TMM_CH 2021 – Transdisciplinary Multispectral Modelling and Cooperation for the preservation of Cultural Heritage

Innovative scientific methodologies and challenging projects marking future trends in the protection of cultural heritage, have initiated a universal conversation within a holistic approach, merging competence from the scientific fields of architecture, civil engineering, surveying engineering, materials science and engineering, information technology and archaeology, as well as heritage professionals on restoration and conservation, stakeholders, industry representatives and policy makers. The combined utilization of digital documentation technologies with innovative analytical and non-destructive techniques, numerical, computational and 3D techniques, archaeometric and archaeogene methods, supports the creation of a transdisciplinary multispectral modeling towards the sustainable preservation of cultural heritage. Innovation is enhancing and revealing a critical dimension of the preservation of cultural heritage along with social participation and communication.

The National Technical University of Athens interdisciplinary team “Protection of monuments” [Prof. A. Moropoulou, Prof. M. Korres, Prof. A. Georgopoulos, Prof. C. Spyrakos, Ass. Prof. C. Mouzakis], scientific responsible for the Holy Aedicule’s rehabilitation of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and the Technical Chamber of Greece, in collaboration with international and Greek Authorities, organize the 2nd TMM_CH International Conference on “Transdisciplinary Multispectral Modelling and Cooperation for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage: Rebranding the World in Crisis through Culture”, on 12-15 December 2021, in Athens, Greece, discussing modern trends in the original agora of our technological and democratic roots.

The Conference is organized under the patronage of H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic, Ms Katerina Sakellaropoulou, by the National Technical University of Athens in cooperation with the Technical Chamber of Greece and the organization AHEPA Hellas.

Distinguished scientists and representatives of the National Geographic Society, the Cultural Heritage Finance Alliance, the International Council of Monuments and Sites ICOMOS, the Organization of World Heritage Cities OWHC, the European Society for Engineering Education SEFI, the European Construction Technology Platform ECTP, the International Federation of Surveyors FIG, the International Committee CIPA Heritage Documentation, the World Monuments Fund and other major International and European Organizations, Associations, networks Universities and Research Centers in the field of cultural heritage preservation, participate in the International Steering and Scientific Committees which had successfully organized the 1st TMM_CH Conference as well.

The conference will be held at the Eugenides Foundation in a hybrid format, if needed. Scientific walk and talk visits on 12 December 2021 to Acropolis Monuments and Museum [in the footsteps of the Greek Peripatetic Philosophical School] and other visits planned upon demand.

At the 1st TMM_CH Conference, which was held with great success in October 2018 at the Eugenides Foundation in Athens, with the presence of 350 delegates from 22 countries from all continents, the emblematic rehabilitation of the Holy Aedicule of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem was presented as an exemplary application, in the field of monuments’ protection, of interdisciplinary and multispectral collaboration, as an outcome of innovation, not only on Research, but in the implementation process as well, with emphasis on technological advancements, not only intersecting all the scientific fields of engineers and natural scientists, but also initiating an ongoing dialogue with humanities, such as Archaeology, Theology, Sociology, Diplomacy and Tourism. Innovative knowledge transfer through practice and education is continuing the venture for the rehabilitation projects in the Holy Sepulchre Church, adjoining the National Technical University of Athens and La Sapienza University of Rome with Bezalel Academy of Science and Arts in Jerusalem, in cooperation with Israeli Antiquities Authority, through the Erasmus+ Strategic Alliance EDICULA “Educational Digital Innovative Cultural Heritage related Learning Alliance”.

The scope of the 2nd TMM_CH Conference is to present the latest developments in research and innovation that identify novel trends to build an interdisciplinary approach to conservation and holistic digital documentation of cultural heritage. The utilization and reuse of monuments, historic cities and sites, forms the framework of a sustainable preservation of cultural heritage, in accordance with the principles of circular economy; in terms of respect and protection of values, materials, structures, architecture and landscape; with an informed society, able to participate effectively in the policies that will design and implement the new strategies required.

Sharing knowledge, experiences, and recommendations about sustainable cultural heritage approaches and practices at a moment of great risk and a time of renewed possibilities, will reorientate conversation to explore the current conditions and contours of the World in crisis rebranding itself through Culture, and relaunching development.