Cooke, L.; (2008) Approaches to the conservation and management of earthen architecture in archaeological contexts. Doctoral thesis , University of London.

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Abstract

This thesis investigates approaches to the conservation and management of earthen architecture. Earthen architecture is studied as a class of material, found worldwide, that shares similar properties, maintenance needs and conservation requirements. The similarities associated with earthen architecture make the comparative study of approaches to the material in contexts of use, maintenance, repair, abandonment, conservation, and restoration, valid as a means to reflect upon and assess approaches to conservation. This thesis seeks to understand these approaches to earthen architecture through the collation of a dataset at global, regional and site levels. The dataset documents the approaches, materials and techniques utilised for the conservation of earthen architecture around the world, and with particular reference to the study area - Iran, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. The different approaches to conservation and management are critiqued in relation to their practical effectiveness, relationship to conservation theory, values of earthen architecture and sustainability. This thesis uses the identification of the materials and techniques used for the conservation and management of earthen architecture as a means to understand, articulate and explore attitudes and approaches to the building material, within the context of wider conservation and heritage theory. By doing so this thesis seeks to understand the notion of 'difference' in approaches to the conservation and management of earthen architecture. The transferable framework for earthen architecture identified by this thesis is significant as it suggests a more sustainable approach to the conservation and management of earthen architecture. This aspirational framework is concerned with both the practical issues of 'what we do', and the understanding of 'why we do it' within the context of conservation and heritage theory. The thesis is submitted in two volumes, with the second volume containing appendices of supporting data referred to in the main text.

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