P letter
Palladianism (1615 – 1690)
An European style of architecture inspired by the designs of the Venetian architect Andrea Palladio. Palladian designs were based on the symmetry and perspective of the temples of the Ancient Greeks and Romans. It was characterised by the use of pediments and symmetry, and proportions that were based on mathematics rather than ornament. Palladian architecture is recognisable for its classical facades.
Photogrammetry
A survey technique in which a two-dimensional or three-dimensional object may be measured from photographs taken from at least two or more slightly different positions. These are called stereographs, and they provide the viewer with two different perspectives of the same object that mimic the perspective of human binocular vision. Measurements are extracted from the stereographs, and 3-D information is reconstructed using computer software and hardware.
Place
A geographically defined area. It may include elements, objects, spaces, and view. Place may have tangible and intangible dimensions. May be a landscape, seascape, feature, area, site, building or other work, group of buildings, or other works or landscapes, together with associated contents and surrounds.
Postmodernism (1950 – 2007)
Emerged as a reaction to modernism, which some people found too extreme and bleak because of its lack of ornamentation. Postmodernism moved away from the ‘box’ and adopted stylistic references in ways that were often playful, or embodied symbolism and hidden meaning. Designs were characterised by clashing stylistic elements, sculptural forms and trompe l’oeil (style of painting in which objects are depicted with photographically realistic detail also: the use of similar technique in interior decorating).
Prehistoric architecture (to 3,500 BCE)
Design of buildings from prehistoric periods. These were rather simple buildings. Early humans made huts to protect themselves, for example, from rain and wild animals, using the available materials, space and skills gave rise to a mixed very mixed architecture style that was often a combination of timber cut from local forests and stone hewn from local rocks. It covers the Old Stone Age, Middle Stone Age, and New Stone Age (Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic) periods, as well as portions of the Bronze and Iron Ages.
Preservation
Anticipated protection of a monument, necessary because of the action of time. The action or process of protecting, maintaining, and/or stabilising the existing materials, form, and integrity of a historic place or of an individual component while protecting its heritage value. Preservation means maintaining a place or building in its existing state and retarding deterioration.
Preventive care/preventive conservation
The mitigation of deterioration and damage to cultural property through the formulation and implementation of policies and procedures for the following: appropriate environmental conditions; handling and maintenance procedures for storage, exhibition, packing, transport, and use; integrated pest management; emergency preparedness and response; and reformatting/duplication.
Protection
General safeguarding. In legal terms, preservation is the action required to provide the conditions for a monument, site, or historic area to survive. The term is also related to the physical protection of historic sites to ensure their security against theft or vandalism, as well as environmental attack and visual intrusions. Buffer zones also provide protection to historic areas. Legal protection, which is based on legislation and planning norms, aims to guarantee defence against any harmful treatment, provide guidelines for proper action, and institute corresponding punitive sanctions. Physical protection includes the addition of roofs, shelters, coverings, etc., or even removing an endangered object to safety.
Proof of origin
A document such as a decree of distribution proving inheritance, export permit, testament, contract, court decision or administrative authority decision, extract from sale records or other authentic document demonstrating that the person concerned has acquired ownership or custody of an archaeological find or a collection of such finds. Proof of origin can also be an expert opinion, a statement from the previous owner or other witness, or any other documentation such as a photograph, a video recording, or a publication in printed media. Reporting the discovery of an archaeological find or reporting its custody pursuant to different acts of cultural heritage, are also considered proof of origin.