DISCOVERING PATTERNS OF DAMAGE AND CONSERVATION PRACTICE

Preservation and conservation of World Heritage are matters of international interest and demanding, complex tasks. Particularly in Nepal, where the Kathmandu Valleys World Heritage Property is endangered by recurring earthquakes the most recent one hit the region in 2015 challenging climatic conditions, inappropriate repairs, and lack of maintenance. Since decades, it has thus been a focus of Austrian research and restoration activities. The Patan Durbar Square, a unique and exceptional testimony of architectural variety and outstanding craftsmanship with monuments dating from the 16th to the 18th century, thereby always received particular attention. The planned research follows and builds on this tradition, going one step further. In the framework of a 3-year project the Institute of Conservation at the Austrian University of Applied Arts Vienna and the Nepalese Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust join forces to provide the scientific base for the sustainable preservation and management of Patans World Heritage. One aim is to gain a better understanding of the condition of the monuments built in brick, timber, and stone through the study of damage and decay patterns and the comprehensive assessment of risks, which threaten the cultural property. Thus, deterioration mechanisms and the most devastating damage factors to be tackled can be identified. But the project looks not only ahead and thinks about future conservation strategies; it also looks back and examines historic and current conservation measures. The effectiveness and sustainability of materials and methods in the challenging Nepalese environment are assessed, differences in conservation philosophies are traced and forgotten traditional preservation practices are uncovered and revived. At the same time, the role of craftsmanship and other forms of intangible cultural heritage, which is living and omnipresent in the Nepalese environment, with regard to conservation-restoration is examined. The interdisciplinary project brings together not only students, early-stage and senior researcher, but also conservators-restorers, architects, engineers, art historians, craftsmen, and traditional knowledge-bearers. An open mindset and constant lively exchange between all parties enable to benefit from the cultural diversity and offer opportunities for learning from each other and capacity building in the field of conservation on site. Preserving World Heritage is practically a mission impossible, if it is not supported and carried by the local community and wider public. Thus, the project pays particular attention to broad media coverage, production of films and documentaries, participation at research events and exhibitions as well as open discussions. These efforts raise not only awareness for the vulnerability of Nepalese built cultural heritage on a local and international level but create a broader understanding for the need of further conservation scientific research.

The four-year research project "Discovering Patterns of Damage and Conservation Practice" built on decades of Austrian-Nepalese collaboration dedicated to preserving the World Heritage Site of Patan. The monuments and artworks on the Darbar Square there comprise a unique and exceptional testimony of architectural variety and outstanding craftsmanship in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. Its aim was to establish a solid scientific foundation for the sustainable conservation of the unique monuments and artworks at Darbar Square. A key focus was the analysis and deeper understanding of local porous building materials such as natural stones, adobe bricks, and historic mortars and renders. Samples collected on site were examined using advanced methods and existing material characterisations were refined and complemented - essential knowledge for future restoration efforts. Another major outcome was the systematic review and open-access publication of conservation work carried out between 2009 and 2023 by the Institute of Conservation. In a region regularly affected by earthquakes and exposed to harsh environmental conditions, accessible documentation and its long-term archiving are crucial for heritage preservation and facilitate future conservation work. The project also assessed the effectiveness, local applicability and compatibility, and sustainability of conservation methods under real-life conditions. This involved condition assessments based on visual inspections of 31 conserved cultural heritage objects and interviews with local experts and craftsmen. Results were then interpreted together with Nepalese research partners. The overall condition of restored objects is rated good to very good; conservation methodologies can continue to be applied and further developed. Though challenges remain - particularly in sourcing suitable materials like binding agents for mineral mortars; also, knowledge and skills needed for processing and applying these materials are lacking despite of regularly offered training activities and manuals. Similarly, the question of how regular care and maintenance, supported by the local community, can be sustainably ensured remains a topic for further research. In addition, the project explored the role of living heritage - including traditional craftsmanship and religious use - in shaping conservation decisions. Active use often requires more extensive changes, repairs or replacements to ensure stability, safety, and functionality; the use of enlivened objects in religious practice requires completeness and integrity. Further, factors that influence whether and to what extent material is preserved or building component and decorative elements are renewed or reproduced using artisanal approaches were identified. Findings were continuously shared through lectures, publications, and the international symposium "Reflecting Conservation Forward", which featured specialists (Austria, Germany and Nepal) in the field of cultural heritage preservation in Nepal. A key outcome is the open-access book "PATAN" published in 2025, which offers broad insights into heritage conservation in Nepal, highlighting local approaches alongside academic principles of conservation.