"Utilization Science" – Scientific Research for the Promotion of Cultural Property Utilization
This research focuses on historical buildings and structures that are expected to be actively utilized and integrated with local communities.
By employing natural scientific methods, we aim to clarify the impact of utilization on the materials that compose these cultural properties.
In the field of conservation science, we monitor the condition of these properties before, during, and after utilization, contributing to the development of appropriate monitoring methods and evaluation criteria.
※ A collaborative research project between the Agency for Cultural Affairs, universities, and research institutions.
Research Sites:
Tomioka Silk Mill
Ushiku Chateau
Annex of the Kyoto Cultural Museum
Nijo Castle
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, etc.
Conservation of Structures and Archaeological Sites Made of Brick, Stone, Wood, Concrete, and Soil
As changes in social infrastructure, lifestyles, and economic development reach the immediate surroundings of archaeological sites, traditional protection methods are becoming insufficient.
In conservation science, we analyze the materials of heritage sites and understand their deterioration mechanisms from a natural science perspective.
While adhering to the principle of authenticity, we conduct research, planning, and interventions to prevent and mitigate deterioration, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage.
Research and Conservation Projects:
Conservation of bas-reliefs at Bayon Temple, Angkor
Preservation of war-related heritage sites
Conservation of brick and concrete structures at the Tokyo Bay Fortress ruins
Preservation and treatment of the stone walls and pathway remains at Sunpu Castle
Conservation of Disaster-Affected Facilities and Materials
Disaster-affected materials undergo deterioration not through natural aging but due to external damage such as fires or flooding, leading to significant changes in their physical properties.
Currently, there is no established preservation theory for such materials, making it difficult to formulate concrete conservation management or utilization plans.
This research is carried out by experts from various disciplines, including conservation science, museum environment studies, wood science, museology, environmental microbiology, archival conservation, architectural environment studies, and history.
From the perspective of conservation science, this study aims to analyze and organize the current state of collection, storage, and utilization of disaster-affected materials, considering factors such as disaster type, rescue methods, stabilization techniques, and management strategies.
Through natural science investigations, we aim to clarify the physical properties of disaster-affected materials and assess the deterioration trends of disaster-damaged structures over time.
By understanding these characteristics, we work to improve the condition of affected materials and explore ways to create safe storage environments and exhibition spaces.
This research seeks to develop a new standard for the conservation of disaster-affected materials, expanding upon conventional cultural property preservation methods.
Research Sites:
Kadowaki Elementary School and former Minato No.2 Elementary School, Ishinomaki City
Whale and Sea Science Museum
Tomioka Archive Museum
Maintenance and Improvement of Exhibition and Storage Environments
Before materials are collected by museums, archives, and art galleries, each item may experience its own deterioration, but it does not affect other items spatially separated from it.
However, once these materials are brought together in such institutions, the deterioration of one item can influence others, leading to damage that would not have occurred otherwise. The resulting damage can be significant.
Within environmental factors, temperature and humidity are crucial elements that have long-term effects and are closely monitored in most places today.
However, deterioration caused by medium-term factors such as air quality pollution is more difficult to identify. Although the damage may be visible, pinpointing the exact cause can take time and may require specialized analysis.
From a conservation science perspective, we propose measurement techniques and improvement methods for exhibition and storage spaces. Additionally, we conduct evaluations of the materials used in storage and preservation.