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Introduction
The world heritage structures are an immense wealth and treasure for human beings. It is a critical component of national success because it is an untouchable basis for sustaining historical memory and national identity. Even though it presumably can increase environmental, economic, and even social value, in the face of increasing threats to degradation, such as aging, weathering, and use deterioration, the conservation of heritage has never been more pressing. As the 21st century placed heritage preservation issues under the limelight of growing urbanisation and global warming, this collection of essays calls for a reconsideration of our architectural heritage and emphasises the key role of conservation in the process of a technologically advanced, sustainable future. The editor, Professor Mohamed Marzouk (2023) of the Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University, says that the main aim of this book is to present a comprehensive picture of the sustainable conservation of historic buildings by determining the factors influencing the preservation, performance in use, and maintenance of historic buildings and the application of new techniques and technologies. It accomplishes this with great success.
The book consists of a 153-page volume and is structured into seven chapters. Reflecting ongoing scholarly discourse on managing contemporary cultural heritage, the subject matter discussed in this comprehensive book is about diverse methodologies and case studies on the conservation of heritage buildings from Egypt (Chapter 3) involving sustainable practices and digital modeling across contexts. Marzouk starts by discussing the role of scientific approaches in ascertaining the sustainability of heritage buildings and offers a framework for integrating conservation efforts into overall sustainability goals. The book argues that heritage buildings are not only cultural assets but also potential contributors to economic and environmental sustainability if managed accordingly.
Nonetheless, as conservation projects evolve, new questions arise: How can we balance modernisation against the need for the preservation of cultural identity? Ought the progress of technology to prioritise sustainability over historical context? To what extent should resources from the state be committed towards conservation when urban demands compete? What ethical guidelines will underpin conservation practice when resources for conservation activities are limited? These questions challenge the existing practice of conservation and require the policymaker, conservationist, and community to reform their practice for the adaptation of sustainable practice for the conservation of historical places.
Continues in Chap. 2, it carries out a science mapping analysis of sustainable heritage buildings, revealing the main research themes and trends over the last two decades (2002–2022). It identifies the primary fields of scholarly attention, such as thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and energy retrofit measures. The article consolidated evidence from 90 peer-reviewed research articles into research clusters to demonstrate how conservation, diagnosis, adaptive reuse, and energy optimisation are utilised within the sustainable management of heritage buildings. The article emphasises the role of digital approaches and bibliometric analysis in analysing the way that global research trends shape conservation approaches.
Marzouk discusses the parameters that affect the conservation and preservation of historic structures in Egypt in Chaps. 3. It introduces the MIHB as an organised framework to measure the current condition and extent of deterioration of historic structures. With the application of the AHP, the chapter identifies principal factors impacting heritage conservation, like structural condition, effects of the environment, and maintainability. A case study of Makram Ebeid Villa is undertaken to show the application of MIHB to conservation prioritisation, offering a good framework for decision-makers in heritage conservation (Bullen and Love 2011, 411–421). The chapter also juxtaposes MIHB with other methodologies available, such as condition assessment indices and predictive maintenance models, to highlight its relevance in adaptive heritage conservation. It turns out this was a dimensionless coefficient that assesses the level of deterioration of a heritage building so that different buildings can be compared. It is distinct from qualitative inspection-based condition assessment indices in that it involves systematic weighting of the parameters with the AHP and offers a data-driven methodology.
Predictive maintenance models, on the other hand, utilise real-time monitoring and artificial intelligence-based diagnostics to forecast failures before they occur. Although predictive models provide a responsive and dynamic approach, MIHB is more suitably applied to long-term conservation planning through the categorisation of buildings into five condition grades (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Poor, and Very Poor). This is important in shaping resource allocation and prioritising works of maintenance. This chapter shows how MIHB accurately pinpoints buildings that need urgent intervention compared to traditional condition indices that often fail to identify structural weaknesses. It further discusses the integration of remote sensing data and AI-based damage detection systems, demonstrating how digital solutions enhance the accuracy and efficiency of MIHB applications.
Spanning across Chapters 4 and 5, it is concerned with digital documentation and modeling techniques, such as HBIM’s application. It tackles advanced conservation tools such as LIDAR, photogrammetry, and virtual reality that enable precise documentation and assessment of heritage buildings. It also discusses the application of AI-driven predictive maintenance and the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration in optimising the management of heritage buildings. This paper explores the possibility of using advancements in technology like LIDAR, photogrammetry, and virtual reality to enhance documentation and preservation of cultural heritage buildings. These technologies allow accurate capturing of architectural and structural details and thereby enhance planning and management processes in conservation programs. The authors mention that digital documentation supports not only preservation but also public engagement and education by offering interactive and accessible representations of heritage sites.
One more important chapter of the book is its coverage in Chapter 4 of the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. The chapter explores how heritage buildings can be adapted for new uses without compromising their heritage value. Case studies illustrate how adaptive reuse can deliver urban regeneration and sustainable development through reconciliation of conservation imperatives and functional needs of today. He believes that heritage building reuse can encapsulate urban sprawl, reduce building waste, and foster greater cultural continuity. This is consistent with international practice in heritage management, where conservation is coming to be seen as a dynamic and integrative instead of a static process (Mısırlısoy and Günçe 2016, 91–98). It also deals with policy issues on adaptive reuse, such as fiscal limitations, regulatory obstacles, and how public-private partnerships can help ensure the sustainability of conservation efforts.
Performance efficiency of heritage buildings, and in particular, energy efficiency is discussed in Chaps. 6. As a reaction to the growing emphasis on sustainability, the book explores various methods of optimising the energy efficiency of heritage buildings without compromising their inherent cultural value. These encompass passive design measures, retrofitting methods, and the incorporation of sustainable materials. The authors acknowledge the challenge of integrating modern energy-efficient technologies into historic buildings without compromising architectural integrity, calling for the delivery of expert solutions that maintain architectural heritage. The chapter also discusses LCA strategies for conducting assessments of the long-term environmental consequences of conservation interventions on heritage buildings.
Described in Chaps. 7, the book also discusses the role played by machine learning and AI when assessing the deterioration of historical buildings. This discussion points towards the use of predictive analytics and computer simulations for forecasting the impacts of global warming upon historical structures for the purpose of proactive intervention measures. Most significant is the use of artificial intelligence for conservation work, given its ability to provide automated assessment for the damages, structural analysis, and deterioration of building materials, thus bringing forth innovative opportunities for the preservation of the buildings for the future.
A notable strength of this book is its interdisciplinary nature, achieved by incorporating diverse analytical frameworks and methodologies from architecture, engineering, environmental science, and heritage studies. For instance, it employs the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) from engineering for decision-making, integrates digital modeling techniques such as HBIM from architecture and computer science, and draws upon sustainability assessments rooted in environmental science. This convergence of disciplines enables a more holistic and practical approach to heritage conservation by establishing a sound strategy that balances technical precision with cultural values. In this context, the supportive nature of conservation frameworks for the conservation of the heritage is highlighted by Marzouk, along with the need for stricter regulations and incentives for the adoption of best practices. Additionally, the study is useful for demonstrating the applicability of theoretical models for conservation professionals, thus facilitating the connection by readers between theoretical study and concrete conservation practice. In addition, the merging of innovations through the use of the internet and the traditional conservation practice ensures the conservation of the heritage is not only sustainable but also flexible for the changes in future technologies and policies.
While the work is a valuable contribution to academia and professional practice alike, the work is not entirely free from limitations. One main shortcoming is its overreliance upon cases from Egypt, informative though these cases may be, potentially limiting the wider applicability of its conclusions when placed in the context of the international arena. Broadening the geographical context by including multiple cases from various geographical and culture-specific backgrounds could potentially have enriched the discussion and revealed deeper insights into the pitfalls and solutions to conservation work. In addition, even though the book thoroughly discusses the computable tools and metrics relevant to the measurement of sustainability, the work could also have discussed the socioeconomic implications of conservation, especially their impacts upon local populations and economic progress.
Within the context of global discussions, framed as an East–West dialogue, on how heritage should be preserved, this book offers a valuable contribution by integrating traditional conservation techniques, such as material-based restoration and culturally rooted architectural practices, with modern technological tools including AI-driven diagnostics, HBIM, and remote sensing. This balanced approach acknowledges the value of historically grounded methods prevalent in many Eastern contexts while embracing technological advancements commonly associated with Western conservation strategies. By doing so, the book bridges different conservation philosophies and offers a model for culturally sensitive yet technologically progressive heritage preservation. This viewpoint is also reflective of international debates about the balance between historical conservation and the demands for urban development and modernisation. In addition, the emphasis on digital strategy reflects larger trends in the study of the heritage, where the advancement of the technology is increasingly shaping conservation practice.
In summation, the work explicated under the subheading Heritage Building Conservation: Sustainable and Digital Modelling is the culmination of exhaustive investigation and intellectually rewarding work providing for the very first time complete analysis of contemporary conservation practice. Strong emphasis is placed upon the adoption of the use of digital recording processes, the adoption of the practice of sustainability, and the advancement of interdisciplinary competencies, thus contributing extensively towards the field. This study has great applicability for academics, conservation professionals, town planners, and property developers keen on incorporating conservation methodology into wider frameworks for sustainability. In addition, this work aims to establish interfaces for traditional conservation practice and the latest innovative tools provided by the progress of computer engineering, thus bringing forth the potential future for building conservation and adaptive reuse.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) for sponsoring our master's studies.
Authors’ contributions
The authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Funding
Lembaga Pengelolaan Dana Pendidikan (LPDP).
Data availability
Not applicable.
Declarations
Ethics approval and consent to participate
Not applicable.
Consent for publication
Not applicable.
Competing interests
The authors declares that they have no competing interests.
Abbreviations
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Artificial Intelligence
Analytical Hierarchy Process
Augmented Reality
Building Information Modelling
Historic Building Information Modelling
Life Cycle Assessment
Light Detection and Ranging
Maintainability Index of Heritage Buildings
Virtual Reality
Publisher’s Note
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References
Bullen, P.A., and P.E.D. Love. 2011. Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings. Structural Survey 29 (5):411–421. https://doi.org/10.1108/02630801111182439.
Marzouk, M. 2023. Heritage building conservation: Sustainable and digital modelling. London: Routledge.
Mısırlısoy, D., and K. Günçe. 2016. Adaptive reuse strategies for heritage buildings: A holistic approach. Sustainable Cities and Society 26:91–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2016.05.017.
Copyright Springer Nature B.V. Dec 2025