Risk Analysis and Preservation Strategies of Architectural Heritage

Dear Colleagues,

The conservation of architectural heritage has long been an element of research and study in various humanistic and scientific sectors, but in recent years the importance of understanding the connection between conservation and climate change has determined the importance of detailing the numerous risks to which an asset culture is exposed and how to assess their impact and counter them with a preventive conservation assessment. It is essential to determine and recognize the many risks, including natural disasters, urbanization, climate change and human impact. Risk analysis plays a vital role in understanding potential threats to architectural heritage, enabling the development of effective conservation strategies. This Special issue aims to explore the methodologies and approaches used in risk analysis for the architectural heritage and examine the various conservation strategies employed to mitigate the identified risks.

Point that could be addressed could be risk analysis, discussing the collection and analysis of data relating to architectural heritage sites. It emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches, combining architectural, historical and engineering skills, together with geographical and climatic factors, to assess risks accurately. Various risk assessment techniques and methodologies, such as vulnerability mapping, hazard identification and scenario-based modeling, may be considered, providing insights into identifying and prioritizing risks.

Furthermore, it will be possible to deepen the conservation strategies used to safeguard the architectural heritage. Among these, you will be able to explore a range of preventive, mitigating and reactive measures that can be used to minimize the impact of the identified risks. These strategies include, but are not limited to, structural strengthening, the use of advanced monitoring systems, adaptive reuse, and community engagement. The role of technology, such as remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) and building information modeling (BIM), in supporting risk management and conservation efforts may be discussed. Furthermore, the issues of a conservative approach with innovative materials can be taken into consideration with particular attention to the sustainability of the conservative approach with systems that take into consideration the health of the workers and the low environmental impact of the suggested treatments, within the parameters of Green Chemistry and Green Engineering.

Furthermore, it underlines the importance of integrated management plans that consider both tangible and intangible aspects of the built heritage and the importance of collaboration between stakeholders, including government bodies, heritage organisations, local communities and experts, in implementing of conservation strategies. In addition, the document may address the ethical dimensions of risk analysis and conservation, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive and sustainable approaches that balance conservation goals with contemporary needs.

Overall, the purpose of this special issue is to provide a comprehensive overview of risk analysis and conservation strategies for architectural heritage. By examining the methodologies and techniques used in risk assessment and exploring different conservation approaches, it aims to contribute to knowledge and offer insights to professionals, managers and researchers working for the sustainable preservation of architectural heritage.

Dr. Maria Laura Santarelli
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• risk analysis
• conservation
• remote sensing
• geographic information systems (GIS)
• building information modeling (BIM)
• architectural heritage
• restoration solution