The need to protect valuable architectural details and decorative features of townhouses in Krakow from the years 1870-1939 / Beata Makowska // Conference of the International Journal of Arts and Sciences. ... więcej

The need to protect valuable architectural details and decorative features of townhouses in Krakow from the years 1870-1939 / Beata Makowska // Conference of the International Journal of Arts and Sciences. Proceedings [Dokument elektroniczny]. - 2014, Vol. 7, No 1, s. 151-155. - Oznaczenie ref./art. R3ME153. - Tryb dostępu: http://universitypublications.net/proceedings/0701/pdf/R3ME153.pdf. - Bibliogr. 14 poz., Streszcz. ang. - Mat. konf.: International Conference for Academic Disciplines, Rome, Italy, 22-25.10.2013

Cultural values determine the identity and significance of cities on both a national and a global scale. It is vitally important, therefore, to act to preserve authentic historical features and avert the ... więcej

Cultural values determine the identity and significance of cities on both a national and a global scale. It is vitally important, therefore, to act to preserve authentic historical features and avert the process of their destruction. The problem applies to, inter alia, decaying historic townhouses in Krakow from the turn of the nineteenth to the twentieth century and the interwar period, currently undergoing modernisation. It is extremely important that the decaying buildings in Krakow be entered in the register of monuments and protected. Only a wide range of conservation activities covering both complexes and individual works of architecture with historic décor can ensure their adequate legal protection. Neither regulations at the national level nor local laws adequately protect precious architectural details of historic buildings. Such provisions protect these monuments only in their entirety, i.e., their outlines and basic structures. At the same time, the lack of zoning plans for the entire city area poses a particular threat to the conservation of historic structures located outside the centre and the many valuable buildings not listed in the register of monuments. In order to better protect historic urban buildings and townhouses possessing valuable details and decorations, it is thus important to bring the theoretical principles of protection into conformity with the laws concerning organisation and planning. Hence it has become also necessary to modify social attitudes and raise the consciousness of everyone associated with heritage, that is, to educate investors, property owners, designers, restorers, and young people as well. It seems essential to introduce programmes teaching them to see, and become conscious of, the value of authenticity in historical buildings. Cultural values, such as valuable architectural details and decorative features, in fact determine Krakow’s identity. Thus it is essential to preserve them authentically in original form for future generations.