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Historic Churches and Their Hygrothermal Environment: A Review of Criteria Related to Building Fabric, Artefacts, Artwork and Occupants

Author

Listed:
  • Robin Talbot

    (School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK)

  • Marco Picco

    (School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK)

  • David Greenfield

    (School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK)

  • Philip Ashton

    (School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, University of Brighton, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK)

  • Emma Arbuthnot

    (Diocese of Chichester, Church of England, Church House, 211 New Church Road, Hove BN3 4ED, UK)

  • Arman Hashemi

    (School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, University of East London, London E16 2RD, UK)

Abstract

Regarded as important cultural heritage, historic churches have been utilised over hundreds of years for worship and community benefit. Simple on/off space heating systems are installed in many churches to increase human comfort. However, the conservation of the important historic artefacts and artwork contained within may not have been fully considered. This review attempts to appraise the standards in place for artefacts and artwork. A consensus of 15–25 °C and 40–65% relative humidity is established as safe from the standards reviewed. Consideration is given to the environment within the church to understand if such exacting conditions can be met. The review finds that the conservation and preservation of artefacts and buildings are aligned goals, although striving to meet specified target ranges for artefact types is not fully compatible with historic churches. The stability of the internal environment is clearly an important factor in conservation and benefits human comfort expectations. Churches may contain microclimates throughout the building, complicating the use of target ranges for artefacts, artwork and comfort. The findings of this study can assist historic churches in managing the change, alteration or installation of heating systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Robin Talbot & Marco Picco & David Greenfield & Philip Ashton & Emma Arbuthnot & Arman Hashemi, 2022. "Historic Churches and Their Hygrothermal Environment: A Review of Criteria Related to Building Fabric, Artefacts, Artwork and Occupants," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:13:p:7822-:d:848862
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Michal Poljak & Radoslav Ponechal, 2023. "Microclimatic Monitoring—The Beginning of Saving Historical Sacral Buildings in Europe," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-20, January.

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