HMSA
The HMSA Platform is a product- and brand-independent information and training platform run by Letoon, aimed at developing sustainable materials and practices in the field of cultural heritage.
Incorrect material selection and applications in cultural heritage structures can lead to irreversible damage. HMSA focuses on decision-making based on scientific knowledge, understanding material-structure-environment interactions, and developing long-term conservation approaches to mitigate this risk.
Mission
Aims to support the research, development, and application of building materials used in cultural heritage structures in accordance with scientific, ethical, and sustainable principles.
Vision
To be a platform accepted as a reference in material science and sustainability in cultural heritage conservation, generating knowledge and providing direction on a national and international scale.
Focus and Activity Areas
HMSA Sustainable Materials Guide & Principles
▼1. Natural and Traditional Materials
Solutions compatible with the structure’s original material and reversible. Lime-based mortars and natural stone completion are essential.
2. Bio-based and Ecological Materials
Natural fiber reinforcements (hemp, flax), plant-based resins, and environmentally friendly approaches are supported.
3. Recyclable Solutions
Sustainability means reversibility. Removable (reversible) consolidants are prioritized.
4. Sustainability in Cleaning
pH-controlled, biodegradable cleaners and non-micro-abrasive systems are used.
5. Ethics and Life Cycle
Questions like “What will this material do to the surface in 50 years?” and “What is the maintenance cost?” must be asked.
6. Golden Rules in Application
The “minimum intervention” principle, compatibility tests, and proper applicator training are parts of the process.
What Does the Platform Do / Not Do?
The purpose of the HMSA Platform is not sales; it is to generate knowledge, ethics, and awareness.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
- Generates knowledge based on science, sustainability, and ethics.
- Prepares open-access guides on historic building materials.
- Develops product- and brand-independent training programs.
- Combines field experience with scientific data.
- Encourages qualified and reversible interventions.
WHAT DOES IT NOT DO?
- Does not promote any product, brand, or company.
- Does not engage in activities with commercial sales or marketing objectives.
- Does not encourage irreversible aggressive interventions.
- Does not allow sponsorships to dictate content.
- Does not claim official authorization or licensing.
HMSA Training Approach
Our training is product-brand independent, case-based, and includes field experience.
- Level 1: Basic Training (Open Participation)
- Level 2: Specialization Program (Certified)
LETOON & HMSA Relationship
HMSA is run by Letoon but is independent of commercial activities. The platform generates technical knowledge independent of products, brands, and commercial expectations.
HMSA Impartiality and Ethics Statement
1. PURPOSE
This statement is prepared to pledge that all training, publishing, research, and capacity-building activities carried out by the Heritage Materials & Sustainability Association (HMSA) Platform will be conducted in accordance with the principles of scientific impartiality, ethical responsibility, and public benefit.
While the HMSA Platform is conducted under the umbrella of Letoon Architecture and Restoration, it adopts an approach independent of commercial direction in the processes of knowledge generation and sharing.
2. PRINCIPLE OF IMPARTIALITY
The HMSA Platform;
- Does not directly or indirectly promote any product, brand, company, or commercial entity in its training and publication content,
- Evaluates materials, methods, and applications based on scientific data, field observations, and international conservation principles,
- Consciously avoids approaches where a single product or system is mandated.
3. PREVENTION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
- Commercial sales, directive, or marketing language is not used in training, guides, and publications offered under HMSA.
- Potential sponsorships, support, or collaborations are clearly stated, and content independence is maintained.
- Information generated by the HMSA Platform does not constitute a direct reference or mandatory link to Letoon’s commercial services.
4. SCIENTIFIC AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
- All content is prepared in light of current scientific literature, field experience, and professional ethical rules.
- National legislation regarding cultural heritage, international conservation conventions, and principle decisions are taken as the basis.
- Interventions that are irreversible or damaging to cultural value are not encouraged.
5. TRANSPARENCY
- The scope, method, and evaluation criteria of training programs are clearly defined.
- Sources used in published guides and documents are cited.
- The objectives and working methods of the HMSA Platform are shared publicly.
6. SCOPE AND BINDINGNESS
This statement is binding for all persons and institutions producing content, providing training, providing consultancy, or collaborating within the scope of the HMSA Platform.
7. COMMITMENT
The HMSA Platform publicly commits to adhering to ethical principles, prioritizing impartial knowledge generation, and prioritizing public benefit in all activities conducted in the field of cultural heritage.