Western and Eastern Building Conservation Philosophies: Perspectives on Permanence and Impermanence

Abstract

In this conceptual paper, we illuminate Western building conservation philosophy practice with insights into Eastern conservation philosophy and associated aesthetic understanding. We frame dialogue recognising individual and societal perspectives on treatments to buildings that attempt to attain 'permanence' or 'impermanence' in form, fabric, and artefact. Although not expressly sharing origins, Eastern and Western conservation philosophies practically yield commensurate or quasi approaches in intervention. These similarities have not been notably articulated before, and reveal meaningful insights for decision heuristics and guidance fundamental for repair scheme design and intervention. Western, pattern-based views relating to philosophical reasons around the impossibility of perfection, or 'correctness' in physical building form resonate with Eastern views supported by Kiku Kiwari. Moreover, universality in acceptance of Western Patina and Eastern Wabi-Sabi, and Eastern Kintsugi and Western legible fabric repair convey overt signals of philosophies beyond technical performance. Moreover, we find Western bias towards 'tangibility', and greater appreciation of 'intangibility' in Eastern approaches that are culturally enriching and go beyond mere retention of fabric and architectural form, linking building memory with territory. We suggest potential cross-fertilisation of thinking to create an environment of greater cultural understanding of the motives, thoughts and practices in East and West.

Fungi Affecting Wall Paintings of Historical Value: A Worldwide Meta-Analysis of Their Detected Diversity

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Authenticity and heritage conservation: seeking common complexities beyond the ‘Eastern’ and ‘Western’ dichotomy

“…Taylor (2015) also challenges the perceived cultural differences in conservation philosophies and practices arguing that such differences are a product of context and practical application, rather than principle. Concerning conservation of architectural heritage, Gutschow (2017) and Forster et al (2019) highlight similarities in ideas and activities crosscutting 'Eastern' and 'Western' cultural backgrounds. These discussions problematise the dichotomy, pointing towards the need for more nuanced, fine-grained understandings of the key concepts of heritage conservation across cultural contexts.…”

Finding Common Ground between United Kingdom Based and Chinese Approaches to Earthen Heritage Conservation

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