68 THE BUILDING CONSERVATION DIRECTORY 2025 CATHEDRAL COMMUNICATIONS prior to commencement of works. The challenge with working internationally, particularly if it is something you are not accustomed to, is to convey important information as clearly as possible with the lowest risk of losing any details during translation. Luckily, we live in a time where point cloud data can be easily exchanged and file formats can be opened by a variety of drafting software so heritage professionals around the world have little issue communicating in this format. However, in regard to text-based formats such as reports produced by surveyors or engineers, this can be more of a challenge. The building lexicon in the UK will likely differ greatly from that in Ukraine and in Arabic-speaking countries for example. There is no easy or quick solution to this, though even simple drawings and sketches identifying the constructional nature and identified defects can be extremely effective. Representing data numerically is also advised where possible. Archiving and sharing It is important that the information collected, as well as any reports generated, are stored and distributed responsibly. This includes contacting and disseminating records to local and national archives where relevant. As per the majority of commercial jobs here in the UK, authorisation should be sought prior to the sharing of any photos or publications online or in print. This is particularly relevant in countries at war as there may be an existing governmental policy explicitly stating that information about the extent of any damage caused by missile or drone attack should not be shared publicly. The famous phrase from world war two ‘loose lips sink ships’ is another statement that comes to mind here. SHARED HERITAGE AND SHARED GOALS We are incredibly lucky here in the UK to have so many world-class craftspeople, tradespersons, surveyors, architects, and engineers. We’re also lucky to have a planning framework and legal heritage protections which are well-developed, having been tested and improved on over several decades. The knowledge of this process; what has worked and what hasn’t, what policies were successful and which proved difficult to enforce, are all assets which we can share with new or emerging governments or departments, and with staff who have either been forced into this field to fill gaps in the work force or are currently working with limited resources and little to no experience. With some determination and resourcefulness, we have the capacity to really make a difference for individuals and groups around the world facing some truly unimaginable situations. Although heritage protection is not at the top of the priority list in many of these war-torn countries (and rightly so), it is so important that when these wars end enough cultural heritage remains to help these people reclaim their cultural identities and look back to their past to help rebuild their future. We can all play a part in helping them achieve this. Recommended Reading Bevan, Robert, The Destruction of Memory: architecture at war, Reaktion Books, London, 2006 BS 7913:2013 Guide to the Conservation of Historic Buildings Historic England, Understanding Historic Buildings: a guide to good recording practice, 2006 (2016) Historic England, Geospatial Survey Specifications for Cultural Heritage, 2024 United States Department of the Interior, Recording Historic Structures and Sites, HABS Guidelines 2008 MATTHEW AMIS is a specialist building surveyor and director of Six Heritage (see page 35). The author recording a bomb-damaged building, Western Ukraine, 2024
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzI0Mzk=