Integration of Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic Theory Principles in Heritage Building Restoration

Architectural restoration involves the preservation and conservation of heritage buildings that embody the characteristics of their respective eras and possess their unique historical significance. The process adheres to the original construction techniques, materials, and functions, and aims to minimize intervention while maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the building. Restoration practice has evolved significantly over the past 200 years, influenced by technological advances, innovations, and changing perspectives. This ongoing transformation reflects the ability of restoration approaches to adapt to new developments and insights. In this respect, the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic theory, which originated in Japan, could be applied to the restoration of heritage buildings. The Wabi-Sabi aesthetic theory is based on the “imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete” in nature. This study aims to integrate restoration application methods with the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic theory, a philosophy that embraces the beauty found in imperfection. In this regard, two restored heritage buildings are selected to be analyzed according to the principle of Wabi-Sabi aesthetic theory. As a result, the analysis shows that some of the principles of the Wabi-Sabi aesthetic theory are not applied in the heritage buildings studied.