The critical conservation paradigms of archaeological sites: The typological models of Scottish dry-stone brochs

Northern Scotland's advanced dry-stone Iron-Age brochs, also known as broch towers, exhibit a relatively advanced technological culture. However, the uncertainty prevails because there is no consensus on a standard broch scheme, and additional archaeological research is required. A typological analysis of the plans and sections of brochs can uncover potential hidden architectural connections among features such as staircases, entrances, and central areas. Examining the architecture of Scottish brochs illustrates the decision-making process for each element, which a standard broch model influences. This study found that brochs are not merely replicas of ordinary buildings but rather constructions that adhere to a specific concept, a set design, a method of organizing living spaces, and a blend of practical construction techniques. From the critical conservation viewpoint, this paper argues that conserving brochs should involve both archaeological and architectural values, treating the monuments as typological collections that should differ from conserving a single site. Thus, the conservation practice should aim at the readable integrity of these architectural features in the context of continuous fabric modifications, where typological methods have been used to initiate a discussion on how architects engage in preserving brochs with archaeologists.