Bagan Conservation Project: A Holistic Approach for the Repair and Seismic Retrofitting of Its Monuments

A comprehensive, research-driven approach to conserving the Bagan World Heritage Site has demonstrated significant potential for enhancing seismic resilience and sustainability in large-scale heritage conservation. The project, initiated after the 2016 Chauk earthquake damaged over four hundred structures, integrated structural engineering, materials research, and digital documentation to develop targeted repair and retrofitting strategies for Bagan's over 3,500 Buddhist monuments. Through advanced modeling, typology classification, and standardized damage assessment, the project established a robust knowledge base that can guide future interventions not only at Bagan but also at other historic sites worldwide facing similar challenges. This holistic methodology emphasizes collaboration between international institutions and local authorities, offering scalable solutions for preserving cultural landscapes while mitigating seismic risks.

Cancino, C., Lagomarsino, S., Lourenço, P. B., Macchioni, E., & Paret, T. (2026). Bagan Conservation Project: A Holistic Approach for the Repair and Seismic Retrofitting of Its Monuments. International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2026.2659844