Dr Pierre Pichard, a distinguished French architect and conservation expert who contributed greatly to Southeast Asian cultural heritage, passed away on 22 August 2024 in France at the age of 88.
Dr Pichard is an esteemed alumnus of SEAMEO SPAFA having attended SEAMEO SPAFA’s Seminar on South East Asian Traditional Architecture, 25-28 July 2000 (FY 2000/2001). He was also a resource person for “From Risk Assessment to Conservation: Safeguarding Archaeological Complexes in the Mekong Region”, a workshop held at the World Heritage site of Vat Phou, near Champasak, Lao PDR from 9-22 March 2008. The workshop was a collaboration between SEAMEO SPAFA and the Getty Conservation Institute; the Department of Museums and Archaeology of the Lao PDR’s Ministry of Information and Culture; and the Lerici Foundation (Italy).
He is renowned for his pivotal role in the preservation and research of the Bagan World Heritage Site in Myanmar and authored the monumental eight-volume “Inventory of Monuments at Bagan,” detailing over 2,000 religious structures. These works may be found in the SEAMEO SPAFA Library*. His extensive work contributed significantly to Bagan’s successful inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dr Pichard’s influence extended across Southeast Asia, where he played a critical role in the restoration of Phanom Rung and Phimai temples in Thailand. His expertise in architectural conservation left an indelible mark on the region’s cultural heritage. His legacy in preserving Asia’s monumental heritage will be remembered and celebrated by scholars and conservationists worldwide. May he rest in peace.
*Click the following link to browse Dr Pierre Pichard’s volumes in the SEAMEO SPAFA Library catalogue: https://www.seameo-spafa.org/seameo-spafa-library/.
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Image: Dr Pierre Pichard (second from right) next to then SEAMEO SPAFA Centre Director, Dr Pisit Charoenwongsa (far right) at SEAMEO SPAFA’s Seminar on South East Asian Traditional Architecture, 25-28 July 2000.
Image: Dr Pierre Pichard (second from right) next to then SEAMEO SPAFA Centre Director, Dr Pisit Charoenwongsa (far right) at SEAMEO SPAFA’s Seminar on South East Asian Traditional Architecture, 25-28 July 2000.The post In Memory of Dr Pierre Pichard first appeared on Seameo Spafa.
The post In Memory of Dr Pierre Pichard appeared first on Seameo Spafa.