32TS.11

 

11. TANEI TEMPLE

The ad hoc group of experts:
a) Welcomes the quality of cooperation prevailing between the Japanese and the APSARA National Authority teams.
b) For restoration of the east gate, recommends that the intervention be based on the principle of anastylosis, i.e. in situ dismantling and reassembly in identical fashion the structures given the small dimensions of this gate, a thorough understanding of it by means of analysis and a detailed survey, including the extent of problems above ground and in the foundation, the small number of missing stones on site or that have fallen off and been inventoried, and the obvious resemblance to the west gate.
i) That process will enable verification of the quality of the gate’s foundation by means of exploratory borings, providing a basis to develop a possible consolidation project. At the same time, the water level and flow pattern will also be identified. The few dead trees in the immediate proximity of the gate, with their roots cut, are now a threat, so must be cleared away. That will finally make it possible for visitors to access the temple through its original entrance gate.
c) Proposes that further investigation be made of the green cover surrounding the temple with a view to keeping as many of the existing trees as possible, also of the current weather pattern impacting the temple.
d) Validates the proposals made for minimal interventions for consolidation and protection, tour routes and safety barriers, as well for the replacement of the weathered wooden props. On this point, the metal struts proposed in replacement of the wooden ones need to be installed without creating hard spots. They need to provide proper load distribution at the points requiring impact relief, using a wooden buffer between the stone and metal structure. Their color is to match that of the environment as closely as possible.
e) Is very interested in the proposal to have a new way of visiting the temple through its eastern face (the original entrance) by putting in an accessway from Takeo temple. The experts recommend that further thinking be done along these lines in close liaison with the APSARA National Authority.