Historic Restorations
We see heritage sites as anchors of identity and starting points for recovery. When a place is damaged or at risk, the work isn’t only technical; it’s human. Restoring a building means restoring belonging, memory, continuity, and the confidence that a community has a future worth shaping.
Our Approach
We approach each site with deep respect for its past and a clear eye for how it must live today. That means understanding its materials, stories, and original purpose — then thoughtfully adapting it so it can serve people now and remain resilient in the decades ahead.
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Research & Documentation
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Archival studies, oral histories, and historical research
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Structural surveys, material analysis, and photogrammetry
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AI-assisted modelling to map damage, reconstruct missing elements, and explore safe solutions
02
Assessment & Planning
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Identify what is essential (function, cultural value, and physical fabric)
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Determine what can adapt for modern use without compromising heritage
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Establish a strategy for long-term durability and resilience
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Design & Intervention
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Combine traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering
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Implement minimal and respectful interventions that preserve authenticity
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Integrate adaptive reuse or functional updates where appropriate
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Execution & Oversight
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Collaborate with local artisans and specialized contractors
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Monitor quality and fidelity to the site’s historical character
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Ensure safety, structural stability, and compliance with international conservation standards
05
Activation & Stewardship
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Reconnect the restored site to the community: jobs, gathering spaces, cultural programs
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Plan for maintenance, risk management, and long-term care
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Use the restored site as a catalyst for civic pride, social cohesion, and economic renewal
Design Philosophy
Every decision followed three principles that guide Acute’s heritage work:
Protect the essential.
Safeguard what holds cultural, spiritual, and architectural value — materials, patterns of use, memory, and identity.
Adapt with clarity.
Intervene where needed to ensure safety, accessibility, and resilience, without compromising authenticity.
Restore life, not just stone.
Reactivation matters as much as restoration; a site succeeds when people return to it with trust, dignity, and belonging.
Overview
One of the world’s most significant monuments of early Islamic architecture, the Great Umayyad Mosque faced urgent risks after years of conflict, environmental stress, and gradual wear.
Our work included detailed geometric analysis of the original architectural patterns, restoration of walls, floors, ceilings, mihrabs, fountains, and interior elements, as well as the careful replacement of the lead plate roofing system. We also documented and archived the mosque’s original mosaic design blueprints to ensure accuracy in ongoing and future preservation.
Beyond technical work, the project strengthened the local community: skilled artisans were employed and trained, cultural knowledge was revived through hands-on restoration, and the mosque was reintegrated as a center for prayer, cultural events, and tourism. The result is a restored landmark that honors its historic character while remaining fully functional and meaningful for today’s Damascus.
Project Type
Historic Conservation & Adaptive Restoration
Location
Damascus, Syria
Status
Completed (Phased work, 2019–2023)
Client
Directorate of Antiquities & Museums (DGAM)
The Umayyad Mosque Restoration
Project Aim
To stabilize, conserve, and renew the architectural, structural, and decorative elements of the Great Umayyad Mosque while respecting its authenticity, material history, and religious significance—and to ensure that the site remains accessible, safe, and vibrant for generations to come.
Scope of Work
Architectural & Cultural Research
Deep archival study, digital documentation, and assessment of historic materials, ornamentation, and conservation history. Combined traditional scholarship with advanced scanning technologies to establish an accurate baseline for intervention.
Structural Stabilization
Reinforcement of vulnerable sections of the prayer hall, minaret zones, and courtyard arcades. Structural decisions prioritized reversibility, minimal intervention, and adherence to UNESCO and Venice Charter standards.
Architectural & Decorative Restoration
Conservation of mosaics, stone elements, wooden screens, and historic plaster finishes using traditional Syrian craft methods supported by scientific material analysis. Lost elements were reconstructed only where evidence was clear and culturally appropriate.
Environmental & Site Resilience
Updated drainage, lighting, and access systems to ensure long-term protection without altering the mosque’s historic character. Subtle improvements were designed to serve users while remaining visually unobtrusive.
Activation & Community Integration
Improved circulation patterns, restored gathering spaces, and reconnected the mosque with surrounding urban fabric—ensuring it remains a hub for community life, learning, and spiritual continuity.
