F1 Society Studies
Heritage Conservation – preservation methods
Name: _______________ ( ) Class: _____
I. Preservation Methods
1. Relocation (搬遷)/Reconstruction (重建)
definition:
- original building was demolished + moved to another site
- building materials were kept
key feature:
- detach from the environment + context entails some loss of cultural values
Example: ______________________________________________________
2. Revitalization (活化)
definition:
- original appearance of the historic building is kept
- however, the function was changed a new life is given
key features:
- keeping the building in use as a way to preserve it
- adaptive reuse of the buildings is often the only way to balance historical,
aesthetic and economic needs
Example: ______________________________________________________
3. Preservation (保存)
definition:
- function unchanged, may have original or modified appearance
- to keep the building in its present state, e.g. by maintenance, cleaning
- no action is undertaken to return the building its original appearance
- keep most of the significance of the historic heritage
- may not fit into nowadays surroundings → lack of unity of the building and the environment
Example: ______________________________________________________
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4. Conservation (保育)
definition:
- an integral part of good management of historic sites of cultural significance
key feature:
- the most ideal preservation method
- bears witness and from the setting in which it occurs
Example: ______________________________________________________
II. Evaluation of Preservation of historic heritage – are they well-preserved?
How is a well-preserved historic building like? What criteria do we use to judge?
A Case study on Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda
Past Present
The new town at Tin Shui Wai was not Tsui Shing Lau is now surrounded by mounts
yet developed, and the surrounding was of concrete buildings
embraced by villages and river.
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Steps:
Step 1: Analyze the significance of the building
What is the significance of the building?
Step 2: Identify the preservation methods
How is the building preserved? By what method?
Step 3: Evaluate if the preservation method can preserve the significance or not
Can the significance of the building be preserved?
Step 4: Consider other reasons to justify whether the building is well-preserved
Does it create any economic value? Does it bring positive impacts to people’s lives?
Does it promote any other public interests?
Step 5: Overall evaluation
Can it strike a good balance among different needs and concerns?
Step 1: Analyze the significance of the building
What is the significance of the building?
As demonstrated in the previous chapter, the pagoda has historic, aesthetic, social
and religious significance.
Step 2: Identify the preservation methods
How is the building preserved? By what method?
The location, function and appearance of the pagoda remains unchanged while the
surrounding environment has been changed. The river disappeared as it was reclaimed.
It is surrounded with many high-rise buildings and the West Rail nowadays. Thus, the
preservation method is preservation.
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Step 3: Evaluate if preservation method can preserve the significance or not
Can the significance of the building be preserved?
Preserving its location, appearance and function helps to keep its historic significance
as it reminds us of the ordinary way of lives of people in the past that they regarded
success in civil exams as of utmost importance.
Social significance of the pagoda is also kept as it remains intact so it can still be the
symbol of the Clan’s identity and represent their glorious past.
Preserving its appearance helps to keep its aesthetic significance as its unique
architectural style, i.e. hexagonal shape & green brick remains unchanged. Thus, its
authenticity is kept as its original features are retained without modification.
However, its spiritual significance is undermined as the environment has been
changed. There is no more river before the pagoda. The river has been reclaimed.
This upsets the Feng Shui setting of the pagoda. Thus, people who believe in Feng
Shui may not be able to get psychological comfort as they do not believe the new
environment setting of the pagoda can bring them good protection and good
prospects.
Step 4: Consider other reasons to justify whether the building is well-preserved
Does it create any economic value? Does it bring positive impacts to people’s lives?
Does it promote any other public interests?
The pagoda became part of Ping Shan heritage trail and it can be enjoyed by the public
for free. This can fulfil educational purposes to raise public’s cultural awareness. It
also becomes a tourist attraction and promotes local tourism. This brings about
economic benefits to the locals and Hong Kong.
Step 5: Overall evaluation
Can it strike a good balance among different needs and concerns?
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A summary of the criteria
More ideal preservation:
Relocation is generally unacceptable (undermine cultural significance) unless this is the
sole practical means of ensuring its survival.
If any building or other component is moved, it should be moved to an appropriate
location and given an appropriate use.
For revitalization, new use of a place should:
● involve minimal change, respect associations and meanings
● try the best to provide for continuation of practices which contribute to the
cultural significance of the place
New construction, demolition, intrusions or other changes which would adversely affect
the setting or relationships are inappropriate.
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Summary: Balanced Development:
Good preservation method
GoodCultural
preservation
preservation,method
e.g.
preserving the significance
of cultural heritage, cultural
continuity, raising cultural
awareness, cultural identity
Other public interests, e.g.
Improvement of existing Economic interests, e.g
Good
urban/ living environment, preservation Job opportunities,
New cultural landmark for method Business opportunities,
entertainment and New tourism resources
education
Key concepts:
• historic buildings
• monument
• rarity
• authenticity
• preservation methods:
- reconstruction and relocation
- revitalization
- preservation
- conservation
• cultural preservation
• cultural continuity
• cultural awareness
• public interests
• economic interests
• balanced development