The 3rd International Architectural Conservation Conference & Exhibition will take place from December 17-19, 2012. [1] The conference aims to explore how the concept of conservation has changed over time and how professionals can manage change and ensure the continuity of cultural traditions. [2] It will also seek to highlight the role of international organizations and governments in conservation, and exchange knowledge and experiences among local and international conservation organizations. [3] The conference will discuss policies, economics, cultural awareness, and management related to the conservation of cultural heritage and historic areas.

1. 3rd International Architectural Conservation
Conference & Exhibition
December 17-19, 2012
Introduction:
We live in a world that is continuously changing. These changes touch every aspect of our lives,
affecting our environment and the cities we live in as well as influencing our perception and
attitudes towards our own culture. Changes ha ve also shaped our approaches and practices of
conserving our historical monuments, urban fabric and our cultural landscape.
The present day concept of conservation of cultural heritage is a result of the process related to
the development of contemporary society, its values and its requirements. Our understanding of
cultural heritage is based on our scientific approaches and appreciation of documented human
achievement over time. It necessitates use of "critical judgment" aiming at the identification of the
object in its specific characteristic, the definition and the illustration of the particular values or the
significance that distinguish it and justify its safeguarding. This broad understanding in today's
society has led us to include and accept approaches that were previously rejected, as long as these
approaches contribute to maintaining the cultural significance. Today the term cultural resource is
a result of this evolution, and repair, maintenance, conservation and reconstruction are all
considered familiar approaches.
The main aim of this conference is to learn more about the notion of dynamic change in the
concept of conservation of cultural heritage and how this change is managed in our current day
practices and attitudes. Can we accept change as a positive impact? How do we mange it? Are we
able to direct change? What can we do as professionals, practitioners, and decision makers to
ensure continuity of tradition? How can we set our priorities to manage our historic
environments?

2. Aims:
1- To highlight the role of international organizations and governmental commitment in the
conservation of cultural property.
2- To explore and learn from the application of modern concepts in dealing with historical
zones and sites within the existing cities.
3- To study the impact of the urban and architectural policies of conservation on the
development of the city.
4- To exchange information, experiences and knowledge among the local and international
organizations dealing with the architectural conservation.
5- To highlight the successful experiences and best practices that included in the conservation
culture in various levels of education.
Proposed Themes
1- Policies, strategies and decision making in historic environment.
a. International standards and charters of protection of cultural heritage.
b. Ethics of conservation.
c. Assessment of conservation activities and programs.
d. Conservation principles out of conservation philosophies.
e. Best practices in designating and managing World Heritage
f. Legislative tools and policies for cultural heritage protection.
2- Economics of conservation and sustainable environment.
a. Economic crisis and challenges to urban conservation.
b. Heritage and tourism.
c. Promotion of cultural tourism.
d. Role of historic conservation in sustainable development.
3- Cultural development and awareness.
a. Cultural identity and its manifestation of heritage.

3. b. The role of museums and community outreach programs in cultural awareness.
c. Cultural heritage and media.
d. Decision making, cultural heritage educational policies and community.
4- Management of cultural heritage in historic areas.
a. New approaches and concepts in conservation of cultural heritage in historic cities.
b. Challenges and opportunities in conservation of historic areas.
c. Best practices of urban conservation.
d. The role of local organizations and governmental bodies in the revitalization of
historic centers.
5- Project implementation and practical aspects of urban conservation.
a. Regenerating public open spaces in historic areas.
b. Adaptive reuse and rehabilitation of historic areas
c. Design guidelines and planning measures.
d. Interior design solutions for historic buildings and authenticity of the place.
e. Technology and management of information.
Key dates
Announcement of the conference October 23, 2011
Deadlines for abstracts submission January 12, 2012
Notification of accepted abstracts February 23, 2012
Deadline for full text paper submission May 5, 2012
Responding to comments June 26, 2012
Final submission for full text paper August 30, 2012
Conference date December 17 -19, 2012