The Illustrated Manual for the Use of the Santiago Ap—stol Church of Ku–otambo is a step-by-step guide developed in collaboration with local community members to support them in the monitoring and maintenance of the seventeenth-century religious site, located near Cusco, Peru. The GCIÕs Seismic Retrofitting Project and the Cusco branch of the Ministry of Culture of Peru developed and implemented a project for the conservation and strengthening of the adobe structure. Following the completion of the work and the reopening of the church, the GCI collaborated with local stakeholders to design and implement a monitoring and maintenance planÑone that could also serve as a model for similar buildings in the region and across Latin America. This manual was created as part of the monitoring and maintenance protocol for the community.
Published in Spanish and Quechua, the manual reflects the understanding that community members are best positioned to ensure the long-term care and conservation of the site. With their ongoing presence and deep connection and commitment to the church, the community plays a vital role as the primary steward of their heritage, taking responsibility for regularly assessing the buildingÕs condition, reporting issues, and carrying out basic maintenance. Although designed specifically for the Ku–otambo community, the manual may be used as a model for similar community-based conservation plans as it includes responsibilities, appropriate use practices, maintenance instructions, and monitoring guidelines that may apply to other adobe religious structures throughout Latin AmericaÑespecially those vulnerable to earthquakes. Its calendar of activities, checklist of tools and materials, and monitoring inspection form may also be useful to other communities who care for their own living heritage sites., Seismic Retrofitting, Church, Peru, Preservation, Architecture, Conservation, Getty Conservation Institute| 9781957939391 | 30PAGES