NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE PHILIPPINES Historic Preservation Division THE PROCESS OF ARCHITECTURAL RESTORATION Outline of the Process: 1. INVENTORY - First of all, know what extant heritage structures there are at hand. Initial steps such as the survey and cataloguing of all the prospective structures should be undertaken. By using the established criteria for the identification of historic structures, it could be determined which among the structures would qualify to be monuments, historic landmarks and shrine. % 2. IS RESTORATION NECESSARY? - Nevt, avaliiate all the values of the subject. Then, establish priorities which structures really need restoration work. Some of the structures may need just static repairs and/ or maintenance. The architect/ restorer can be able to diagnose quickly the present conditions even without going into the details. The manifestations on the building's appearance will be sufficient to establish a quick judgment. This process consists our preliminary survey. 3. DECLARATION AS MONUMENT - When the subject Is evaluated to be in need of restoration or conversation, as what our preliminary survey would tell us, it is recommended for declaration as a cultural good or Monument under a legislation. The worse the condition of the structure, the more urgently the government should act on its safeguarding. Legislation is an important tool of the restorer In order that the values of the monument can be preserved. 4. PLANNING STAGE - Now, the next steps for its restoration are planned according to the individual characteristics and actual conditions of the monument: a. Identification of all the existing problems directly or indirectly relating to the monument to serve as a further guide in the following phases of our work; b. Research and survey - it is important to know the past and present conditions of the edifice. During the research, gather as much data as possible regarding: 1) its historical background which will include information on who built it, when, how; with what materials, where they came from; what equipment were employed; how long it took to build; the uses of the building; changes or additions made; activities of restoration or Maintenance; past aid present ownierstilps; etc; 2.) its geographical, topographical, climatic data; 3.) its architectural features, qualities and typology; 4.) its structural features and the logic of its structures;5.) its environmental values like approaches, gardens, trees, other buildings in the vicinity, roads, pavements, pathways, vista points, etc.; 6.) the social and economic conditions in the area; and 7.) the political structure of the locality. During the survey, the following activities should be included: 1.) Surveying the structural condition of the edifice; 2.) Measuring the existing edifice and the adjacent areas; 3.) Photographing and making graphic representation of the existing structures and the site, c. Analysis and evaluation of the data gathered. This includes the review and study of all the information for the formulation of schemes and proposals. d. Relation of the schemes and proposals for intervention -- Schemes and proposal must be presented and be debated so as to come up with the best solutions that will benefit everyone. For the government, it means good accomplishment and good economy; and for the users, it means the results would serve all the purposes of the planned goals; and for the restorer, a satisfactory job that would safeguard all the values of the monument. 5. APPROVAL OF THE SCHEME (SOLUTION) - The final scheme which is agreed upon to be the most feasible should then be approved along with the proposed budget and other resource allocations. 6. ACTUAL INTERVENTION WORK - The architect/restorer shall be the project manager of the work. Works shall be done by experienced professionals who understand the complex job of restoring. Good coordination work is necessary. At times, when it is necessary, field training is conducted by the architect/restorer to ensure all requirements are met. Other experts and professionals who work with the architect are chemists, laboratory technicians, engineers, researchers and other qualified personnel directly involved in the project. Restoration is a very complex and critical undertaking. Attention must be given to the important details of the work. Unlike modern construction, restoration work deals with important historical buildings and structures which require utmost care. The use of the latest methods and techniques of modern technologies are encouraged to deal with present and future problems and to simplify the work. 7. DOCUMENTATION AND PUBLICATION - Documentation is a very important part of the restoration process. All the records from the inventory to the completion of the work will be the historical and scientific\vor2004 files of the monument and will be the basis for future plans for restoration. Publication of a book relating information on researches and surveys made, the problems encountered, the analyses, the proposals and the methods and techniques employed, is a must for use in future references, scientific studies, historical researches, academic studies in universities, etc, . THE NEW USE AND THE MAINTENANCE OF THE RESTORED EDIFICE - Besides protection of the physical, historical and cultural values of the monument, the reuse factor is also equally important in restoration. The urban or environmental value must also be lifted or maintained because restoration is also, rehabilitation ing a sense that restoring aims to fit the monument in its modern setting. The job does not end after restoration. The international code for restoration recommends that restored monuments require good maintenance program, for a monument restored and maintained. well Is good economics and good administration and a guarantee for the continued existence of the edifice.