Maitreya Temple, Ladakh, India 

The heroic restoration of the Maitreya Temples complex in Ladakh, India sets a regional standard for conservation that combines grass-roots advocacy with the highest levels of technical excellence. The project has overcome tremendous challenges due to its remote location, precarious setting on a rocky outcrop undermined by erosion and years of neglect. The stabilization of the three temples and the conservation of the significant wall paintings were carried out on the basis of meticulous documentation using both traditional craftsmanship and modern science.  The sustained efforts by the Basgo Welfare Committee to underpin development with heritage conservation have placed culture at the centre of community revitalization; while the contributions of the local community, in terms of both skills and resources, have allowed for the safeguarding of an iconic, but endangered part of the heritage of the Himalayan region.

The Convocation Hall, Mumbai, India             

The restoration of the Convocation Hall of the University of Mumbai has demonstrated superb, interdisciplinary technical achievement that has elegantly renewed one of the city’s finest Victorian buildings. A rigorous technical study allowed for the thorough understanding of the building’s dilapidation and framed the subsequent conservation works. The project was marked by a tremendous attention to detail, which entailed a range of appropriate conservation methods and the sourcing of materials and decorative elements from around the country and from Europe, thereby retaining the material authenticity of the building.  This architectural jewel now stands beautifully restored at the centre of historic Mumbai as an example to be followed in other municipal projects and as model to be studied by the many future generations of students who will have the privilege of utilizing this inspiring space.
 

Altit Settlement, Gilgit, Pakistan

The rehabilitation of the Altit Settlement in Gilgit, Pakistan displays an exemplary approach to integrated heritage conservation that has ensured the safeguarding of the historic village setting along with the improvement of the quality of life of local residents. The investment in the improvement of the public realm through the upgrading of local infrastructure and the recovery of traditional social gathering spaces has resulted in widespread benefits to the residents, reinforced the unique character of the settlement’s physical form and revived the social structure of the village. The project has convincingly demonstrated the viability of vernacular buildings and settlements and revived the knowledge of traditional construction techniques, thereby allowing for the project’s long-term sustainability.
 

Galle Fort Hotel, Galle, Sri Lanka 

The carefully-considered transformation of an abandoned historic residential compound into a stylish luxury boutique hotel has evocatively captured the spirit of place of the colonial World Heritage fortified town of Galle. The restoration has been carried out with sensitivity to the historic fabric and the surrounding urban context, retaining the building’s modest scale and street façade. The removal of unsympathetic elements has revealed the original Dutch villa and its later English architectural influences, while the elegant interior design and modern additions have added new layers of meaning. The restoration was undertaken using local expertise and craftsmanship. The temporary adaptation of the hotel into an emergency shelter in the aftermath of the 2005 tsunami, and the subsequent contribution of the hotel to recovery of Galle through cultural tourism, have demonstrated the potential of such commercial ventures to contribute to community development in a historic urban heritage context.
 

The Bonython Hall, Adelaide, Australia 

The restoration of the Bonython Hall of the University of Adelaide is notable for its excellence in standard-setting technical achievement. The project exemplifies a model conservation process that has utilized a sophisticated and clearly articulated conservation management plan to guide the execution of complex technical works and set protocols for the long-term maintenance of the structure’s architectural and historic values. The university landmark has been given a new life through the consolidation of its Collegiate Gothic features and the unobtrusive upgrade of its building services, thereby ensuring its continued prominence in campus life and its iconic value throughout South Australia.

 

Lijiang Ancient Town, Yunnan, China 

The conservation of 174 traditional houses in the World Heritage site of Lijiang Ancient Town hallmarks a significant step forward in public-private efforts to safeguard vernacular heritage. Through a matching grants programme aimed particularly at underprivileged residents, the project has supported the upgrade of a historic townscape threatened by modern urban development and the tremendous increase in tourism to the site. The implementation of clear and easily-implemented conservation guidelines aimed at homeowners has guided the process through the use of appropriate levels of technology, local materials and traditional methods of building repair and consolidation. The partnership between the residents, management authorities, external conservation experts and donors allows for a broad-based and participatory conservation approach within the framework of the overall World Heritage site conservation management plan.
     

Little Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China 

The restoration of the Central Ordnance Munitions Depot, or Little Hong Kong, has saved a valuable, but almost forgotten chapter in Hong Kong’s history. The transformation of the abandoned bunkers has allowed its modern reuse as a community recreational space and a wine storage facility. The minimalist approach to the project belies a thorough study of the site and a noteworthy commitment to retaining the low profile of the sunken built structures and the steep hilly and forested landscape. New interventions, such as the conservatory building, are characterized by site-sensitive design which respects the context and the utilitarian architectural style of the complex. The project has brought to light the city’s military heritage, and signals the strong potential of collectively bringing other previously overlooked sites to public attention.
  

Astana of Syed Mir Yahya, Skardu, Pakistan 

The recovery of the Astana of Syed Mir Yahya by the Shigar community in Skardu, Pakistan has rescued an important local religious landmark on the brink of ruin in a modest and culturally appropriate manner. Through the active involvement of the local residents, and drawing upon other excellent models of community-led conservation undertaken in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, the project has itself become a notable example of successful local restoration effort. Through the voluntary efforts of the villagers and the use of traditional building techniques to realign and stabilize the structure, the tomb has been returned to its former status as the central cultural symbol of the village.
 

Liu Family's Civil Residence, Shanxi, China 

The restoration the Liu Family Civil Residence, Shanxi, China, has safeguarded a significant historic complex. The comprehensive conservation approach has ensured the protection of not only the core buildings, but also the surrounding built and natural context. The use of traditional building crafts has ensured the continuity of the distinctive timber architecture of the region and enhances the authenticity of the place; while the enthusiastic contribution of local donors, scholars and conservationists ensures that the restored building has a renewed life within the community.
 

The Old St. Andrew's School, Singapore   

The conservation of the Old St. Andrew’s School in Singapore is notable for maintaining the integrity and character of the austere missionary school by adhering to a policy of maximum retention of the original building fabric and features. The project has demonstrated an understanding of the technical issues affecting the building and has undertaken the necessary work to strengthen the building and adapt it for contemporary reuse in a restrained manner. The involvement of the school’s alumni throughout the project, from the early documentary study to the selection of the façade colour, has revived its historical identity as both a local landmark as well as a community hub.
 

Whitfield Barracks, Hong Kong SAR, China 

This contemporary intervention to the former Whitfield Barracks has successfully reconfigured the historic military complex into the Heritage Discovery Centre. The new lightweight structure forms the core of the complex, thereby acting as a central circulation node linking all spaces. The transparency of the glass skin, designed in a modern architectural vocabulary, creates continuity between the interior and exterior spaces. The addition provides a fitting counterpoint to the 90-year old barracks and integrates seamlessly into the surrounding park context.