Architectural Restoration: What is it? What are the Solutions?

Every historical building that has survived from the past to the present is a valuable document reflecting the knowledge, art, and power of its era. However, the corrosive effects of time, disasters, and inadequate interventions can diminish the strength of this precious heritage. This is precisely where Architectural Restoration Solutions come into play.

As Yükselen Architectural Firm, we focus not only on repairing a structure but also on preserving its spirit and story, enabling it to be carried into the future with greater strength. Technically, what does Architectural Restoration offer, and what exactly does this process encompass?

Architectural Restoration: A Strategy for Safely Carrying the Historical Document into the Future

Restoration, in its most fundamental and technical definition, is the preservation and repair of an old, historical, and authentic artifact in accordance with its original state, utilizing its original materials and original construction techniques, and through the minimum possible intervention.

This approach goes beyond the physical repair of a building to remain faithful to its initial condition. Restoration aims to preserve and enhance the cultural, historical, and aesthetic values that the structure carries. The fundamental goal is to extend the lifespan of historical buildings by strengthening their original identity. A new use is a tool for the structure's preservation. A new function given to a building should not include additions or alterations that would compromise the structural and spatial integrity of the artifact.

The Core Ethical Principles and Strategies of Restoration

The prerequisites for a successful restoration project are based on international and national conservation principles. These principles ensure that interventions are grounded in scientific and ethical foundations.

• Preserving the Historical Document: A cultural asset must be preserved not only as an artwork but also as a document of the social and economic life of the era to which it belongs.
• Evidence Based Decisions: Repair interventions must be based on definite documents and data; applications should not be carried out based on assumptions.
• Principle of Reversibility: Interventions necessary for preservation and use must be created with different qualities and techniques than the original structure. This approach supports the idea that the intervention, if necessary, can be reversed or modified in the future.
• Minimum Intervention: The goal of restoration is not to completely renovate the structure but to preserve it. Only necessary interventions should be made, and unnecessary additions should be avoided.

Types of Restoration: Customized Approaches Based on the Structure's Needs

Every historical structure presents a different story, a different damage status, and a different need for protection. Therefore, restoration works proceed with different approaches according to the structure's condition, historical value, and intended use:

• Preservation Restoration (Conservation): Aims to protect the existing condition and prevent further damage. For instance, it includes roof insulation and drainage solutions applied for the building's longevity.
• Strengthening Restoration (Consolidation): The process of reinforcing weakened structures with damaged load bearing systems. Techniques such as steel profiles, epoxy injection, or special mortars are used to improve the structure's statics.
• Renewal Restoration (Restitution): Aims to return the building to its original state from a specific period, in light of the available data. Additions and alterations that compromise its authenticity are removed.
• Reconstruction Restoration: The rebuilding of a demolished or extensively damaged structure according to its original form, provided there is sufficient data.
• Rehabilitation for New Function (Rehabilitation): Giving a historical building a new function that meets contemporary needs while preserving its original character. For example, transforming an old inn into a boutique hotel is carried out with this approach.

The Comprehensive Restoration Process: Step by Step Reliability and Result Orientation

A successful restoration project requires detailed research and meticulousness. The strategic steps we follow as Yükselen Architectural Firm are:

1. Documentation and Research (Survey   Rölöve): This forms the most critical foundation of restoration. The structure's current state is documented with laser scanning, photographs, and detailed drawings (Rölöve). The structure's history and its changes are researched in archives and old documents.
2. Damage Assessment and Analysis: All structural and material based problems in the building are identified. The extent and causes of the damage are analyzed with radar systems, thermal cameras, and laboratory analyses.
3. Project Design (Restoration Project): The Restoration Project is prepared in light of all the data and analyses obtained. This project consists of two main parts:
   • Interventions to be Carried Out on the Existing Structure: Elements to be preserved exactly, renewed, or completed are shown on the project; the repair material and technique to be used are specified in detail.
   • Completion and Interventions for New Use: Roof insulation, drainage systems, and the principles of the new use are shown in this section.
4. Application: The restoration project is implemented by a specialized team, including architects, restorers, engineers, and traditional craftsmen. Adherence to original materials and the use of traditional techniques are critical in this phase. Reversible methods are preferred during the application.

The Growing Importance of Architectural Restoration

Restoration goes beyond merely ensuring a building's survival; it offers significant cultural and economic opportunities.

• Transfer of Cultural Heritage to the Future: Historical buildings are valuable legacies carrying the traces of the past. Restoration allows these structures to be transferred to future generations as lessons and documents.
• Preservation of City Identity: The conservation of old buildings sustains the unique texture and historical identity of cities.
• Economic Strengthening and Tourism Opportunities: Restored historical areas attract great interest for tourism, revitalizing the regional economy.
• Sustainable Architectural Approach: Repairing and repurposing existing structures is a more environmentally friendly and sustainable approach compared to ground up construction processes.

As Yükselen Architectural Firm, we provide scientific and comprehensive solutions for your historical structures to fulfill this vital mission. With our expertise and experience, we preserve and strengthen your structure's original value and safely carry it into the future by adapting it to modern requirements.