Recent Advances in Earth Sciences, Environment and Development

Cradle to Cradle Concept for Built Cultural Heritage Protection

LIUDMILA CAZACOVA Graphic Design and Interior Architecture Department Dhofar University P.O.Box: 2509, Postal Code: 211, Salalah SULTANATE OF OMAN [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract: Our planet’s cultural built cultural heritage is a richness accumulated by the past lived experiences. These precious tangible resources cannot be replenished from outside. It reflects the diversity of our communities and belongs not only to past and present generations but for future too, to all humankind, therefore should be protected and conserved. This research suggests the integration of Cradle to Cradle doctrines into built cultural heritage conservation process and is executed in three steps – ICOMOS and Cradle to Cradle, Current situation analysis, and ICOMOS + Cradle to Cradle integrated approach. ICOMOS and Cradle to Cradle legislations/concept principles and requirements were studied and compared, similarities were identified, the problems and the areas of built cultural heritage conservation needing enhancement were pointed out, and a new integrated approach was suggested. ICOMOS legislations facilitate built cultural heritage protection, while C2C doctrines assist in integrating the built environment into biological cycle. Therefore, the integrated ICOMOS + C2C approach could reinforce built cultural heritage protection and its diversity through integrating it into our planet biological cycle.

Key-Words: Cradle to Cradle, built cultural heritage, heritage protection, heritage conservation, integrated ICOMOS + C2C approach

1 Introduction ICOMOS legislations facilitate and promote Vernacular architecture is an excellent example of vernacular architecture and built cultural heritage Cradle to Cradle design, methods and principles of protection, while Cradle to Cradle concept takes which were incorporated into buildings. The care of integrating the built environment into our concept of building from organic materials available planet’s biological cycle. on site, material reuse and construction for This research introduces a new integrated disassembly is not new, and has been practiced ICOMOS + Cradle to Cradle approach for built since prehistoric times when the earliest shelter cultural heritage protection. The research is were being built. The buildings were directly structured in three parts – Present Facilitator, connected with nature and constructed of natural Current situation and Future facilitator, wherein the materials, using local skills and traditional Present facilitator is considered ICOMOS techniques. Such buildings were not only functional, legislations for built cultural heritage conservation but also sustainable. Employed in construction, and Cradle to Cradle concepts for built environment man-made feature which utilize local materials enhancement, Current situation states the research make the building to be easily integrated into the problem, and Future facilitator is ICOMOS + Cradle biological cycle at the end of its life and directly to Cradle integration for built cultural heritage benefit local economy [1]. protection. On the other hand, vernacular architecture In the first part ICOMOS’ requirements are and cultural heritage enrich modern community, listed, definitions (conservation, adaptation, connecting it with both the past lived experiences restoration, reconstruction) are given, the and the nature. These are tangible historical records procedures of conservation process are explained expressing communities’ identities and diversities. and Cradle to Cradle concept is described, recycling They are irreplaceable and precious, hence must be and reusing are defined, the principle criteria and protected and conserved for present and future tools for built environment developing are clarified. generations [2]. The second part compares ICOMOS and Cradle to Cradle requirements and identifies the problems and the areas of built cultural heritage conservation

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needing enhancement. The final third step of this identify and take into consideration all aspects of research suggests an integrated - ICOMOS + Cradle cultural and natural significance without to Cradle approach - for built cultural heritage unwarranted emphasis on any single value at the conservation, explains its reasons and designs the expense of others. Conservation process involves guidelines to be followed. three parts - Understanding significance, Developing conservation policy and Manage conservation process, which are defined by figure 1. 2 ICOMOS and Cradle to Cradle The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) is a professional, non-governmental association dedicated to the conservation and protection of cultural heritage places around the world and Cradle to Cradle design (C2C) is a biomimetic approach to the design of products and systems that models human industry on nature's processes viewing materials as nutrients circulating in healthy, safe metabolisms.

2.1 ICOMOS for built cultural heritage’s Fig. 1 Conservation process’ structure of protection through conservation, investigations, decisions and actions adaptation/reuse Built cultural heritage’s or a place’s value means possessing historical, archaeological, architectural, One of the prospective methods of cultural technological, aesthetic, scientific, spiritual, social, heritage conservation is adaptation, which means traditional or other special cultural significance, modifying a place to suit the current use or a associated with human activity [3]. Such places proposed use, involving the least possible loss of have lasting values and can be appreciated in their cultural heritage value and described by Article 7 own right. They teach us about the past and the [2]. The new use should involve minimal change to culture of our predecessors, provide the context for the original fabric and use, and should respect community identity whereby people relate to the associations and meanings [4]. land and to those who have gone before. Built cultural heritage provides variety and contrast in the modern world, a measure against which the Table 1 Steps to be followed in conservation achievements of today can be compared and serve a projects visible evidence of the continuity between past, Step Required procedures present and future [3]. These places are historical records that reflect the diversity of our societies Definition of the cultural -Prior research of any forming the countries’ identities, therefore are heritage value of the place documentary, oral history valuable and inimitable, and must be identified and Detailed examination of the place protected [2]. Demolition of significant fabric of a Recording of its physical place is generally not acceptable as declared in condition Article 15 [2]. Community consultation -Continuing throughout a Conservation is defined as a process of project caring for a place so as to safeguard its cultural heritage value [3]. The intention of conservation is Preparation of a plan -To meet the conservation not only to care for places, but their structures, principles materials and cultural meaning. Article 4 [2] states that conservation should make use of all the Implementation of the plan knowledge, skills and disciplines which can Documentation of any research -Recording and contribute to the study and care for the place conservation work as it wherein traditional techniques and materials are proceeds preferred for the fabric safeguarding. While Article 5 [2] requires that conservation of a place should

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Adaptation might be executed by two means, restoration or reconstruction, depending on the physical condition of the place. Article 1 [2] defines restoration as returning the existing fabric of a place to a state known earlier without the introduction of new material and reconstruction as returning a place to a state known earlier through introduction of new recycled and salvaged material from other places, into the fabric. In some cases, when is beneficial for conservation, modern techniques and materials could be introduced. Therefore, conservation projects should follow the steps listed in table 1.

2.2 Cradle to Cradle concept Even though, the complete protocol of Cradle to Fig. 3 All waste materials return to either biological Cradle (C2C) concept is not fully described by this or technical nutrient cycles, or are reincorporated paper, the accent, indeed, will be in the application into later steps in the life cycle [5]. of its principles for the built environment.

A Cradle to Cradle building can be defined as a building which contains measurable elements that add value and celebrates innovation and enjoyment by significantly enhancing the quality of materials, biodiversity, air, and water; using current solar income; being de-constructible and recyclable, and performing diverse practical and life-enhancing functions for its stakeholders [7] [8]. In the other words it can be said that a building has an excellent chance of achieving C2C if it fulfils the three basic C2C principles [7]: . 1st principle: Define materials and their intended use pathways, Integrate biological nutrients, Enhance air and climate quality, and Enhance water quality. . 2nd principle: Integrate renewable energy. . 3rd principle: Actively support biodiversity, Fig. 2 Cradle to cradle conceptual diagram Celebrate conceptual diversity with

innovation, Add value and enhance quality

for stakeholders, and Enhance stakeholder The concept popularized by McDonough well-being and enjoyment. and Braungart [5] is that everything we have and will ever have, is in one form or another, on the planet now. Our materials' resources as well as air 2.2.1 The principle criteria for developing of a and water which are life necessities, do not get C2C building replenished from outside. Therefore, we must never The principle criteria for developing of a C2C use up resources faster than the Earth’s own building are listed in table 2 and can be interpreted ecosystems can replenish them (Fig 2). as a) Set the goal and objectives (develop a plan), b) The waste we generate might be divided Implementation (Inventory/record of the exciting into two primary categories: biological nutrients resources), and c) Integration (Integrating systems, (that can be safely returned to the Earth and become companies, innovations, occupants, stakeholders a part of a new cycle) and technical nutrients (that and developing policies). are not easily degradable and need to be kept in Prior to a building being developed or cycle of usage, have to be recycled) [5] [6] (Fig. 3). renovated, an inventory should be executed to

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determine what C2C features already exist. The must be developed to optimize all remaining toxic stakeholders decide what to preserve, therefore their chemicals; all compounds must be defined as involvement is required [7]. technical nutrients that can be recycled and biological nutrients that can be composted [10]. Therefore, the strategy for building materials Table 2 Principle criteria for developing a C2C application is to: building . Use materials, quality and contents of which Steps Requirements/ are measurably defined in technical or suggestions biological pathways from manufacturing State your intentions -Is the building going to through use and recovery. contribute to air and water cleaning? . Use materials whose impacts are -Is it going to be measurably beneficial for human health and deconstructable? the environment [7]. -Is the building demonstrating The tools for first C2C principle application in defined and safe ingredients? buildings are [7]: Implementation -Do an inventory Integration -Integrate Innovative Finance . Actively beneficial qualities of the -Integrate Innovation materials; Partnerships . Defined product recycling; -Integrate Diverse C2C- . Defined use pathways; Experienced Contractors . -Integrate Systems and Design for assembly, disassembly, and Application Tools reverse logistics; -Integrate Diverse Uses with . Materials pooling; Features that Apply C2C . Preferred ingredients lists. Criteria When the C2C principles are incorporated into -Integrate Natural Light with Innovative Artificial Light design, the buildings and other infrastructure -Integrate Renewably Powered, elements are created in a way when anything that Healthy Mobility would otherwise have resulted in waste is conceived -Protect Occupants from as a nutrient for other technical or biological Environmental Hazards -Consider Aesthetic Opinions process. Hence, buildings are created to enable of Stakeholders disassembly and recycling/upcycling of technical and biological nutrients. Built environment’s features are also integrated into designs to support Buildings are ordinarily designed for their cultural and conceptual diversity as well as current functional use, and not for their reuse or biodiversity providing habitat for flora and fauna deconstruction, thus building elements selection is [11]. not optimal from the beginning. Therefore, the use To determine whether a building complies with of natural local materials, consideration of local the Cradle to Cradle principles is just a first step. climate and energy effectiveness are important Further on the implementation of the aspects into criteria to be considered [9]. These criteria were practice is a second important step. Subsequently a applied by vernacular architecture. strategy will be developed and tested to integrate Another important criterion to be and implement the aspects and desired results in the considered is the recycled content. Recycling can be design and building process [12]. defined as a process of manufacturing new products Unfortunately, C2C buildings or developments from products that have already served their original are slow to be implemented. Instead there are C2C purpose and were broken down into raw materials Inspired Elements in buildings and developments which are used to make new ones, while reusing is that will depend on geographical location and simple to use an item again ( for the same function climate. Since the building is qualified as C2C or for a different one) after it has been used [10]. depending on the quantity of incorporated Inspired For a product to meet minimum Elements, these can be considered as steps on the requirements in the Cradle to Cradle Certified way to Cradle to Cradle buildings [13]. program it has to follow the guidelines: must not contain chloroprene, PVC or other related chemicals at any concentration; all materials and chemicals 3 Current Situation must be assessed in order to have a non-existent As seen from figure 4 the principles of C2C are toxicity level to human and environment; a strategy attuned to the ICOMOS legislation. The first step in

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built cultural heritage protection according to are brought forward and the C2C criteria for built ICOMOS is to define the value of the cultural environment are defined. heritage, and according to C2C is to define the value to be added. The next step is to do an inventory (C2C), record current physical conditions (ICOMOS) and both of which require involvement of the community.

Fig. 5 Research methodology

Fig. 4 ICOMOS and C2C concept compatibility The second part of the research – Current situation – compares ICOMOS and Cradle to Cradle requirements, formulates the problem and suggests a Basically, the goals and strategies needs to solution for built cultural heritage conservation be set, a plan based on available resources is to be enhancement. designed and the plan has to implemented through a In the third part, Future Facilitator, the integrated holistic approach. The tools also show connections ICOMOS + C2C approach is described and the – reuse instead of demolishing, preference of local guidelines for cultural built heritage conservations materials and techniques, preserve and/or support are developed. cultural value/diversity.

Vernacular architecture employs natural local materials and techniques, thus the problem arises only when a built cultural heritage is 5 Future Facilitator conserved by reconstruction and modern techniques This chapter introduces a new integrated approach and materials are introduced [14]. Therefore, with to build cultural heritage conservation – ICOMOS + the integrated ICOMOS + C2C cultural heritage C2C. conservation approach a building, fabric or built environment will be considered as a product consisting of materials and attributes with their ingredients. This will facilitate more detailed documentation of the physical condition of the built environment, its materials and pathways, and selection of the new materials and techniques to be introduced.

4 Research Methodology The research methodology shown in figure 5 is designed on a linear process, and includes three parts – Present facilitator ICOMOS & C2C, Current situation analyses, and Future facilitator (ICOMOS + C2C). The first part describes ICOMOS and Cradle to Cradle concepts, wherein the definitions and Fig. 6 C2C concepts for built environment requirements for built cultural heritage conservation

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As seen in figure 6 according to the Cradle to Cradle principles a built product should form a With the integrated ICOMOS + C2C approach to full cycle starting from materials a built cultural heritage conservation the building harvesting/extraction through (product) is not demolished or recycled, but reused. manufacturing/building and usage/occupancy, and A careful attention is paid to the product materials finishing the cycle by materials decomposition. and features ingredients, materials pathways (Fig.7). Therefore, the suggested integrated approach When restoration is required for conservation, assumes that built cultural heritage is considered as product attributes materials and constructing a product consisting of materials and attributes techniques inventory, is implemented. Materials’ containing diverse ingredients. pathways are traced and materials ingredients are

listed, and C2C inspired elements are identified. For

product and its attributes renovation only C2C 5.1 ICOMOS + C2C for built cultural materials and finishes (plaster, dies, lacquers, heritage protection polishers, sealants, etc.) are selected. As previously mentioned, vernacular architecture employs local techniques and natural materials in construction. Materials may vary depending on locality and could be listed as: a) timber, stone, mud bricks, etc. for foundations and walls; b) compacted earth, pebbles and timber for floors; c) timber or multi-layered structures (timber, branches, mud plaster, etc) for roofs; d) lime stone or mud plaster for wall/floors/ceiling finishes; e) wood, palm fronds, rattan, bamboo and home woven textile for furnishings and accessories. The indoor thermal comfort was facilitated by passive design (optimum insulation, use the building mass within the insulated shell, fresh air is introduced and stale air exhausted by a ventilation system, orientation to the south, carefully planned internal zoning, integrated Fig.8 Pathways of renewable and non-renewable design) [15]. All construction materials comply materials applied in buildings reconstruction with C2C concepts and they are either biodegradable, either reusable or recyclable. When for built cultural heritage conservation purpose a reconstruction with the introduction of new materials and attributes is suggested, recycled salvaged from other places attributes within the same locality are used. In case when new modern attributes and materials are introduced, it should be done using the same as or similar to original ingredients which will also comply only with C2C concepts. The introduced materials must not contain chloroprene, PVC or other related chemicals at any concentration. In order to ensure a non-existent toxicity level to human and environment, the assessment of all materials and chemicals is required. Only compounds which can be defined as technical nutrients that can be recycled and biological nutrients that can be composted can be introduced [10]. This will ensure the full cycle of the Fig. 7 C2C concepts integration into built cultural conserved product from Cradle to Cradle and will heritage protection enhance the built cultural heritage value (Fig.8).

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5.2 Guidelines for Integrated approach on heritage assessment; b) Invite local traditional built cultural heritage conservation builders; c) Consult local craftsmen. Step 1 - The first step in integrated conservation - To minimize the impact on building significance. approach is - understanding building significance Strategies: a) Decide Restoration or and identification of C2C inspired elements – where Reconstruction; b) If Reconstruction – with or the built cultural heritage is preliminarily identified, without the introduction of new materials; c) If and then the documentary, oral and physical Reconstruction with or without the introduction of information sufficient to understand its significance modern materials or techniques. is gathered. And finally the cultural heritage is - To execute detailed inventory of attributes and assesses and a statement of its significance is materials. prepared. Strategies: a) List all attributes; b) List each attribute For example a building is recognized to be material; c) Identify materials pathways; d) Identify vernacular and of cultural significance by a) a and list each material ingredients. manner of building shared with the community; b) - To develop a conservation policy. a recognizable local or regional character responsive Strategies: a) Identify obligations arising from to the environment; c) coherence of style, form and significance; b) Involve local community – citizens, appearance, or the use of traditionally established authorities, industry, funders. building types; d) traditional expertise in design and - To identify options and test their impact on construction which is transmitted informally; e) an significance. effective response to functional, social and Strategies: a) In case of reconstruction with the environmental constraints; f) the effective introduction of new materials make sure there are application of traditional construction systems and similar and the same value salvaged components, crafts [14]. Building assessment is then executed, attributes or materials; b) In case of reconstruction and a statement of building cultural significance is with the introduction of modern materials and prepared. techniques select materials with the ingredients The integration of C2C in this step: Since similar to the original one and that comply with vernacular architecture usually employs local C2C requirements; c) Select a technique than will natural materials and construction techniques, here not diminish built cultural heritage significance; d) are preliminary identified building’s C2C Inspired Ensure the modern selected materials are locally Elements (materials and pathways, materials available; e) Ensure the new techniques can ingredients, and features and construction executed by the local builders. techniques). - To prepare a statement of conservation policy: Step 2 - The second step is - developing cultural Strategies: a) communicate the conservation policy significance policy and stating the intentions – while to the stakeholders. considering owner/management needs the decision The integration of C2C in second step is crucial is made to conserve the building by and will ensure that selected materials not only adaptation/reuse. match the original but are also recyclable or For example, residential building can remain as a decomposable and long lasting. C2C also integrates residence or can be given another compatible use. innovative partnership, funders, and stakeholders’ External factors that might affect building opinion into conservation process. significance and its physical conditions are Step 3 – Managing the conservation plan. At this identified. The plan of its conservation is prepared, step the conservation process is managed in where the goals, objectives and strategies are stated. accordance to the conservation policy prepared Thus the goal is to conserve by adaptation, the during the second step, starting with building objectives: restoration or reconstruction and finishing with its - To reuse or compatible use. future maintenance. During this stage a conservation Strategies: a) Collaborate with building’s owner, manager and project supervisor are nominated; the community and local authority; b) Consider local, role of local community is identified; local builders, regional and country legislations; c) Reflect the craftsmen and materials’ suppliers are selected; in association of the place. case of reconstruction experienced consultants and - To assess residence physical condition. executers with the experience in reconstruction with Strategies: a) Involve experts in built cultural modern materials introduction are engaged. The

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whole conservation process is monitored, and 1994. recorded prior to any changes being executed. [5] Bergman D., 2012, Sustainable Design. A C2C principles introduce the integration of Critical Guide, New York: Princeton innovative experienced contractors, and Architectural Press, 2012, pp.18-21. stakeholders’ partnership to the third step of the [6] McDonough W., Braungart M., Cradle to conservation process. Cradle. Remaking the Way We Make Things. North Point Press NY, 2002. [7] Mulhall D., Braungart M., Cradle To Cradle® 6 Conclusion Criteria for the Built Environment, Ekonomiaz, Built cultural heritage diversity exists in time and Vol. 3, No 75, 2010, pp. 122-132. space, and demands respect for other cultures and [8] Zargar N, 2014, Leed V4 + Cradle To Cradle. all aspects of their belief systems. The appreciation Analyses of the Challenges for the and successful protection of the vernacular heritage Implementation of LEED V4 + Cradle to Cradle depends on community’s involvement and support, Criteria on Selected LEED 2009 Platinum Rated and continuous use and maintenance [4]. ICOMOS Office Buildings in India, Master Thesis, legislations stimulate vernacular and cultural Stuttgart: University of Applied Science, 2014 heritage protection. Hence, when the C2C principles [9] Beney J., Attia S., Andersen M., Application of are incorporated into this process, the buildings and the Cradle to Cradle Paradigm to a Housing other infrastructure elements are created in a way, Unit in Switzerland: Findings from a prototype where anything that would otherwise have resulted design, PLEA2013 - 29th Conference, in waste is conceived as a nutrient for other Sustainable Architecture for a Renewable technical or biological processes. Built Future, Munich, Germany, 2013. environment’s C2C features support cultural and [10] Stanica R., Cradle to Cradle – Fully Recyclable conceptual diversity as well as biodiversity and Reusable Modular Buildings, Dissertation, providing habitat for flora and fauna [11]. It is not Via University College, Horsens Denmark, possible to integrate in conservation process the 2013. Cradle to Cradle principles entirely, but even the [11] Ankrah N. A., Manu E., Hammond F. N., application of C2C inspired elements is a step Awuah K. G. B., Tannahill K., Beyond toward Cradle to Cradle built cultural heritage [13]. Sustainable Buildings: Eco-Efficiency To Eco- Effectiveness Through Cradle-To-Cradle Design, Sustainable Building Conference, Acknowledgments Coventry University, 2013. The author would like to express her gratitude to [12] De Westerlo B. V., Halman J. I. M., Dhofar University for supporting and facilitating Durmisevic E., Translate the Cradle to Cradle this research and for funding the publication of this Principles for a Building, 2012. paper and participation on 4th NAUN International [13] Mulhall D., Braungart M., Hansen K., How to Conference on Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Plan a Big Beneficial Footprint. Guide to Heritage. She would also like to thank her daughter innovation tools for Cradle-to-Cradle – Liubna for producing the art works for diagrams. inspired value for building developments, PhD Faculty and Research, The Netherlands: Erasmus University. [14] ICOMOS, Charter on the Built Vernacular References: th [1] MacDonald A., How Cradle to Cradle Design Heritage, 12 General Assembly, October, Principles can be Implemented into Mexico,1999. Architectural Construction Methods and [15] De Westerlo B. V., 2011, Sustainable Designing for the Lifecycle of a Building, 2007, Development and The Cradle To https://intrepidarchitecture.files.wordpress.com. Cradle® Approach. A literature study of the [2] ICOMOS, 1999a, The Burra Chapter. Annual opportunities to apply the Cradle to Cradle® General Assembly, November: Australia, 1999. approach in the built environment, Enschede: [3] ICOMOS, Charter for the Conservation of University of Twente, 2011. Places of Cultural Heritage Value, Report, NEW ZEALAND, 4 October 1992. [4] ICOMOS, The Nara Chapter of Authenticity, Document of the Conference of Authenticity,

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