The timber elements of the monumental Sodafactory building in Schiedam, the Netherlands, were investigated to assess the extent of salt-induced degradation. The damage was primarily caused by defibration, a chemical process caused by salt crystallization within the wood structure, which separates the wood cells, induces mechanical rupture, and ultimately results in a complete loss of strength. While the damage is visually detectable, it is difficult to quantify reliably. To address this, micro-drilling measurements were performed in radial and tangential direction on eight wooden beams, which appeared to be severely defibrated. Micro-drilling proved effective for quantitative measurements of decay, supported by a TU-Delft developed algorithm to scientifically determine decay from micro-drilling signals. Results showed that, beneath the layer of defibrated wood, the beams generally remained structurally sound. Only two of the eight beams were found to be severely decayed, with less than 50% of their original cross-section remaining intact. Microscopic analysis of samples from both decayed and intact areas revealed fiber separation and significant salt deposits on the beam surfaces. These findings indicate that the timber elements remain at risk, as the salt-induced decay could still progress over time, causing further degradation and increased safety risks to the historic Sodafactory building. ... Read more

Museum volunteers form a community of practice that potentially connects a museum to our ever-more diverse society, which includes newcomers and immigrants with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, who are often marginalised. This community of practice holds the means to inform proactive transformations of small museums to become cultural hubs for social contacts. This aligns with the Council of Europe’s Faro Convention which democratises the ownership, use and interpretation of cultural heritage. The Small Museums Change research project, which is reported in this chapter, developed a method to assist small museums to define transformation directions by facilitating volunteers to express their assessment of the museum, and express wishes and ambitions as guideline towards an integral transformation. The method proved successful in defining the core qualities and values and in identifying key ambitions for future planning for the seven small museums in the Netherlands that participated in the project. This chapter describes the method developed, highlights its outcomes and successes, and reflects on its value identifying hitherto undiscovered potentials. The method also proved to be valuable as tool to support volunteers as invaluable community to safeguard and further develop museum experiences for community engagement. ... Read more

This study explored the most employed techniques for the assessment of the state of conservation of traditional wooden foundation piles in Amsterdam and Venice. The techniques were evaluated for their relevance and effectiveness in assessing decay impact on centuries-old waterlogged wooden piles. The techniques adopted in Amsterdam and Venice were complementary. In Amsterdam, underwater micro-drilling was employed to accurately estimate the amount of decay and the remaining strength of the piles. In contrast, the techniques in Venice were based on microscopic and mechanical testing of small wood samples to provide a detailed decay analysis. The successful use of underwater micro-drilling in Amsterdam, which allows for fast and accurate pile decay assessment, presents an opportunity to enhance the piles conservation database of Venice. Adopting this technique in Venice could support more timely and effective preservation strategies. ... Read more

The section Heritage & Architecture of the Faculty of Architecture at Delft University of Technology deals with the built environment in terms of conservation, refurbishment and re-use. Reflecting the department philosophy, this book focuses on the durability and sustainability of existing buildings (heritage in a broad sense, from historic buildings to listed monuments), considered in terms of material and building techniques, form and function, and part of the wider context of sites and cities. At the basis stands the Heritage triangle: Design - Cultural value - Technology. This book is part of a series of books produced in cooperation with and financed by the Stichting Rondeltappe-Bernoster-Kemmers. All books of the series have been reviewed and edited by Silvia Naldini, Section of Heritage & Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. ... Read more

Purpose: Only recently have historic concrete buildings received attention and the need for their protection has been understood. Their listing as architectural heritage in most countries is ruled by legislations. The research carried out within the framework of the CONSECH20 JPI project on the conservation of historic concrete buildings in the Czech Republic, Cyprus, Italy and the Netherlands has allowed to study the legislations in the four aforementioned countries and how these are brought to practice. This paper aims at the evaluation of these legislations and of their function in practice. Design/methodology/approach: The legislations have been examined focussing on the protection of historic buildings and the guidelines to achieve a correct technical conservation. These were assessed in practical situations. The situations of the four countries were studied and the parameters used allowed comparisons. Findings: Concrete buildings are at risk and the guidelines should be further developed to meet actual conservation needs, including historical and aesthetical compatibility. The re-use of listed concrete buildings often means transforming and adapting these to a variety of modern needs and norms: the complexity of this assignment asks for a multidisciplinary teamwork. The bottom-up Dutch programme for quality in conservation, striving to bring ethical and technological principles to practice, could be a sound basis for developing respectful conservation strategies of heritage concrete buildings. Research limitations/implications: The research concerns the four countries involved in the CONSECH30 project and could be extended to include more countries. Practical implications: More stakeholders have to be involved in the process of conservation and transformation of heritage concrete buildings. This should be directed by the legislation. Social implications: No direct social implications are foreseen from the outcome of the research. However, the suggestion is made that social involvement is essential in planning concrete building transformations. Originality/value: The study focussed on the application of theory (the legislation) to practice (thus showing the limits of the legislation), which is an innovative way of contributing to the conservation of historic concrete buildings. ... Read more

The ‘Shelter’ is a fantastic example of a circular plastic house with a diameter of 8 m that is somehow comparable to the ‘Futuro’. It was conceived by the Dutch interior architect Kor Aldershoff, who developed a prototype in glass-reinforced polyester (GRP) shells held on a metal frame (1971). This kind of house is unique for the Netherlands and therefore of great importance. The ‘Shelter’ was meant for providing a home for refugees in Africa. The prototype was light and could also float on water. The production of the metal supporting frame was entrusted to the Nederlandse Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij (N.D.S.M.) in Amsterdam-Noord and the GRP parts to the firm Resicon in Medemblik. The hall, living room and one bedroom were arranged around an empty column for the disposal of rainwater. ... Read more

Historic concrete buildings (end of 19th century – 1960s), because of their “experimental” character, require a specific approach to both survey and conservation. Although they were built with empirical approaches, some buildings show a fair state of conservation and resilience –even though they have already exceeded the 100-year threshold– while others of comparable age are in severe need of restoration. As part of the European project CONSECH20, aimed at contributing to the conservation of cultural-heritage concrete buildings, this paper investigates what are the most common types of damage and hypothetical causes, and what direct and non-direct parameters can lead to a faster or slower deterioration of historic concrete in the Netherlands. The research is based on an initial screening study, which will be used as a basis for a larger research among the participant countries. The current research is divided in three phases. Firstly, a selection of 15 case studies from the Netherlands are investigated; the selection was based on criteria of age, state of conservation and type of ownership. Secondly, the history and materials of the buildings are examined. Thirdly, an on-site visual survey is performed per each building, with pre-design templates, to identify types of damage, extent and severity. The data is then analysed combining different factors with a calculated index of severity. Results are discussed and contrasted to provide further clarification of the degradation of historic concrete. A fourth phase, not discussed in this paper, will use this methodology in a broader context, with a larger number of case studies in different countries. ... Read more

In the Netherlands a program for the enhancement of quality in the restoration of monumental buildings is presently carried out, stimulated by national authorities and coordinated by the foundation ERM. Guidelines are issued by the branches involved, from architects to masons, under guidance of an experts’ committee, to perform interventions on monuments and assess them. The aim of this paper is to discuss the contributions to the program offered by different actors active in the field of conservation, the existing synergies and the potential of using a common language and approach. These are needed to facilitate communication and exchange knowledge. The use of the terminology of MDCS (Monument Diagnosis and Conservation System) can help create a community of stakeholders. Sharing the damage terminology and methodology can help achieving a clear and systematic assessment of damage and its causes. It can further improve the communication among all stakeholders, including owners and laymen, stimulating cooperation, and can allow monitoring of damage and interventions. ... Read more

Deze publicatie is een weerslag van de uitkomsten van het KaDEr-project (Karakteristiek Duurzaam Erfgoed) dat de TU Delft in opdracht van en in samenwerking met de Provincie Gelderland heeft uitgevoerd. De lezer wordt meegenomen in de zoektocht om invulling te geven aan de relatie wetenschap, praktijk en beleid rondom duurzaam erfgoed op verschillende schaalniveaus. Aan de hand van acht bijdragen wordt gereflecteerd op het proces en de uitkomsten. De auteurs gaan in op een thema dat gedurende de afgelopen vier jaar aan de orde is geweest. Ook nemen zij stelling in met betrekking tot het debat dat naar aanleiding van dit thema gevoerd is en in veel gevallen nog verder gevoerd kan worden. Daarnaast hebben we een aantal meer zijdelings betrokkenen gevraagd om stelling te nemen met een uitspraak naar aanleiding van hun ervaringen tijdens het project.

Het KaDEr-project omvatte na een intensieve voorbereiding vier kalenderjaren. We denken dat op het onderdelen nog een vervolg behoeft. KaDEr staat dus voor Karakteristiek Duurzaam Erfgoed en in het project is gewerkt aan energetische duurzaamheid, financieel gezond perspectief, functioneel gebruik en het borgen kennis op lange termijn. Het project zelf werd opgebouwd rond vier Living Labs om theorie en praktijk aan elkaar te koppelen:
 Living Lab XL-Stad: Zutphen, Winterswijk en Elburg. Daarbij droegen we vanuit KaDEr bij aan een onderzoek naar Kerkenvisies en de Energietransitie voor diverse gemeenten;
 Living Lab L-Stad: Landgoederen, waar het Baaksebeek-gebied en Gelders Arcadië centraal stonden en het onderzoek resulteerde in de betreffende Ontwerpatlas;
 Living Lab M-Typologie: Kerken. Nationaal en regionaal een opgave die veel aandacht kreeg de afgelopen vier jaar. Specifiek keken wij vanuit KaDEr naar het functioneren van Energiescans en de Financiële Duurzaamheid aan de hand van de Eusebiuskerk in Arnhem en de Stevenskerk in Nijmegen;
 Living Lab S-Gebouw: Reuversweerd. Een (bouw)locatie die we vier jaar lang intensief hebben gevolgd en waar alle partijen veel van hebben geleerd. We hebben daarnaast onderzoek gedaan naar Afwegingsmodellen voor het verduurzamen van monumenten en de Gevolgen van het na-isoleren van monumenten met binnenisolatie.

Er werden binnen de Living Labs en deelonderzoeken diverse overkoepelende thema’s aan de orde gesteld en beproefd en daar is lering uitgetrokken. Dit heeft zich ook vertaald in het gaandeweg aanpassen van de aanpak en in de voorbereiding van nieuw beleid. Het geeft ook aanleiding om op lange termijn zaken anders te gaan doen. Wat er is geleerd en waar bijgestuurd kan worden is in acht hoofdstukken samengevat. We reflecteren op het proces van het KaDEr-project. We geven adviezen voor het bijsturen van beleid. Een visie op de toekomst, vanuit de provincie zelf, komt vervolgens aan de orde. Tijdens de vier jaren van uitvoering van het project is er op diverse schaalgebieden geacteerd.

Op het grote schaalgebied is met het Living Lab L-Gebied (Landgoederen), een koppeling met het Europese Innocastle project gemaakt. Daar hebben ook ontwerpprojecten met studenten plaatsgevonden en er is een Ontwerpatlas samengesteld.

Het leren van elkaar stond van het begin af aan bij het KaDEr-project centraal Samen met het Gelders Restauratie Centrum en de Monumentenwacht Gelderland zijn er onderwerpen via kennisoverdracht en workshops uitgewerkt. Via de koppeling van onderwijs aan bijvoorbeeld de stad werd in het Living Lab XL-Stad tussen studenten, gemeenteambtenaren en gebouweigenaren samengewerkt om van elkaar te leren.

Bijzonder is het kerkelijk erfgoed en de wijze waarop de Kerkenvisie als instrument een rol zal spelen bij de herontwikkeling van kerken. Dit is in de praktijk samen met drie gemeenten uit de Oost-Achterhoek uitgewerkt. In het KaDEr project komen zo theorie en praktijk mooi samen. Concreet kunnen en zullen beslissingen op het schaalgebied van gebouw en materiaalgebruik belangrijke gevolgen hebben voor opdrachtverlening, uitvoering, instandhouding en subsidieverstrekking aan erfgoed.

Door alle schalen heen richtten we steeds de blik op de toekomst. Daarbij kunnen we aan de energietransitie, die steeds urgenter wordt, niet voorbijgaan. Daar ligt zeker voor historische binnensteden een uitdaging. In twee gemeenten is hiervoor een inspirerende driedaagse ‘roadshow’ gehouden en is een energietransitie roadmap uitgewerkt.

Het KaDEr-project heeft geleid tot een veelheid aan leerzame ervaringen die nu in de nabije de toekomst kunnen inspireren en hun weerslag krijgen in provinciaal beleid dat een duurzame instandhouding van monumentaal erfgoed binnen de provincie Gelderland een stap verder brengt. Duurzame instandhouding biedt een visie op de lange termijn en is de basis voor een maatschappelijk verantwoorde werkwijze.

Het KaDEr-project kon alleen tot stand komen door een goede samenwerking tussen en vele krachtsinspanningen van vele partijen en personen. Namens de TU Delft bedankt de redactie van de publicatie KaDEr-stellingen alle betrokken personen bij de provincie Gelderland, de gemeenteambtenaren in Zutphen, Elburg, Winterswijk, Aalten en Oost-Gelre, de partners van de Gelderse Erfgoed Alliantie, de monumenteneigenaren en hun architecten, adviseurs en projectleiders op locatie en met name die op Reuversweerd. Daarnaast was het succes van KaDEr niet mogelijk geweest zonder de inzet van docenten, onderzoekers vanuit drie afdelingen van de faculteit Bouwkunde van de TU Delft en de vele studenten die vier jaar lang aan het project hebben gewerkt en het tot een inspirerend en leerzaam geheel hebben gemaakt.
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Historic concrete buildings are at risk. Limited knowledge of concrete technology until the 1960s led to more sensitive buildings than modern concrete buildings. In addition, the lack of sensibility regarding their heritage value and insufficient protection is leading to remorseless demolition. Still, concrete has proved to be a resilient material that can last over a century with proper care. There is not yet an estimation of the status of historic concrete buildings in Europe. Until now, a few attempts have been done to secondarily, and subjectively, gauge their conservation status. This paper is the result of a joint investigation studying forty-eight historic concrete buildings distributed in four countries. They were surveyed by expert teams according to a predefined methodology. The study aims to identify recurrent damages and parameters affecting the conservation state. It also aims to serve as the first trial for an objective and measurable methodology, to apply it with a statistically significant number of cases. Damages related to the corrosion of reinforcement and moisture-related processes were the most recurrent. The use of plasters, flat roofs, and structural façade walls show a positive effect in protecting the concrete. The state of conservation has a great variability across countries. ... Read more

Before starting any interventions related to the maintenance or restoration of a monument, a thorough investigation is necessary, aiming to assess damage to materials and structures and to obtain a well-supported diagnosis. This paper is based on a keynote lecture given in Leuven at the WTA-Precomos Conference on Preventive Conservation in April 2019; it discusses the importance of the use of so called damage atlases and presents the possibilities of using MDCS, the Monument Diagnosis and Conservation System, for diagnosis and monitoring. Originally created in 1995 within an EU project, MDCS has been developed into an online tool supported by the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands, TNO (Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research), and the Faculty of Architecture of Delft University of Technology.MDCS includes Damage Atlases allowing a uniform identification of the damage found. They form the base for making hypotheses on damage mechanisms and for performing visual monitoring. Apart from the use by professionals, visual monitoring can also be performed by owners, which encourages their active participation in preventive conservation. The Damage Atlases are being used by several Provincial Monumentenwacht Organisations in The Netherlands to enhance uniformity and quality of Monumentenwacht activities on preventive conservation. The system is also used to support the Dutch Governmental Programme on Professionalism, aiming at improving restoration quality, through implementation in the guidelines of the Foundation ERM.In the work of the WTA working group on damage monitoring, the option for visual monitoring will be proposed and used. ... Read more

A program on Professionalism has been started in the Netherlands aiming at enhancing the quality of interventions in monumental buildings, (listed monuments and historic buildings). Branches involved, like contractors and architects, create their own guidelines under the guidance of the Dutch foundation for a recognized restoration standard in the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and sites. Guidelines for the condition assessment of monuments are partly based on those originally developed by Monumentenwacht. This organisation fulfils the task of advising both owners and provincial government. The inspectors also evaluate the work done by contractors, signalling poor executions. This paper analyses the contribution of Monumentenwacht to enhance the quality of the interventions. Case studies are used for discussing potentials and limits of their practice. The project ‘Monumentenwacht moves’, in co-operation with Delft University of Technology, aims at creating a uniformity in reporting and monitoring. This co-operation lies within the framework of synergistic activities in the field of monument conservation carried out by of various institutions. ... Read more

Object of this paper is the quality in restoration and conservation of built cultural heritage in the Netherlands. Focus is laid on a program started at governmental level in 2010 aimed at developing quality guidelines, thus also stimulating professionalization. For organisation and support, the ERM Dutch foundation for a recognized restoration standard in the preservation and restoration of historic buildings and sites was created. The concepts of ‘quality’ and ‘restoration’ as used in the program are explained, whereby ‘restoration’ includes different possibilities of intervention. The aims of ERM are disclosed, also in relation to other Dutch certification systems. An assessment of the work done by the organisation seven years after the start of the program is done. Reference is made to the evaluation recently performed by an independent research institute and the results of a bottom up study of the conservation field carried out within the JPI project CHANGES. On the basis of the analysis of the present situation suggestions for the future are made. ... Read more

Age and ageing can be felt as negative occurrences. For monuments, however, old age is traditionally considered to be a positive quality. Without a certain age, the designation "monument" hardly applies. Ageing can be seen as the work of time, which has always been valued: ageing was sometimes even artificially induced in the past. In this paper, we will discuss the meaning of ageing in monumental buildings. The fact that, in the case of interventions in monuments, a perpetual service life is strived for, but restoration ethics clearly put limitations on what can be done can lead to dilemmas and can make it difficult to make decisions. Cases will be discussed to derive some criteria to base interventions upon, seeking a balance between merely preventive conservation and rejuvenating practices. ... Read more

Oude gebouwen, zelfs eenvoudige constructies, kunnen tot de categorie 'Monumenten' behoren, als ‘gedenkteken’ van het verleden. Hun historische waarde kan betrekking op de architectuur hebben (oorspronkelijke staat, veranderingen die een tijdgeest vertegenwoordigen), maar ook op de gebruikte materialen en bouwtechnieken. Geslaagde restauraties en projecten van hergebruik van bestaande gebouwen zijn dan ook gebaseerd op een grondig historisch en technisch onderzoek. ‘Ken je verleden, om dat goed te kunnen conserveren, en behoud je verleden, om kennis te bewaren’ (Torsello 1998). Elke interventie in het bestaande dient goed gedocumenteerd en beargumenteerd te worden. Informatie omtrent de oorspronkelijke kenmerken van het object kan aan verschillende bronnen worden ontleend, van sporen en resten van de afwerking zelf, tot bouwbestekken en visuele documentatie, zoals schilderijen. In deze bijdrage zullen verschillende vormen van afwerkingen worden besproken, in historisch perspectief, met aandacht voor hun aanzien en technisch gebruik in Nederland. Ook problemen van conservering komen aan de orde. ... Read more