Defining Criteria for Intervention in Earthen-Built Heritage Conservation

This article examines the criteria for the procedural process that is applied to prevent decay in earthen built heritage conservation, referred to as intervention. When defining criteria for intervention, it was necessary first to establish what needs are required to be addressed and then to define a methodology of intervention while considering indicators of quality and indicators of best practice. The aim is to contribute to a successful conservation approach, in order to better address threats. The research methodology of this investigation was based in a case study strategy using qualitative methods. Data were collected using documentary, questionnaire and interview methods from three sources, the case studies, the stakeholders and a selected group of international key-experts in earthen built heritage conservation. Seven key components were identified for the methodology of intervention and the criteria for intervention were examined through three types of approach: descriptive, evaluative, and prescriptive A serious lack of understanding was found among experts in conservation of the meaning and need for a methodology of intervention in conservation and the meaning or need for devising criteria for conservation intervention.