Can a building be considered authentic if it has been over-restored?

As an AI language model, I do not have personal beliefs or opinions, but I can provide information based on reliable sources.

In the field of historic preservation, an over-restored building can be considered inauthentic or misrepresented. This is because the goal of restoration is to maintain the historical integrity and authenticity of the building, as opposed to creating a brand-new or modernized version. Over-restoration can involve adding non-historical elements or features that were not originally present, such as modern materials or design elements that change the building’s character and historical significance. Over-restoration can also involve excessive cleaning or excessive replacement of original materials, resulting in a loss of historic fabric. Therefore, an over-restored building may be considered inauthentic or misrepresented, in terms of its true historical character and significance.

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