Criteria for integration of new structures in the conservation and restoration of adobe ruins: The temple of the ex-mission of Cocóspera in Sonora, México

Abstract

This paper describes the problems encountered in the conservation of heritage property built with adobe, specifically those in an advanced ruinous condition. In spite of the development and application of diverse modern techniques to protect and consolidate adobe ruins from environmental factors, their deteriorating process has not been stopped. It seems as if the only way to preserve adobe structures has to do with the restitution of the whole constructive system of which it is a part. However the restitution of lost elements must avoid reconstruction processes that can jeopardize the buildings authenticity. It is here where architectural integration plays a major role in the restoration of heritage buildings in a ruinous state. This paper explains the concepts of authenticity and integration and describes the criteria established for the restoration project of an ancient adobe temple in northern Mxico in order to save its last vestiges.