DOCUMENTATION, CONDITION ASSESSMENT AND CONSERVATION

the traditional architecture centres on three unique techniques: rock- hewn houses, the vaulted shared granaries (gsour - also typical of the Arab region), and unique interior plaster decoration.

The construction skills for these buildings are disappearing, but can be saved through training of a new generation of masons and detailed work on intangible heritage. The project aims to document representative buildings (3d models, condition assessment, GIS-based conservation planning), support the joint training of Libyans and Tunisians, both trainers and trainees, and the conservation of two gsour (Kabaw in Libya, Zanata in Tunisia). Participants will acquire new traditional skills and will be employed for the training and the conservation, increasing their employability by both DoAs and the INP.

They will be uniquely placed to combine traditional stone-cutting, building techniques and plaster restoration with modern in- situ stone assessment techniques. They will map the risks imposed by climate change causing stone strength loss, salt movement and moisture reduction, making them highly employable. They will apply their skills to Kabaw and Zanata, giving them practical training while protecting these two gsour.

A substantial proportion of the funds is allocated to the purchase of materials and management of the conservation work. A further practice of skills will be facilitated at Sufit (Libya) to practice the documentation and structural damage interpretation of conflict damage, adding further to the skills set.