Reconstruction in architectural conservation is the returning of a place to a known earlier state by the introduction of new materials. This process stands apart from restoration, which repairs existing building fabric, and preservation, which prevents further decay.
Stari Most in Mostar was rebuilt with original materials in 2004 after destruction during the Croat-Bosniak War in 1993. UNESCO officially approved the reconstruction of sites like this bridge as part of post-war recovery efforts.
Joseph Stalin ordered the demolition of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow under his rule in 1931. The cathedral was later reconstructed from 1995 to 2000 following its removal.
The 2000-year-old Ise-jingū-Shrines in Japan are ritually rebuilt every 20 years using wood. This practice represents a centuries-old tradition in Asian architecture that differs from European concepts of true-to-original conservation.
The Acropolis of Athens project began in 1975 to reverse centuries of decay using reassembled original material. This initiative focuses on preserving historical integrity through modern conservation techniques.