Anastylosis
Anastylosis is an archaeological term that refers to reconstructing ruined buildings and monuments. The key to anastylosis is that, as far as is possible, the original architectural elements and materials are used to reassemble the structure.
The criteria for anastylosis, as detailed in the international Venice Charter of 1964, are that the structure’s original condition must be scientifically confirmed; each recovered component’s proper placement must be determined; and replacement materials that are used must be limited to those that are necessary for stability.
However, although the aim is to rebuild using original materials, it may be that a structure needs to be disassembled and reassembled with some new components, or that new foundations may be required.
A well-known and celebrated example of anastylosis is the work to reconstruct the Library of Celsus, built originally by the Romans in Ephesus, Turkey, around 114-117 AD. Prior to the recontruction in 1970-78, the process had mainly been seen as a measure of conservation, whereas, the library project demonstrated its inherent importance in terms of building history and research.
Detractors of anastylosis argue that not all the building phases can be presented – an ancient structure may have gone through several alterations and changes during its history. Anastylosis gives preference to one particular phase.
Another difficulty is that regardless of the rigour applied to the preparation, the reconstruction will inevitably include errors of interpretation. There is also the argument that damage caused to the original components is practically inevitable as a result of anastylosis.
Two other famous examples of the practice are the Acropolis in Athens, and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. High-profile candidates for future anastylosis include the Buddhas of Bamiyan in Afghanistan that were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, and Palmyra in Syria, destroyed by Isis in 2016-17.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Archaeologist.
- Archaeology and construction.
- Conservation area.
- Curated decay.
- Hagia Sophia.
- Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)
- Library of Celsus.
- Parthenon.
- Principles of conservation.
- Remedial works.
- Restoration.
- Roman Colosseum.
- Scheduled monuments.
- Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings.
IHBC NewsBlog
Canal River Trust secures funding to create waterway roles for young people
The support will create dozens of opportunities in heritage repair and construction and waterways management, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions.
2021 Building Conservation Directory published
The 2021 edition of the Building Conservation Directory, also available online, has been published. Find skilled trades specialising in work to historic and traditional buildings.
BT dials up ‘Adopt a Kiosk’ scheme
BT has revealed that almost 4,000 of its iconic red phone boxes across the UK are available for local communities to adopt for just £1.
Watch IHBC’s webinar on ‘Retrofit of Traditional Buildings’
On 26 March the IHBC, led by Prof. John Edwards, hosted a free one-hour CPD webinar ‘Introduction to Building Survey for Retrofit’ for sector professionals.
Has the world left Europe behind?
Greg Clark, writing an opinion piece for RICS, explores how good governance in cities pays dividends.
AHF on ‘Transforming Places through Heritage’
The Architectural Heritage Fund has issued a report on the first year of its ‘Transforming Places Through Heritage’ grants programme, funded by DCMS.
‘Star Cities’, Marvels of Renaissance Engineering
Europe’s star cities are scattered all over Europe but their perfect geometrical beauty can only be fully admired when seen from above.
COTAC Releases Insight 1 series – The Need to Appreciate the Built Heritage
The freely available Insight 1 series targets a wide range of cohorts who wish to gain an appreciation of practical heritage conservation.
Palace of Westminster ‘deteriorating faster than it can be fixed’
The restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster is of ‘paramount importance’ according to the recent strategic review.
Find Webinars and other Events pertaining to Heritage Conservation
The IHBC's monthly CPD Circular showcases upcoming Events, Awards, Placements, Bursaries & Scholarships, Calls for Papers and more from across the UK and beyond.