Architectural Preservation and Structural Rehabilitation of Heritage Sites

Rehabilitating historical and heritage buildings demands a sensitive balance between architectural authenticity and modern structural safety. Chiniara Omran has led several landmark projects in Syria, including Tkiyeh al-Sulaimaniyeh, the Umayyad Mosque, and Damascus Citadel.

Challenges in Heritage Rehabilitation

• Material incompatibility between old and new components
• Hidden structural damage not visible through inspection alone
• Regulatory and cultural restrictions on altering heritage façades
• Soil and foundation instability due to centuries of settlement

Techniques We Use

• Laser scanning and photogrammetry for documentation
• Non-destructive testing (ultrasound, radar)
• Structural strengthening with carbon fiber, tie rods, or steel jackets
• Foundation reinforcement without excavation using micropiles

Highlight Project: Tkiyeh al-Sulaimaniyeh

• Evaluated and supervised rehabilitation works from 2017 to 2022
• Used traditional techniques blended with modern calculations
• Coordinated with Omran Company and national heritage institutions

Conclusion

Heritage buildings are not just stone and mortar — they are memory, identity, and culture. Preserving them with structural soundness is a mission we take with pride and responsibility.