Artificial Intelligence in Architectural Heritage Conservation: Methods, Applications, and Future Directions
Architectural heritage is characterized by complex structural systems, long-term material aging, and evolving usage patterns, which result in diverse and often unpredictable damage mechanisms. These challenges are further compounded by external environmental factors that are difficult to control, increasing uncertainty in conservation efforts. This study positions artificial intelligence (AI) as a transformative tool capable of addressing these complexities by enabling data-driven, adaptive, and efficient heritage protection strategies. Characteristics and Challenges of Architectural Heritage Protection The paper highlights how architectural heritage differs fundamentally from contemporary buildings in terms of materials, construction techniques, and vulnerability to environmental stressors. Damage patterns in heritage structures often develop slowly and nonlinearly, making early detection and intervention difficult. These characteristics necessitate advanced analytical tools ...