Memoria y Lineamientos del II Taller Sobre Implementación de Cubiertas Arquitectónicas en Contextos Arqueológicos

At archaeological sites, repeated exposure to the elements contribute to the gradual but persistent loss of archaeological and artistic remains. In many cases the only option for long-term protection is the installation of protective covers, which, if not designed correctly, can bring additional complications to the sites, and even accelerate damage by creating harsh microclimates around the elements to be preserved.

Each site has different requirements and limitations, although, it is possible to develop some basic criteria for the design and construction of shelters in dry or wet climates that could be applicable to other similar sites with certain modifications. Based on this premise, WMF organized an international workshop on protective covers for archaeological sites in Palenque, Chiapas, in 2009. The workshop gathered Mexican and international experts in archaeology, conservation, design, tourism, and site management, to discuss the issues concerning the design and construction of shelters for archaeological sites in general, but with a particular focus on Mexico. The discussions and proposals presented at the six-day workshop have been compiled in the publication “Memorias y Lineamientos del Taller Sobre Implementación de Cubiertas Arquitectónicas en Contextos Arqueológicos.”

Building on the 2009 workshop, World Monuments Fund organized a second International Workshop in 2011, hosted by the National University of Trujillo, Peru, and the National Institute for Anthropology and History in Mexico. International field specialists convened during the four-day workshop in Trujillo, Peru, which also included site visits to Huaca del Sol and Huaca de la Luna, Chan Chan, and Huaca Cao. Participants came from Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, France, Italy, Bolivia, and Colombia. The proceedings of this workshop have been compiled in the publication “Memoria y Lineamientos del II Taller Sobre Implementación de Cubiertas Arquitectónicas en Contextos Arqueológicos.”