The partnership will launch an international course on the conservation of earthen architecture

Abu Dhabi, 24 September 2017 – Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), reflecting common goals and joint collaboration in the fields of preservation and conservation, and specifically offering training in the conservation of earthen architecture. The agreement was signed by HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of Department of Culture and Tourism, and Susan MacDonald, Head of Buildings and Sites of the Getty Conservation Institute.

In many regions of the world, including the UAE, earth has traditionally been used as a construction material to build houses and public buildings. In Al Ain, for example -  home to many UNESCO-inscribed heritage sites - houses, forts and mosques have been built in earth. Although these significant sites have been protected and preserved, earthen structures around the world are unfortunately disappearing due to abandonment, demolition, and replacement with modern materials. To save this important heritage, training is needed in the conservation and restoration of earthen buildings.

Building on the good conservation practice implemented by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism on the earthen sites of Al Ain and using the expertise of the Getty Conservation Institute, the main aim of the MoU is to launch an international course on the Conservation of Earthen Architecture in 2018 for the first time in the MENA region for architects, engineers, conservationist, heritage managers, and archaeologists who work with earthen buildings and archaeological sites.

The International Course on the Conservation of Earthen Architecture (EAC 18) will take place next year (2018) in Al Ain. The course reflects advances in practice, science, and technology for the conservation and rehabilitation of earthen sites, buildings and structures. Led by local and international experts, participants will use Al Ain as an open air laboratory to learn practical, hands-on methods for preserving earth buildings and archaeological sites. Course topics include documentation and recording, materials analysis, condition assessment and diagnosis, as well as conservation methods ranging from emergency structural interventions to rehabilitation, adaptive re-use, and long-term maintenance.

Commenting on the signing, HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of The Department of Culture and Tourism said: “Our partnership with the Getty Conservation Institute will further enhance the preservation efforts of invaluable cultural sites that the Department of Culture and Tourism seeks to encourage. This course will be the first of its kind in the region, and is in line with our focus on protecting and conserving the Emirate’s historical sites and traditions of the past. Through initiatives such as this we set out to nurture and foster innovative forms of knowledge transfer and cultural cooperation and to establish Abu Dhabi’s position as a beacon for cultural experience and exchange.”

With a long-term vision in mind, and through the sharing of resources, both parties will develop the curriculum for the course and foster the communication and the exchange of knowledge with participants and professionals, nationally and internationally.

“Our aim is to bring together regional professionals who are working in the field of architecture, engineering, urban planning, archaeology and other sciences such as geosciences to promote best practice in the conservation of earthen architecture,” said Jeanne Marie Teutonico, Associate Director at the Getty Conservation Institute.

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About The Department of Culture & Tourism
The Department of Culture & Tourism conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction that enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike.  The Department manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment.  Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.  The Department of Culture & Tourism supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage.  A key role played by the Department is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.  

About Getty Conservation Institute 
The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) is a private, nonprofit institution that works internationally to advance conservation practice in the visual arts—broadly interpreted to include objects, collections, architecture, and sites. The Institute serves the conservation community through scientific research, education and training, field projects, and the dissemination of information. In all its endeavors, the GCI creates and delivers knowledge that contributes to the conservation of the world's cultural heritage. 

© Press Release 2017