Q5.

Explain how heritage conservation helps in building strong relations

between the site and local socio-economic development. Support your
answer with an example.

What is Heritage Conservation?

As we advance into the future, landmarks are sometimes unceremoniously razed to the
ground to make way for shiny new skyscrapers. Yet many do not realise that what we lose is
far more important than mere brick and mortar. When the wrecking ball strikes, chunks of
our history and identity will forever be wiped from the surface of the Earth.
Fortunately, conserving our built heritage is an integral part of our urban planning and
development in Singapore. We may be a country with very limited land space, but that does
not stop us from retaining the beauty, nostalgia and culture that lies within the walls of our
heritage buildings. This vital component of our government’s urban revitalization efforts is
most apparent in historic areas such as Boat Quay, Chinatown, Joo Chiat, Kampong Glam
and Little India, where large portions of these districts are still kept in their original form
today.
Conservation is not a mere preservation of a façade or freezing a building in time. By
favouring restoration over replacement, we preserve the ambience, character and a living
piece of our history. Most importantly, they also add variety and spark visual interest within
the city.
Benefits From Heritage Conservation
Heritage preservation is a long-term investment that benefits us today and leaves behind an
invaluable resource for generations to come. Here are five notable benefits we can reap
from conserving our built heritage:

Retaining Our Identity

Many heritage precincts are focal points for community gatherings and events. The
importance of their preservation stretches beyond their history, attributing more to the
unique character and sense of belonging they evoke in our hearts. Furthermore, these
heritage architectural elements also contribute to the aesthetics of our streetscapes.

Promotes Cultural Tourism

Heritage tourism is often deeply rooted by historic buildings. These intriguing and tangible
connections to our past spurs interest for tourists to soak in its distinct ambience and this
alone helps attract business. Statistics have also shown that heritage visitors have a greater
per trip economic impact, as they tend to stay for a longer duration and spend more a day.
Increases Property Value
Heritage preservation often leads to greater appreciation rates for both the restored
building and its surrounding properties compared to areas without historical landmarks.

Economic Sustainability
The enhancement of existing neighbourhoods and infrastructure is significantly cheaper
than building new ones. Aside from cutting down on hefty infrastructure costs, restoration
projects also help to retain money within the community by creating more local
employment and requiring fewer imported materials. Various industries such as
construction firms and product manufacturers also benefit from heritage conservation.

Reduction of Demolition Waste

Conservation and restoration of heritage buildings are the ultimate forms of recycling.
Research has shown that the demolition of a typical brick house results in an average of 60
to 100 tonnes worth of waste. To top it off, restoration is also proven to be a massive
energy saver. The energy required to demolish an old building and erect a new one is
estimated to be equivalent to the energy needed to operate it for 40 years. Imagine the
amount of invaluable resources and savings that could be put to better use.
Conservation Projects
Jaisalmer Fort Conservation Initiative – A Case Study

Jaisalmer Fort a UNESCO world heritage monument is on a hill about 30m above the
surrounding plain, received piped water only in 1991, Since then, there have been several
collapses of the bastion walls.
The conservation team found that a layer of mudstone in the hill was the main culprit. This
is a soil that is very sensitive to water ingress, and virtually dissolves in the presence of
water. This led to the collapse in parts of the fort, also new hotels within the fort and am
imperfect sewage and rainwater drainage system enhanced the problem within the
compound.

The team suggested and successfully implemented a method called ‘Inclinometer Testing’ to
find out whether there are sub-surface movement in the soil. This is done by drilling vertical
boreholes into the hill slopes at critical locations, mainly the corners of the triangular-
shaped fort. Flexible plastic tubing is installed in these boreholes. A very sensitive probe is
sent down the boreholes every 6 months or so and exact profile of the boreholes is mapped.
A comparison of the profiles of a borehole over time will give a clear picture of the direction,
location and magnitude of any subsoil movement.
Restoration and Re-use of the - Mori The Mori is a circuitous passage running between the
living areas and the outer bastions of the fort. Originally used by guards to protect the Fort,
this had become an open garbage dump. INTACH has completely cleaned the Mori, which
enables tourists and residents to walk around the fort and enjoy beautiful views of the city.
The first task was to clear the entire passage of accumulated debris.

Work in the Mori

The 850 year old

Jaisalmer Fort was in
a state of decay, with
many of its beautiful
palaces on the verge
of collapse. The
arrival of tourists put
a spotlight on these
heritage buildings
leading to a major
conservation
initiative by INTACH
The restoration of
Rani – Ka – Mahal A
major portion of the
Rani Ka Mahal had
collapsed in 1995
and the building was lying unused.
Hawa Prol - Gateway of winds
Hawa Prol is the gate through which all tourists enter the main square of the Jaisalmer Fort.
During the earthquake in 2001, this important landmark suffered extensive damage and was
under danger of being demolished due to its weak structure. INTACH has now restored this
beautiful and historic gate it is now being used re-used as a museum and portrait gallery.

Har Raj ji ka Mahal The oldest palace in Jaisalmer Fort was in a state of complete ruin. Its
collapse could have caused extensive damage to the entire architectural fabric of the Fort.