Cultural heritage in many regions of the Asia/Pacific domain possess a shared history, architecture (both functional and stylistic), and conservation/restoration issues. These shared features are due in part to somewhat similar political and historical trajectories as well as similar societal manifestations over the modern era regarding global economy and religious influences. Alternatively, there are also differences regarding architectural details, cultural issues, conservation and restoration goals, and methods for obtaining satisfactory results for the specialist, for the public, and for each nation. Indeed, each nation is faced with its own unique adaptations and requirements based on variables such as social responsibilities peculiar to interest groups within each society, as well as financial considerations that restrict the implementation of certain conservation and restoration techniques. The result is a diversity of methods used in cultural heritage conservation, both traditional and modern. The idea and definition of 'Asia' as a unified region must be addressed.
There are vast differences between, for example, areas of India, Central Asia, and Oceania, and a volume can easily be produced on each region alone. "Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage in the Asia Pacific Region" presents the current state of affairs regarding conservation, specifically of the built environment, with contributions by a diversity of authors representing the spectrum of Asia and the Pacific. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, this volume deals with one aspect of cultural heritage, that of traditional architectural conservation and attempts to use that as a platform on which to emphasize the importance of the changing concept of heritage that now includes intangible heritage.