Evaluating the Libyan Experience in the Conservation and Rehabilitation of Historic Buildings in Accordance with International Charters and Recommendations

Abstract

The preservation and rehabilitation of historical buildings are fundamental issues in the field of urban heritage, given their vital role in safeguarding cultural identity and supporting sustainable development. This study aims to evaluate the Libyan experience in rehabilitating historical buildings in light of international standards and recommendations. This is achieved by analyzing the principles of preservation and rehabilitation derived from international charters and extracting measurable evaluation criteria used as an analytical matrix. This matrix serves as a methodological tool to evaluate rehabilitation practices in Libya by measuring the degree of compliance, assessing the level of adherence to preservation principles, and analyzing the gaps between theoretical frameworks and practical application. Ultimately, the study aims to establish a guiding framework comprising a set of recommendations that can be utilized to direct future rehabilitation policies. Furthermore, it seeks to support efforts directed at improving practical performance in the field of architectural preservation, achieving a balance between the requirements of preserving original heritage values and the demands of contemporary development and functionality. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach with a comparative character. It reviews the concepts of preservation and rehabilitation and analyzes the most prominent relevant international charters. These evaluation elements were then applied to the Libyan experience. The evaluation centered on four main axes: the institutional and legislative framework, work methodology, the application of the principles of authenticity and integrity, and adaptive reuse. The results of the study revealed that the Libyan experience is still in a developmental stage and suffers from weaknesses in the legislative and institutional frameworks. It also highlighted the absence of an integrated, science-based methodology grounded in a sound information base for managing historical building rehabilitation projects. Additionally, the study noted a limited application of the concepts of authenticity and integrity, along with a lack of clarity in criteria for adaptive reuse. Conversely, some positive initiatives have emerged that reflect a growing awareness of the importance of preserving urban heritage, indicating genuine opportunities for developing this experience. The study concludes by proposing a guiding framework that includes several key points: updating national legislation to align with international standards, developing a unified institutional framework for urban heritage management, adopting scientific methodologies for documentation and restoration, and promoting sustainable adaptive reuse as a tool to ensure the continuity of historical buildings. Finally, the study emphasizes that advancing the Libyan experience in this field requires a transition from fragmented efforts to a comprehensive national policy for urban preservation.