ICCROM Sharjah launches online course on structural conservation

Expanding access to knowledge in heritage conservation

This initiative offers professionals, researchers, and scholars in cultural heritage conservation free access to specialised scientific content, enhancing their technical and theoretical expertise. The digital release promotes open learning and advanced knowledge sharing in structural conservation within a flexible online environment.

Culmination of two successful training phases

The release marks the completion of the first and second phases of ICCROM’s advanced training course, organised at the end of last year and mid-2025. The programme is part of ICCROM Sharjah’s training and capacity-building efforts, aimed at equipping participants with both theoretical and practical skills to assess and restore historic buildings in accordance with sustainable conservation principles and respect for architectural authenticity.

First phase: Structural analysis, risks, and maintenance

The first phase focused on structural analysis and restoration, risk assessment, periodic maintenance, and the use of traditional materials. It also examined the effects of earthquakes and fires on historic buildings, covering methods of damage assessment and maintenance of structural integrity. The phase emphasised minimal intervention, sound planning, and continuous monitoring to protect Arab heritage and enhance professional capacities in the region.

Second phase: Advanced techniques and case studies

The second phase explored specialised topics such as structural conservation concepts, damage assessment, and the latest technologies in structural modeling and analysis. It also covered the use of traditional and modern materials, project management strategies, and featured real-world case studies from Italy, France, Syria, Egypt, Lebanon, and Palestine. These sessions fostered valuable exchanges of experience and methodologies among professionals from different cultural and technical backgrounds.

Expert-led training content

The recordings feature 53 training sessions led by two international experts in architectural restoration: Dr Eng. Ayman Harzallah, based in Italy, a specialist in seismic design and restoration of historic buildings at the Grotchi Foundation, and Dr Eng. Marwan Al-Heib, based in France, Professor and Researcher at the University of Lorraine, with over 40 years of experience in risk assessment, restoration, and digital modeling.

Promoting open learning in Arabic and English

The YouTube release aligns with ICCROM’s vision to expand access to knowledge and make advanced scientific content available in both Arabic and English, addressing the growing regional need for specialised resources in architectural heritage and historic building conservation.

Building an open Arabic-Language Reference Platform

Anwar Sabik, Programme Officer for Training and Field Projects at ICCROM Sharjah, explained that the goal of this initiative is to maximise the benefits and broaden access to training resources for professionals, professors, students, and researchers across the Arab world and beyond.

He stated: “These materials serve as a reliable theoretical and practical resource for training, self-learning, and supporting field conservation initiatives.”

Sabik added that through this digital library, ICCROM Sharjah aims to create: “An open, Arabic-language reference platform for sharing expertise in cultural heritage conservation, thereby connecting theoretical knowledge with practical application.”