM. It is designed for sixteen participants from countries in the Asia–Pacific region that have signed the World Heritage Convention. The next course is scheduled to take place in Nara, Japan in 2010. ICCROM’s contribution to the course includes collaboration in participant selection, sending ICCROM staff or appropriate external experts to act as lecturers, and aiding in course design and evaluation.

International course on the conservation of modern architecture (MARC)
This course has been held previously in 1999, 2002, and 2006 in partnership with the Department of Antiquities of Finland and other Finnish partners. The next course is scheduled for 2010 (delayed from 2009 due to the need to obtain the necessary funding). The course is aimed at 20 to 22 mid-career professionals, and is designed around the objective of increasing expertise in the conservation of modern architecture worldwide. The course is designed to give participants the tools to identify values, recognize and evaluate ideas and contexts, and understand problems and solutions related to the urban, architectural, technical, material, and structural aspects of modern architecture. Furthermore, the course will give participants a better understanding of the essential elements of the decision-making process for conservation, and the arguments for the conservation of the modern built heritage, including the means to communicate them. The course is designed around core units on conservation of modern architecture, supplemented by field work and lectures/discussions on themes related to the field work exercise.

Course on architectural records, inventories, and information systems for conservation (ARIS)
From 2003-2009, ICCROM has implemented four courses in Rome on the subject of Architectural Records, Inventories and Information Systems for Conservation (ARIS), the last three in partnership with the Getty Conservation Institute. During this period, the course syllabus and resource materials have been developed, and resource persons identified.

In its commitment to ensuring the quality of, and ongoing need for, individual activities, ICCROM and the GCI are proposing to carry out an evaluation of the 4 previous courses during the 2010–2011 biennium. This evaluation will be used to first assess if a course on documentation and inventory remains a priority for the professional community, and if so, any changes in approach, materials, and resource persons which would strengthen the overall delivery of the course in future biennia.

updated on: 13 April, 2010