A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FOR MULTI-SCALE DOCUMENTATION OF DECORATED SURFACE

Abstract. Wall paintings are a unique case of decorated surfaces because of its direct relation to the supporting structure. This paper points out the importance of considering the conservation of wall paintings from its fourth-dimensionality–surface (2D), depth (3D), and time (4D) – and taking into account three different scales–surface, building, and territory. The relationship between these three scales becomes significant with a case study of three temples: Loka-hteik-pan, Myin-pya-gu, and Kubyauk-nge, in the context of Old Bagan (Myanmar), where more than 2,500 temples with valuable wall paintings exist. To that end, firstly, different documentation techniques and management methods are reviewed for each of the scales proposed; secondly, a multi-scale documentation project, mostly unexplored within the context of wall paintings, is developed using BIM and GIS. Ultimately, the case study in Old Bagan proposes a comprehensive methodology to document and manage wall paintings that belong to a large group of heritage assets considering its four-dimensionality at multiple scales, addressing the interoperability at a basic level between: (1) surface and building, (2) building and territory, and (3) surface and territory. The objective is to create data exchange among different platforms and users, generating a collaborative instrument that evolves with the participation of different specialists.