Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management

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

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