Collaborative Research Project
Heritage Values Dialogue
Rethinking Conservation Theory and Practice
Following the political upheavel in 1989, the guidelines and criteria applied to the conservation of monuments came under pressure throughout Europe. Both theoretical discourse and practices were called into question.
Seemingly steadfast, expert principles have lost their general validity, the acceptance of monument conservation agencies is in the process of disappearing, the conventions regarding the careful handling of our cultural heritages collide increasingly with economic considerations – all occurring without any practical new value system in place to replace the former and no contemporary definition of the importance of cultural heritage in a globalised society.
Nevertheless, there is a renewed interest in the historical reflected in the many reconstruction projects currently taking place. Yet while some historical highlights are highly visible, endangered, authentic, less spectacular monuments take a back seat to the cultural forerunners. In short, the unspectacular parts of history are disappearing.
Monuments are currently defined by varying aspects: The material, the potential to be experienced, the artistic value, the unique characteristics and the monument’s potential to strengthen cultural identity.
This research project will strive to provide answers to questions posed by politics, society and science regarding the purpose and ideals values of monument conservation by developing a critical reappraisal of conservation guidelines and their interrelationships.
The project is dedicated not only to communicating divergent professional positions and priorities, but also to interpreting the priorities of monument conservation in society and, as the case may be, reinterpreting societal demands on monument conservation practice.
For European societies confronted with change and reorientation, the objectives of this research are relevant not only in light of the finite longevity and irreplaceability of monuments, but also because of the very human need for a sense of identity based in cultural roots.
Goethe, Dehio and others noted that monuments represent the "common property of mankind". Their preservation and sustainability play a special role in a society increasingly influenced by private interests.
The objective of this research project is to address the challenge of exploring and articulating contemporary monument conservation priorities and guidelines.
How do reflections on cultural identity and societal-historical self-assurance translate into the practical applications utilized in monument conservation?
Research Team
_Bauhaus University Weimar | Prof. Dr. Hans-Rudolf Meier,
Dominique Fliegler, M.A., M.Sc.
_Technical University Dortmund | Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Sonne, Dr.-Ing. Silke Haps
_Technical University Dresden | Dr. Ingrid Scheurmann, Dr.Sc. Stephanie Warnke
_Archeology and Conservation Authority of Saxony-Anhalt | Dr. Ulrike Wendland, Susanne Thiele, Dipl.-Ing. (FH), M.Sc.
