Digital Preservation and Restoration of Historic Buildings in Agadez, Niger
摘要
Niger possesses a rich cultural and historical legacy, largely due to its abundant archaeological and paleontological sites. Research from the 1970s emphasized the importance of areas like the Ténéré plain and the Termit region, potentially centers of technological advancement in iron and copper metallurgy. Agadez, situated on the ancient trans-Saharan trade route, gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2013. The city is famed for its traditional mud-brick architecture and landmarks such as the Great Mosque of Agadez, notable for its 27-meter tall minaret. However, Niger’s heritage faces significant challenges from Sahelian unrest and climate change, impacting nomadic communities and causing destructive floods in Agadez. Intense precipitation and strong winds exacerbate soil erosion and the shifting of dunes, endangering historical structures. Preservation efforts include documentation and restoration initiatives, notably through 3D digitization. Supported by the ALIPH foundation, the Imane-Atarikh and Iconem project aims to document and restore Agadez’s historic core. Restoration campaigns focused on endangered structures, using traditional methods to conserve historical buildings. The project generated detailed 3D models and orthophotos of the Great Mosque of Agadez, featured in a scientific journal and presented at the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas forum. Rehabilitation efforts encompass various neighborhoods of Agadez, emphasizing structural reinforcement and architectural enhancement, guided by collaboration between Imane-Atarikh, Iconem, and the local community. Notably, the initiative has empowered women and gained support from local authorities, receiving extensive coverage by local journalists and involving educational programs.