R letter
Record
A method to capture and get information relevant to understanding the physical configuration, evolution and condition of monuments, groups of buildings or sites, at known points of time, and the basis of decisions made to alter or care for them.
Reconstruction
Returning a place or building to a known earlier state and is distinguished from restoration by the introduction of new material. The act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features and detailing of a non-surviving site, landscape, building, structure or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of time and in its historic location.
Recovery
Building recovery falls between restoration and renovation. The historical features of a site or building are taken into consideration when introducing new designs and additions, while still drawing upon practical lessons and fundamentals from architectural design technologies. Occasionally, recovery can include replacing missing or damaged historic features, which can either be an accurate replica or an otherwise compatible design.
Recycling
To re-use or adapt existing buildings, materials, or components for a similar or new purpose. Since this activity may include many other activities such as renovation, retrofitting, rehabilitation, reconstruction and restoration, it can therefore be called an umbrella term. In some cases, it could also be considered as a heritage activity, since some details of old objects can be reused in other buildings or in a museum.
Redevelop
To replan, redesign, clear, reconstruct or renovate detail, architecture or urban areas after the primary use with the same or improved, developed activity. To provide for such residential, commercial and industrial buildings as are appropriate or necessary. Building new construction on a site that has pre-existing uses or renovating existing uses on a site. Redevelopment generally is a strategy to rehabilitate blighted urban areas through a series of interventions.
Rehabilitation
The action or process of making possible a continuing or compatible contemporary use of a historic place or an individual component while protecting its heritage value. The action or process of accurately revealing, recovering, or representing the state of a historic place or of an individual component as it appeared at a particular period in its history while protecting its heritage value.
Remodelling
A process which involves upgrading or replacing interior parts and features. This process tends to be done more for aesthetic reasons rather than functional ones. Remodelling may involve the removal and refinishing of interiors to make them indistinguishable from new structures, as well as applying architectural details from different, usually earlier periods. Often such buildings end up with a hybrid appearance, neither looking old or new. Conservationists often discourage this process.
Restitution
Process by which cultural objects are returned to an individual or a community.
Repatriation
Process by which cultural objects are returned to a nation or state at the request of a government.
Roman architecture (300 BC - 700 AD)
Ancient Roman architecture adopted some of the language of classical Greek architecture with a similar emphasis on civic buildings, but was different from Greek buildings, becoming a new architectural style. It was renowned for its vast range of iconic building types, such as; temples, baths, villas, amphitheatres, palaces and circuses. Roman architecture developed important structural elements such as arches, vaulted ceilings, and domes, that were typically strong and well-engineered, using concrete. This led onto the development of unprecedented civil engineering projects such as bridges, aqueducts, and roads.
Romanesque (1050 – 1170)
An architectural style of mediaeval Europe characterised by semi-circular arches. In the 12th century it developed into the Gothic style, marked by pointed arches. Examples of Romanesque architecture can be found across the continent, making it the first pan-European architectural style since Imperial Roman architecture.
Romanesque revival (1840 - 1900)
A style of building inspired by the 11th- and 12th-century Romanesque architecture. Unlike the historic Romanesque style, however, Romanesque Revival buildings tended to feature more simplified arches and windows than their historic counterparts.
Renovation
A generic term to describe the process of modifying an historic structure in order to extend its useful life. It is also used to describe the improvements made to existing buildings or neighbourhoods. Other terms which also refer to renovation are: remodelling, recycling and rehabilitation. Renovation means smaller updates in contrast to redevelopment.
Renaissance (1400 – 1600)
Emerged in Europe, where there was a revival of interest in the classical antiquities and an emergence of new scientific understanding. It was noted for its clean lines, symmetry and proportion, reminiscent of the architecture ancient Rome, with the use of columns, pilasters and lintels, arches and domes. An understanding of perspective also led to more conscious composition of architectural form especially with wider constructions and more light in the buildings. It is following the Gothic style.
Replica
An exact copy. Overall, in heritage, the replicas are not seen as fakes, but as repetitions of previous elements repeats. Replicas work well in museum settings because they could look so real and accurate that people can feel the authentic feelings that they are supposed to get from the originals. Through the context and experience that a replica can provide in a museum setting, people can be fooled into seeing it as ‘original.’ Replicas are also known in architecture.
Resilience
Resilience is a strategy to enhance the ability of a building, facility, or community to both prevent damage and to recover from damage. Each building has some particular function for which it was designed and used (as a primal building program).
Restoration
Restoring details and objects by the original idea and use, with suitable materials, but with final appearance as it was built. Treatment procedures intended to return cultural property to a known or assumed state, often through the addition of non-original material. Building Restoration describes a particular treatment approach and philosophy within the field of architectural conservation and historic preservation. It emphasises the preservation of structures such as historic sites, houses, monuments, and other significant properties through careful maintenance and upkeep.
Retrofitting
The refurbishment of existing buildings and systems for the changing needs of the occupants. Objectives include greater energy efficiency and sustainability. Retrofitted buildings are often more sustainable than new building construction depending on the percentage of embodied energy retained.
Reuse
The use of a material more than once in its same form for the same purpose. The term is also used in adaptive reuse of buildings. It refers to the repurposing of an existing structure for new use. For example, reusing old school into a home settlement. Types of adaptive reuse interventions are historic preservation, renovation, facades intervention, integration and also infrastructure reuse.
Revitalization
Revival, in architecture reinstatement of original state. Describes the process of economic, social, and cultural redevelopment of an area or street. Often the buildings in some areas are of heritage worthy, despite their state of neglect prior to revitalization. It is known as the process of spatial renewal, economic and social degraded development areas leading to sustainable development of these areas. Revival, in architecture reinstatement of original state. Describes the process of economic, social, and cultural redevelopment of an area or street. Often the buildings in these areas are of heritage merit despite their state of neglect prior to revitalization. It is known as the process of spatial renewal, economic and social degraded development areas leading to sustainable development of these areas.
Rococo (Roccoco or Late Baroque) (1730-1760)
An exceptionally ornamental and theatrical style of architecture, art and decoration which combines asymmetry, scrolling curves, gilding, white and pastel colours, sculpted moulding, and trompe - l'œil frescoes to create surprise and the illusion of motion and drama. It is often described as the final expression of the Baroque movement. The Rococo style began in France in the 1730s as a reaction against the more formal and geometric Louis XIV style. It was known as the "style Rocaille", or "Rocaille style". It soon spread to other parts of Europe, particularly northern Italy, Austria, southern Germany, Central Europe and Russia.It also came to influence the other arts, particularly sculpture, furniture, silverware, glassware, painting, music, and theatre.