COVERED BRIDGES IN TAISHUN: REPORTING FROM THE NEW FRONTIERS OF RESTORATION

ZHENG QIAN; HU SHI

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Complete Paper

Summary

Paper Title

COVERED BRIDGES IN TAISHUN: REPORTING FROM THE NEW FRONTIERS OF RESTORATION

Authors

ZHENG QIAN
HU SHI

Modality

Abstract

Subject area

4. Contemporary Challenges in Heritage Discourse - A critical examination of the state of the art in heritage discussions, considering the evolving perspectives and challenges that have emerged since the inception of the Venice Charter. Examining the relevance of the Venice Charter in the current context, with a focus on challenges posed by the Western divide between nature and culture, the growing importance of metropolises, social inequities, the environmental impact of human activities, disasters and conflicts, among others.

Publishing Date

11/04/2025

Country of Publishing

Brazil | Brasil

Language of Publishing

Inglês

Paper Page

https://www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/845259-covered-bridges-in-taishun--reporting-from-the-new-frontiers-of-restoration

ISBN

978-65-272-1284-3

Keywords

heritage discourse, Taishun covered bridges, authenticity, cultural identity, boundaries between restoration and reconstruction

Summary

The Taishun covered bridges, significant cultural relics in Zhejiang China, succumbed to the ravages of Typhoon Meranti in 2016. These bridges have traditionally been designed to harmonize with the region’s geography and climate, having a legacy of reconstruction following calamities. Highlighted in the “Analysis of Case Studies in Recovery and Reconstruction” in 2021, the post-typhoon salvage operation, while commendable, revealed the intricate line between restoration and reconstruction. This paper assesses the restoration process from a contemporary perspective, intertwining the challenges faced with the evolving discourse on heritage conservation in China, particularly in light of the Venice Charter’s principles. It first examines the ethical and technical aspects of restoration, focusing on the salvage efforts, the limitations of documentation, and the continuation of traditional construction methods. It then addresses the conflict between preserving authenticity and the necessity for structural integrity to safeguard against future disasters. The restoration’s approach, as seen through the Venice Charter, illustrates the balance between the physical authenticity of materials and the cultural importance of heritage. The discussion broadens to consider the restoration’s broader impact within China, where the Venice Charter’s principles are adapted to local wooden architecture, influencing the evolving conservation frontier. The project is a case study of how discourse in China has begun to embrace a more expansive view of restoration, one that acknowledges the role of heritage beyond physical preservation, focusing on community engagement and the cultivation of cultural identity. In conclusion, the Taishun covered bridges project underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of restoration that goes beyond material authenticity to encompass the cultural and social significance of heritage. It calls for a forward-looking approach that integrates the lessons from the past with the evolving trends in heritage conservation, as influenced by the Venice Charter and the dynamic discussions within China’s heritage community.

Title of the Event: ICOMOS SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM 2024
City of the Event: Ouro Preto
Title of the Proceedings of the event: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings
Name of the Publisher: Even3
Means of Dissemination: Meio Digital

How to cite

QIAN, ZHENG; SHI, HU. COVERED BRIDGES IN TAISHUN: REPORTING FROM THE NEW FRONTIERS OF RESTORATION.. In: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings. Anais...Ouro Preto(MG) Convention Center / UFOP/ UFMG Campus, 2024. Available in: https//www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/845259-COVERED-BRIDGES-IN-TAISHUN--REPORTING-FROM-THE-NEW-FRONTIERS-OF-RESTORATION. Access in: 30/06/2025