Conceptual foundations of reconstruction and classification of damages in public buildings

Relevance of the study. The reconstruction of public buildings under the conditions of modern urban dynamics is not only an architectural or engineering challenge but also a complex interdisciplinary issue encompassing aspects of safety, functional adaptability, energy efficiency, and social relevance.Research results. The conceptual foundations of reconstruction require profound theoretical reconsideration in light of emerging challenges—climate change, infrastructure aging, risks of man–made destruction, and transformations in public needs. A central component of the reconstruction process is the identification and classification of damages, which serves as the starting point for substantiating technical decisions, selecting restoration methods, and designing measures to enhance the structure’s resilience against recurring impacts. The research focuses on a critical analysis of approaches to differentiating damages by their origin (physical, chemical, biological, anthropogenic), the depth of structural degradation (surface–level or deep), development rates (gradual or progressive), and the scale of consequences (local or systemic). A multi–level classification is proposed, combining structural and technical assessment with a functional and social analysis of damage outcomes.Research methods. Special attention is given to diagnostic methods, visual inspections, instrumental techniques (ultrasonic, electromagnetic, vibrational diagnostics), as well as digital approaches—developing information models of damage based on scanning and monitoring technologies.Conclusions. The theoretical principles of reconstruction are summarized around the notions of minimal intervention, preservation of the object’s authenticity, complementarity of new and existing structural elements, and resource efficiency. The correlation between damages and operational modes of buildings is explored, along with the role of environmental context in the development of critical zones. It is emphasized that successful reconstruction involves the creation of an integrated analytical base, from which intervention methods are selected—ranging from local strengthening of elements to large–scale structural redevelopment.The study outlines key directions for future research, including the development of adaptive classification systems, enhancing the accuracy of damage dynamics forecasting, and building digital platforms for real–time support of reconstruction projects.