Architectural conservation describes the process through which the material, historical, and design integrity of immovable objects are prolonged through carefully planned interventions. The individual engaged in this pursuit is known as an architectural conservator. The field is closely allied with object or art conservation.

At the core of architectural conservation is a good understanding of materials science and preservation theory. Decisions of when and how to engage in an intervention are critical to the ultimate conservation of the immovable object. Ultimately, the decision is value based: a combination of artistic, contextual, and informational values are normally considered. In some cases, a decision to not intervene may be the most appropriate choice. The Materials Science Tetrahedron, which often also includes Characterization at the center Materials science is the multidisciplinary field relating the performance and function of matter in any and all applications to its micro, nano, and atomic-structure, and vice versa. ...

Architectural conservation is a subset of the field of historic preservation. In areas outside of North America, such as the U.K., architectural conservation may sometimes be synonymous with the much broader concept of historic preservation and its attendant relationship with planning, policy, and advocacy. Historic preservation is the theory and practice of creatively maintaining the historic built environment and controlling the landscape component of which it is an integral part. ...

In the United States, the American Institute for Conservation is the professional body representing practitioners of architectural conservation.

In Asia where many of the fast developing and redeveloping cities are facing the issue of protecting its built heritage, architectural conservation becomes synonymous with urban conservation.

In China, architectural conservation is often the means to the economic end of tourism development, and this highlights the importance of the management aspect of the building or site after it has been conserved.

External links

• Asian Academy for Heritage Management, an virtual institute under UNESCO Bangkok's Office of the Regional Advisor for Culture in Asia and the Pacific.

• Architectural Conservation Programme at The University of Hong Kong, a postgraduate professional programme that focuses on the management aspect of built-heritage conservation, particularly in the urban context of southern China and Southeast Asia.

• Cultural Heritage Management Programme in the School of Professional and Continuing Education at The University of Hong Kong, a postgraduate professional programme that focuses on the management of cultural heritage assets.