ICCROM Unveils Second Phase of Online Course on Built Heritage Conservation

Sharjah: The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), in collaboration with its regional center in Sharjah, has announced the launch of the second phase of its online training course titled 'Structural Conservation of Built Heritage.' According to Emirates News Agency, this phase is specifically tailored for architects and structural restorers in the Arab region. The 10-day course, commencing today and concluding on June 4, 2025, has attracted approximately 300 participants from 27 countries, highlighting the regional and global commitment to preserving architectural heritage. Following the success of the inaugural phase in 2024, the current phase aims to develop specialists in structural conservation, focusing on theories and advanced techniques. The course is designed to equip participants with essential skills for practical heritage preservation, employing a participatory approach that includes architects, conservationists, engineering students and graduates, heritage site managers, and urban planners. Participants will gain methodologies for preserving the historical value of heritage structures while enhancing their structural integrity, in-depth knowledge of advanced structural assessment and diagnostic techniques, proficiency in applying structural calculus and modeling in conservation contexts, and practical skills for designing and implementing targeted structural interventions. Insights from real-world case studies addressing complex conservation challenges will also be provided. The course stresses the importance of adopting sustainable conservation practices to protect cultural heritage while respecting the environment. Architect Anwar Sabik, the course manager and Programme Officer for Training and Field Projects at the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, emphasized that the course serves as a crucial response to the urgent need for enhanced skills in heritage preservation in the Arab region. Sabik noted that this specialized training is particularly valuable in a region where historic structures and cultural heritage sites face threats from natural disasters, human aggression, and neglect, requiring urgent structural intervention. The expertise gained from this training will be instrumental in safeguarding these irreplaceable assets. The training course is dynamic, featuring various activities like lectures and practical examples. Participants will have opportunities to engage with structural conservation specialists and other experts, fostering a significant learning environment. A dedicated session at the end of the course will ensure all questions are addressed. This course is part of the training and capacity-building programme at the ICCROM Regional Centre in Sharjah, aiming to equip professionals with theoretical knowledge and practical skills for preserving and managing cultural heritage sites. The programme also offers a master's degree in cultural heritage conservation management in collaboration with the University of Sharjah and provides seasonal training courses focusing on hands-on experience, covering various aspects of conservation.