Assessing the Monumental Value of Heritage Masonry Structures

Exploring Factors and Methodologies for Determining its Preservation and Conservation

Valentijn Cloo

Abstract
This paper explores the methods and challenges involved in assessing the monumental value of heritage
masonry structures. Through a review of literature, it highlights the various factors that contribute to the
determination of monumental value, including architectural and historical significance, cultural and social
context, and the physical condition of the structure. The paper also discusses the limitations and challenges
associated with different methods, such as biases inherent in archival sources and balancing conservation
objectives with contemporary urban development pressures. Ultimately, an interdisciplinary approach that
incorporates multiple methods and perspectives is necessary to holistically assess the monumental value of
heritage masonry structures. The findings of this paper suggest that a better understanding and awareness of
the diverse methods and methodologies used in heritage conservation can help to foster a more
comprehensive approach to preserving these structures for future generations

Keywords
heritage, preservation, masonry, monument, architecture, assessment

1. Introduction
Heritage masonry structures are physical artifacts that embody cultural, social, and historical significance.
As such, they are often considered to be important monuments that reflect the values and aspirations of
the societies that created them. However, the process of determining the monumental value of heritage
masonry structures is complex and multifaceted (Goodwin et al, 2009, p. 12). Architects, historians, and
preservationists must consider a range of factors, including the structure's historical context, cultural
significance, architectural style, and condition.

The aim of this paper is to explore the determination of monumental values of heritage masonry
structures, its determination, and what factors contribute to this determination. This review will examine
how different cultural contexts, historical periods, and construction techniques affect the determination of
a structure's monumental value. It will also consider the challenges and controversies involved in
preserving and maintaining heritage masonry structures, particularly in the face of changing urban
landscapes and the current housing crisis in the Netherlands while taking into account that the form of
housing crisis applies particularly to the Netherlands.

By examining these issues, this literature review aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the
process of determining the monumental value of heritage masonry structures. It will also provide insights
into the factors that influence this determination and the ways in which different stakeholders, such as
architects, historians, and local communities, can collaborate to ensure the preservation of these
important cultural artifacts. Ultimately, this review will highlight the importance of heritage masonry
structures as an expression of human creativity and ingenuity, and the need to protect and celebrate them
for future generations.

And thus this paper aims to answer the question: How is the monumental value of heritage masonry
structures determined and what factors contribute to this determination?

2. Methods and Materials

This literature review was conducted using a systematic search of academic databases, including Web of
Science, Google Scholar and the TU Delft repository, as well as relevant journals and publications in the
 field of heritage conservation and masonry construction found in the TU Delft library. The search terms
included "heritage masonry," "monumental value" and "conservation ethics," among others. The search
was limited to English and Dutch language sources published between 1990 and 2021. The reasoning for
using this method was to ensure a comprehensive and general understanding of the current debates,
theories, and methodologies. In addition, a snowballing technique was used to identify additional sources
through the reference lists of the initially identified papers. The sources were then screened based on their
relevance to the research question and keyword criteria, such as their focus on heritage masonry
structures, factors affecting monumental value, and methodologies for preservation and conservation.

3. Results
The concept of Cultural Heritage can vary in significance for different individuals. It could be defined as a
record of humankind’s achievements and relationships with the world. Due to the nature of culture, it
always has a local aspect that creates cultural diversity even though in some cases the shared values are
accepted universally (Nijkamp et al, 2004, p. 39).

The assessment of monumental value became more clearly defined amidst the developments and shifts in
emphasis that took place in the field of monument preservation in terms of content and organization
(Emstede, 2009, p. 51).

The age of a building can reflect its social and cultural importance within a particular historical context. For
instance, a building constructed during a period of significant cultural or political change may be
considered a monument to that particular era, representing the values and aspirations of its time.

Scarcity is a significant factor that contributes to the determination of a building's monumental value.
According to the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), rarity or uniqueness can
enhance the cultural significance of a building, as it reflects the building's exceptional value as a unique
reminder of a particular era, culture, or architectural style (ICOMOS, 2011). This rarity can result from a
variety of factors, including the destruction of other buildings of similar importance or the lack of surviving
buildings of a particular style or era. As a result, buildings that are rare or unique are often considered
more valuable, as they are seen as irreplaceable pieces of cultural heritage that must be protected for
future generations (ICOMOS, 2011).

The cultural-historical value is strongly associated with identity and memory. Various Belvedere projects
focus on making visible what is no longer visible but are remembered or can be recalled. If monument
conservation concerns itself with the re-experience of disappeared structures, then the emphasis shifts
from monument or heritage conservation to monument or heritage studies. In this context, protection is
no longer applicable - and often even unfeasible due to the scale and extent of the area or structure - and
it becomes a matter of safeguarding values through knowledge (Emstede, 2009, p. 78).

During the Renaissance, historic buildings served as a source of inspiration for new architecture. The
development of historical science in the 16th and 17th centuries, coupled with the crystallization of
aesthetics in the 18th century, resulted in a critical system of thought in which old buildings were analyzed,
evaluated, and classified primarily based on their historical significance and aesthetic qualities. Only the
old buildings themselves and accurate drawings of them were considered reliable sources of information
and study materials for architects (Emstede, 2009, p. 18). With this emphasis on the age and authenticity
of the buildings, the concept of "authenticity" of the monument was introduced (Jokilehto, 2006, p. 4).
Cultural values are subjective and extrinsic, and while they may evolve over time, they do not change
suddenly. Different groups, including different generations and professionals, as well as individuals, may
attach varying degrees of importance to cultural values and different levels of relevance to the same
cultural heritage asset. Nonetheless, the underlying cultural values remain the same (Roders, 2007, p. 15).

In the field of cultural heritage preservation, determining the monumental value of a building is an
essential process that requires careful evaluation and analysis. There are several techniques and criteria
that are used to determine the significance of a building, including condition assessment, significance
assessment, and impact assessment (ICOMOS, 2018).

UNESCO and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS, 2018) play a crucial role in
determining the monumental value of buildings. UNESCO has established the World Heritage Convention,
aimed at identifying and protecting the cultural and natural heritage of exceptional universal value.
ICOMOS has developed guidelines for evaluating the monumental value of buildings and cultural
landscapes.

This involves evaluating the physical state of the building based on various criteria, such as the degree of
wear and tear, the presence of damage, and structural stability.

Another important technique for determining the monumental value of buildings is significance
assessment. This involves evaluating the building's historical, cultural, and social significance, and how this
is reflected in its architecture, design, and location. The assessment can be based on various criteria, such
as the building's associations with important events or individuals, its contribution to architectural or
engineering achievements, or its representation of particular cultural or social values.

In addition to condition and significance assessments, impact assessment is another crucial technique used
in determining the monumental value of buildings. This involves evaluating the potential impact of any
proposed changes or developments on the building's significance and overall value. The assessment can
consider various factors, such as the contents of the proposed changes, the building's sensitivity to
alteration, and the potential for adverse effects on the building's context and surroundings.

For instance, the physical appearance of reconstructed buildings or neighborhoods can be easily
manipulated to create or reinforce a particular political identity. An illustration of this is observed in post-
war Poland, where the former Soviet Union deliberately erased any surviving elements of German cultural
influence (Bold et al, 2018, p. 254).

Olivia Munez-Rojas, faces a unique set of challenges in her PhD study of the Spanish Civil War, particularly
in relation to the open interpretation of Spanish cultural values and the divisive nature of the conflict. The
harsh repression of opposing factions adds to the complexity of this subject. The Historic Memory Law was
introduced to address these issues, but it was quickly suspended due to its call for the removal of symbols
and features that were viewed positively by supporters of the Franco regime (Bold et al, 2018, p. 268)..
Following the civil war increased engagement on the international stage brought forth new architectural
movements, including modernism.
 Another challenge for the determination of monumental value is the post-war clearance of “slum housing”
at the time of de-industrialization for example in the United Kingdom. Martin Cherry who is the former
research director of English heritage, relates this to the political dimensions of decision-making and the
rapidly changing of political agendas Cherry also states that professionalism and elitist values are in conflict
with the views of the communities.

The preservation of historic buildings was widely viewed as a non-partisan and uncontroversial issue
among politicians. Despite a few dissenting voices, most experienced politicians believed that heritage
protection would not grow to such an extent that it would adversely affect public finances or the rights of
private property owners (Bold et al, 2018, p. 259).

4. Conclusion
The determination of monumental value for heritage structures is a complex process, despite their widely
acknowledged significance as monuments that reflect the values and aspirations of the societies that
created them. This literature review aims to explore the factors that contribute to the determination of
monumental value for these structures.

Through a systematic search of academic databases and relevant publications, various factors affecting the
determination of monumental value were identified. These factors include age, scarcity, historical
significance, and aesthetic value. Importantly, cultural-historical value emerged as a key factor in the
protection and safeguarding of these structures for future generations.

Preserving heritage masonry structures presents several challenges, particularly with respect to balancing
conservation and development. In countries with limited space and growing populations, such as the
Netherlands, pressure to develop new housing and infrastructure on land that may contain historically
significant buildings has led to debates between heritage preservationists and developers.

Controversies also exist regarding the preservation of heritage masonry structures, particularly regarding
issues of authenticity. Some argue that restoration of heritage sites should preserve original materials and
techniques, while others suggest the use of modern materials and techniques may be necessary for
preservation.

Local communities may also play an important role in the preservation of heritage masonry structures. In
some cases, communities may strongly advocate for the preservation of a site due to emotional
attachment, even if it lacks significant cultural or historical significance. This can lead to tensions between
preservationists and local communities, particularly if preservation conflicts with community needs.

In conclusion, preserving heritage masonry structures is critical for protecting cultural and historical
significance. However, preservation efforts face significant challenges and controversies, particularly in the
context of changing urban landscapes and housing crises. It is important to recognize that these structures
are integral parts of our cultural heritage and must be preserved for future generations.

5. Discussion
One limitation of this research is the limited time and resources available for data collection and analysis.
As a result, only a small number of heritage masonry structures could be studied, which may not be
representative of the broader population. Additionally, the research method used in this study may have
introduced certain biases, such as the reliance on archival sources that may be incomplete or subject to
interpretive errors.

To address these limitations, it would be valuable to conduct more extensive research on a larger sample
of heritage masonry structures using a range of research methods. It would also be helpful to interview
professionals from the field of heritage conservation, particularly those working for the heritage
municipality, to gain additional insights into the factors that influence the monumental value of these
structures.
 It is worth noting that the challenges and limitations of heritage conservation may vary depending on the
country and context in which it takes place. For example, in the Netherlands, the current housing crisis has
led to increased pressure to repurpose heritage buildings for residential use, which can pose challenges for
balancing conservation objectives with contemporary development needs

6. References
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Heritage.

[2] Paine, A., Holden, S., Macarthur, J.(2020) Valuing Architecture

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[4] Meurs, P. (2016). Heritage-based design. TU Delft.

[5] Plevoets, B., & Van Cleempoel, K. (2011). Adaptive reuse as a strategy towards conservation of cultural
heritage: a literature review. Structural studies, repairs and maintenance of heritage architecture XII, 155-163.

[6] Labadi, S. (2013). UNESCO, cultural heritage, and outstanding universal value: Value-based analyses of the
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[7] Pereira Roders, A. (2007) "RE-ARCHITECTURE: Lifespan rehabilitation of built heritage." Eindhoven: Eindhoven
University of Technology.

[8] Jokilehto, J. (2006). Considerations on authenticity and integrity in world heritage context. City & time, 2(1),
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[9] Feilden, B. (2007). Conservation of historic buildings. Routledge.

[10] NAYCI, N. (2020). Architectural inventory and building condition assessment research on masonry structures
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[11] ICOMOS report for the World Heritage Committee. (2018), WHC-18/42.COM/INF.8B1 Evaluations of
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