Built Heritage Research

Conflict and environmental change present specific and growing threats to built heritage worldwide. Although there are strong overlaps with all other research areas in the Getty Conservation Institute’s Science department, the needs of the built environment are often distinct from those seen in collections and other forms of moveable heritage.

The Conservation Institute’s scientific work in this area aims to bring scientists and conservators together to address this problem by integrating lab and field science, increasing understanding of the materials of built heritage and how they deteriorate, and improving the links between heritage science and conservation practice.