Architectural Conservation in Asia

Reviews / Votes

'Architectural Conservation in Asia is remarkable in that it is the first book of its kind that provides a systematic and comprehensive overview of architectural conservation not only across geographical and political boundaries, but also across traditional and contemporary built heritage in Asia. In this regard, it is an invaluable reference for students and enthusiasts of architectural conservation, and it provides the necessary foundation for deeper understanding of the topic.' - Ho-Yin Lee, Head of Division of Architectural Conservation Programmes, The University of Hong Kong

'The built heritage of Asia is among the oldest, most widespread, and most diverse in the world. But it is also the most endangered. Wars, rapid urbanization, explosive population growth, antiquities thieves, climate change and other challenges are putting at great risk this heritage which belongs not just to Asia, but to humankind. This new book by Stubbs and Thomson is both timely and critical to generate an international demand for the protection of these irreplaceable assets.' - Donovan Rypkema, President, Heritage Strategies International

'This latest contribution on the histories and current challenges of built heritage conservation by John Stubbs, this time partnering with Robert Thomson, is an important contribution to correcting the overemphasis on Europe, which has shaped how we understand conservation and world history in the modern era. A highly ambitious book, Architectural Conservation in Asia provides a unique overview of how the conservation of built heritage has evolved across the region, tackling debates about the materialities of uncomfortable histories, or how 'Asian approaches' to conservation intersect with 19th century colonial practices. I am particularly heartened to see chapters on Central Asia, a long overlooked, yet historically significant, region. This is essential reading for anyone interested in both the global and Asian history of conservation.' - Tim Winter, Research Chair in Cultural Heritage, Deakin University, Melbourne

'A remarkable achievement. A magnificent guided tour through Asia's architectural conservation. Following the success of Time Honored: A Global View of Architectural Conservation and Architectural Conservation in Europe and the Americas, this book continues to offer readers an exceptionally wide and valuable perspective, as well as insights into the diverse practices of architectural conservation in Asia. It has achieved this challenging task with confidence and aptitude. This is a go-to book for anyone who wishes to have an overview of Asia's architectural conservation history.' - Yeo Kang Shua, Singapore University of Technology and Design

'John Stubbs and Robert G. Thompson have done an excellent job summarizing the current state of architectural conservation practice in Asia. Spanning the whole of the Asian landmass and covering twenty-three countries, Architectural Conservation in Asia addresses both past and present practice; the principal issues and concerns; and the current governmental apparatus throughout the region. The authors also include shorter essays, many commissioned by leading figures in the field of conservation, to provide insights on specific details of contemporary practice...The book is extensively illustrated and well supplied with maps providing even uninformed readers with a strong understanding of the range of sites and conservation practices throughout Asia. The third volume in Stubbs's comprehensive story of conservation practice throughout the world, this last offering is essential reading for anyone interested in heritage and conservation and especially those involved in practice in Asia.' - William Chapman, Professor and Interim Dean, School of Architecture, University of Hawaii at Manoa, New York, USA

'[This book] is the first comprehensive overview of architectural conservation practice in Asia....[I]t covers Asia country by country from Afghanistan to Japan, illustrating the rich diversity of the continent in terms both of the heritage and the approaches taken to protecting it....Stubbs and Thomson see the heritage profession evolving from its earlier focus on the questions "how to conserve?" and "what to conserve?" to take in the more complex issues of "for whom?" and "why?".' - William Logan, Professor Emeritus, Deakin University