GENERAL INFORMATION

I. Background
An advanced course on Conservation and Restoration Techniques of Traditional Architecture in the Asia-Pacific Region has been held by WHITRAP(World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region) Suzhou Center ever since 2009. There were three annual courses in 2009/2010/2011, and over one hundred participants from 18 countries were involved. The main object of this course is to establish an academic platform where experts can share their professional knowledge in conservation and restoration of architectural heritage, providing an overview of the various aspects of conservation and restoration of traditional architecture in the Asian-Pacific Region. In particular, the course provides interdisciplinary training for early-career and mid-career professionals to:
-Build an integrated system for conservation and restoration of traditional architecture in the Asian-Pacific Region, incorporating urban development, policy-making, management plan, conservation plan, restoration techniques and measures, etc;
-Establish an international scientific support network for conservation and restoration of traditional architecture, in order to build the institutional capacity needed to formulate comprehensive conservation plans that are based on the characteristics of heritage sites and management system in the regional context.
The course of this year will be improved on the basis of three former courses, taking into account of the evaluations from past participants, new theories and techniques for conservation and restoration of traditional architecture, and developments and new trends in architectural heritage conservation in a global context. The main topics are on:
-conservation and restoration techniques of wooden architectural heritage in the Asian-Pacific Region;
-preventive conservation, maintenance and monitoring of wooden architectural heritage.

II. Organizers
The course is organized by:
-World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region(WHITRAP) , P.R.China
-Raymond Lemaire International Center for Conservation of University of Leuven, Belgium
In collaboration with:
-Traditional Architecture Conservation Union of World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and Pacific Region(TACU-WHITRAP)
-Suzhou World Heritage and Traditional Architecture Conservation Institute(SACI)
Supported by:
-Suzhou Municipal Administration of Gardens
-Suzhou Municipal Administration of Cultural Heritage

III. Course Content
1) Trends and developments on Cultural Heritage Conservation in a global context
2) Standards/principles/regulations on restoration and conservation of Wooden Architecture Heritage
3) Preventive Conservation, Monitoring and Maintenance of Architecture Heritage
4) Construction techniques and restoration methods of traditional wooden architecture
5) A study trip: Wooden Architecture Heritage in Suzhou/Shanghai

IV. Target Participants
The international course is planned to invite up to 30 participants from the Asia-Pacific region.
1) Target groups
-Officials, managers and technicians working at World Heritage Sites;
-Researchers and technicians from institutes on Traditional Architecture Conservation and Management;
-Professional staff from companies on Traditional Architecture Conservation and Management;
-Technicians and professional staff in other related fields.
2) Requirement
-The applicants should be under the age of 45 with at least 3 years relevant work experience;
-The applicant can conduct an individual application with the agreement from his/her organization;
-The applicant can also be recommended by the National Commission for UNESCO.

V. Submission
Please fill in the Application Form and send it together with the following materials to the contact address below before 13 September 2013:
-the application form
-a copy of valid passport and other materials required for the visa
-a copy of highest academic certificate
-a recommendation from the National Commission for UNESCO
-a copy of professional certificate(s) (which can prove that the applicants work in one professional field)
Electronic Edition is also required. Please scan all documents (saved as .jpg) and sent them to wang.whitrap@gmail.com.

VI. Results Notification
The selection results will be directly informed to the applicants and their organizations, institutions or companies before 16 September 2013.
Selected candidates are required to prepare the following materials and email to wang.whitrap@gmail.com before 20 September 2013:
1) Personal Introduction(requirements: in the form of PPT, including personal information, past or on-going conservation programs and restoration projects of the candidates etc. )
2) World Heritage Overview(requirements: in the form of PPT, in English, a brief introduction of world heritage sites in each candidate’s own country, including number, type, characteristics, legislation, the state of conservation, management status, etc. )
3) Monographic Study(requirements: in the form of report & PPT, no more than 30 minutes, in English, organizer will assign one topic on Conservation and Restoration of Wooden Architecture Heritage according to the condition and expertise of each candidate)

VII. Certificate
A certificate of attendance authorized by WHITRAP will be awarded to participants who successfully complete the course.

VIII. Fee
WHITRAP will cover the costs for all the candidates in China, including tuition fees, teaching materials, accommodations, insurance and transportation fees. But the candidates should pay for their meals & airfare (round-trip ticket to Suzhou, CHINA) by themselves.

IX. Working Language
Chinese & English

X. Contact
Ms. WANG Qinran,
World Heritage Institute of Training and Research for the Asia and the Pacific Region(Suzhou)
Add: 7, Xiaoxinqiao Lane,Gusu District,Suzhou,215001,Jiangsu Province,P.R.China
Tel: +86-512-67552305, +86-512-67552106
Fax: +86-512-67552505, +86-512-67552305
Email: wang.whitrap@gmail.com