A WIDESPREAD MUSTER OF VALUES, THE FACILITY OF DESIGNABLE FUTURE
The
Grenade Agreement on the protection of the European Architectural Heritage –
which is operative in
The most important statement of the International
Charter for the Protection of Historic Cities, adopted on the Washington
General Assembly of ICOMOS in 1987, is the fact that it handles the whole of
the historic settlement as a unified historic monument.
Since that time, additional aspects have been invented
in relation with the protection of our built heritage, and these justified the
convocation of the Krakow 2000 Conference. Let us quote some of its theses
respecting historic settlements:
1
The
historic city is an organic unity, and its values (that
facilitate life) that
deserve protection are carried together with its inhabitants and those
creations that are serving them.
2
The
protection of the built heritage – taking into consideration the above
statement – means latitudes more tasks than “classic monument protection” that
concentrates only on individual buildings of outstanding value and their close
environment. The new approach requires new, different methods. Among these new
methods, the widespread enumeration of values and their local protection is of
signal importance. It appears as a task of the local community and the local
governments with their crucial participation and with the involvement of the
widest possible range of the local society.
3
Along
with the protection of material constituents, the protection of the intangible,
spiritual elements and the “genius loci” is similarly important in a historic
city.
With reference to all the above, it is intended to
outline those new aspects, methods and instruments that has been applied by the
Office for Monuments and Architectural Planning of VÁTI in the city of
Debrecen, East Hungary, in the fields of settlement value research, protection
and the conservation of settlement characteristics conveyors.
The working material titled “Historical environment,
development of the city, cityscape features and protection of values” has been
elaborated for the city-planning of Debrecen in 1998. It comprises the
following chapters:
Ÿ
Settlement
history
Ÿ
Changes
in regional role
Ÿ
Most
characteristic features of the society in the city
Ÿ
Development
of the city
Ÿ
Changes
in the physical dimensions of the city
Ÿ
Cityscape
features
Ÿ
Monument
protection
Ÿ
Local
protection of values
There
has not been any basic research for the preparation of the inspection material,
we based it on the ample source material that was accessible.
At
the inspections of the physical dimensions of the city, the first (1782-85),
second (1829-66) and third (1872-84) military maps of Debrecen served as a
basis, whereas the analysis of the consecutive maps appearing in a 30-year
period on average (1910-1936-1967-1998) has been actuated by computer. (Figure 1.)
This
tendency is still tangible, since unjustified building activity in the
outskirts of the city continues, whereas claims occurring – regarding e.g. the
inner city which is waiting for rehabilitation – would be easily answerable
with the utilization of the actual intra area. This situation is further
aggravated by the fact that the greatest loser of this expansion is the
so-called Nagyerdő (Great Forest), north from the city. A 3-kilometre wide
belt has already been sacrificed for the extensive growing.
The
stormy history of the city – which results partly from its location –, the wars
as well as fires occurring every 2-3 years till the end of the XIX. century and
the accelerated development from that time, the new border-location after World
War I. all played important role in the evolvement of the present structure and
building stock. The latter period brought some advantages as well, the city
turned into a university center this time, which is justified by the fact that
buildings of the medical university are just being placed under national
protection. However, the war and the accommodation of refugees caused emergency
situations as well, the signs of which are still discoverable.
Bombings
in WW II. as well as disrespectful architectural interference with the
traditional city structure in the 1970’s are also tangible in the changed city
structure and building stock.
The
characteristic analysis – which is perhaps the most important inspection from
the point of view of value protection – has been actuated in the preparation
phase of the urban structure plan (masterplan) in 2000. This analysis served as
a base for the „Programme for the protection of the cultural-historical
and architectural heritage”. Results of the characteristic analysis are
illustrated on a 1:100.000 scale outline character-map, which facilitated a due
overview of characteristic buildings that served as a basis for the forthcoming
regulation and protection.
In case of Debrecen, the
character analysis discovered the following basic characters:
1.
Inner city character
1.1 City center character
1.2 “Civis” (civic) city character[1]
2.
“Taksás” site character[2]
3.
Villadom
4.
University district character
5.
Blocks of flats character
6.
Garden-city character
6.1 Traditional garden-city character
6.2 New garden-city character
7.
“Kertségi” character[3]
7.1 Western “kertségi” character
7.2 Trans-rail “kertségi” character
8.
“Külsőségi” character[4]
As it can be seen from this classification, names of
peculiar features have an important accent in the arsenal of protection and in
the apprehension of the “genius loci”, because using these well-known local
names of the individual settlement parts with unique values is the best to
identify an individual physical-spiritual environment through the memories of
inhabitants, and this solution is perhaps the simplest mode of reaching the
widest possible range of the local society.
Those typical characteristics of the built heritage,
that must be conserved for the future, are thus rooted into the collective
memory of the settlement, beside the cool memory of the computer.
As a continuation of the works, analogically with the cityscape and monument survey of Debrecen the 1950’s, part of a national survay which covered 78 cities in Hungary, VÁTI completed a digital map with about 300 available photographs that were taken with up-to-date computing methods for the character analysis. This map enables quick and easy retrieval of the individual sites and their distinctive characteristics.
It is an
additional curiosity that the same map also contains – with easy handling
options on the computer – 93 photographs taken in 1951 for the “Cityscape and
monument analysis of Debrecen”. This enables such comparative analyses that
must have an important role in the decision-making procedure concerning
rehabilitation and cityscape planning as well as individual architectural
decisions in the future.
The
computer-processed CD, which consists of the value protection chapters,
cityscape analysis preceding the definition of characters, introduction of the
method and the present state of the city along with that of the 1950’s, is an
easy to use valuable document for the after-ages.
A
few more words on the protection of the architectural heritage of the city:
In
Debrecen, the program registers a relatively large number of locally protected
buildings for national monument protection, contains the draft of the value
protection regulation, concerning lists and the digital map that facilitates
easy overview of the present and planned protection level of the built heritage
in the city. (Figure 2.)
Along
with protection, the program has an offer for the introduction of a modern
building-registry system as well, because the classification of the buildings
has been done in Debrecen as an experiment, along with the preparation of the
masterplan and with the cooperation of our office, in accord with Swiss methods
geared and adapted to Hungarian circumstances.
The Swiss
technical information system, called RECENSEMENT based on the individual
inspection of buildings, has been attached to the character analysis.
This
value-classification method was first introduced to the Hungarian experts in
November 1998 on a work conference organized by the Hungarian National
Committee of ICOMOS, in the framework of a presentation by Swiss experts,
whereas the Debrecen testing was the first Hungarian actuation.
The
essence of the method is that a pre-made form helps the analysis of the
buildings. Filling in starts with land-register data, which necessitates the
examination of land-office registration data, since authentic data can only be
retrieved from these sources. The following step is local data recording: inspection
of the exterior of buildings, photographical documentation and classification
of peculiar features with the aid of icons placed on the pre-made digital form.
This facilitates computerized data processing and unique value designation.
Buildings
are classified into seven categories. The first category comprises buildings of
national importance. The second category means such buildings that require
further research for their national level protection. Buildings worthy of
measures for value protection steps form the third category (translated to
Hungarian circumstances, this is approximately equal to the level of local
protection). The fourth category consists of buildings well fitting their
environment. The fifth contains those cumbered with some problem, whereas
valueless buildings form the sixth category. Those requiring unconditional
intervention belong to the seventh category.
Following
value estimation, results of the survey are presented to the owners through a
slideshow. The local government is also represented at this presentation and
copies of data sheets are handed to the owners. Registration of the building in
Switzerland is based on the categories and those falling in the first three
categories will be inserted in the federal (national) register, in accord with
the Swiss public administration. After affirmation, the fact of protection is
officially published and the owners are informed in a resolution. Protection
lays certain charges on the owners, although they have an opportunity to gain financial
assistance for the rehabilitation and due maintenance of their buildings.
The
system provides further assurance, since breaking down buildings belonging to
the first four categories is prohibited.
In
the canton of Vaud (Switzerland) a number of app. 70 thousand buildings have
been analyzed for the past 20 years, and their data sheets are now accessible.
70 per cent of the survey costs has been paid by the Swiss state, whereas the
local governments have provided 30 per cent.
According
to their experience, filling in required 1,9 hour on average and the wages
added up to 10 per cent of the total registration costs. Provision of the
professional supervision required one to one and a half man-power.
As of
Debrecen, this city only had to provide half-year accommodation and office
allocation for two Swiss colleagues in two periods, in exchange for valuable
analysis data on 678 buildings in that most valuable area of the city, which is
the richest in architectural values deserving protection. (Figure 2.)
The
Hungarian translation of data sheets and help documentation necessary for their
filling-in has been prepared in the first phase of adaptation, in 1999. As a
practical application of the method – with the aid of this data sheet – in
1999, about 100 buildings were analyzed
and documented in the monumental environment of the Calvinist Great Church.
Buildings
were classified into seven categories accordingly. After adaptation, the gained
categories – adjusted to the Hungarian circumstances – were as follows:
Category
1: Nationally protected, monumental buildings
Category
2: Locally protected, worthy of national protection
Category
3: Locally protected
Category
4: Buildings well fitting their environment or worthy of local protection
Category
5: Having certain qualities, though not excellent
Category
6: Uninteresting
Category
7: Not fitting into their environment
As a
continuation of the work in 2000, the total analysis of the monumental
environment has been accomplished. The map-processing of classified buildings
gives an outline of the monumental environment of the Church and discloses
strategic fields of intervention, serving as thorough assistance for tasks
concerning rehabilitation.
For the
provision of quick access, the computerized processing of data sheets –
containing digital photographs – has also been done; these can be attached with
the digital map.
VÁTI –
also from its own resources – is presently working on the development of the
method, aiming at the facilitation of computerized data sheet filling in at the
locations (by notebooks) and of data retrieval by icons on the data sheets. (Figure 3.)
Figure 3. – Digital data sheet
This
development does not essentially change the structure of the data sheet, the
first series of data remains to be administrative data as outlined above. Then
follows the value estimation and a list of planned measures, and finally, the
type of the building with its present function and condition.
Among the
factual features of a building, the most important is the orientation of the
elevation, but the mode of building and the number of floors are also recorded.
Thus we reach the architectural characteristics: pressing a certain button of
the “data sheet”, the computer records the type of the roofage, the material of
the roof, information on the roof windows, it “describes” the appearance of the
façade, the type of ornamentations, the form of doors and windows, their
ornamentation and framework. Digital photographs of the building can be
attached to the data sheet and individual features can also be recorded within
this digital form.
In accord
with the international declarations concerning historic settlements, our aim is
to develop such a new instrument that is capable of a widespread enlisting of
values and – within Hungarian circumstances – of the total data recording of
monumental buildings and total building stock in their environment, as well as
of the processing of the evolving data base, founding a new practice in our
country. This might as well mean a new market area for VÁTI.
Computerized
administration – in case of consistent data recording – with the facility of
data retrieval through categories or icons, opens up new perspectives in the
field of value protection.
The
method under elaboration, which is adaptated to Hungarian circumstances, is probable
to be in request on behalf of the National Monument Office as well as the local
governments.
Experiences
of the Debrecen testing are utilized at the development of the data sheet.
The
opinion of the Swiss colleagues is worthy of thinking over. Their general
impression is that documentations in Hungary that they witnessed have been very
precise and well archived, but these documentations are not connected into a
working structure.
It is enough to refer to the above mention cityscape and monumental surveys from the 1950’s, which preserve unreproducible information on 78 Hungarian cities in some plan archives and records, on a state of the buildings almost 50 years ago, after the war and before the socialist recovery work. This issue is almost forgotten and unavailable nowdays.
It is
also to be mentioned that the western countries – like Switzerland – that work
consciously in the past 15-20 years on those methods that are by now essential
to any actions concerning renovations, have already elaborated such software
solutions that are capable of analyzing financial possibilities to be used in
the individual renovations.
They
perceived well in advance those presently seen processes that lead to the
upvaluation of the built heritage and their large-scale renovation.
According
to Swiss data, more than half of the building-trade consists of renovation and
maintenance work. They have developed the so-called EPIQR method, which – apart
from the aesthetic renovation of buildings – aims the renewal of the energy-consumption
of the building, the processing of occurring wastes, also keeping in view the
need for increasing the comfort of flats under renovation. In the first phase,
all possible fragments of data are collected, which enables a diagnosis of the
general condition of the building. Then the amplitude of necessary work is
analyzed and financial effects of the planned interventions are juxtaposed.
It is an
important aspect that after the renovation, energy consumption of the building
should be as minimal as possible, whereas interior comfort of the flats must be
the highest possible.
Finally,
let me add some thoughts to the integrated conservation.
The short
overview of the introductory part shows the process that is tangible through
the change of the concepts of architectural heritage, overall and holistic
interpretation of the built environment, local protection of settlement
segments that consist of after all everyday buildings, upvaluation of the
connection of the settlement and the landscape.
The value
of such a wholly interpreted heritage is further increased if buildings that
are traditionally taken as monuments are also present in the architectural
environment.
This
process might have been triggered by the appearance of residential areas in the
60’s and 70’s, which might seem to be spiritless with its uniform features,
causing a surge in efforts for the protection of the local environment as a
counter-reaction.
Thus, the architectural heritage has gradually turned into a part of the cultural heritage and the „European Charter of Architectural Heritage” introduced the concept of integrated conservation in 1975, whereas the above mentioned „Grenade Agreement” complemented it with the definicion of various forms of the architectural heritage.
The new
approach – with the need of the widest possible involvement of the local
population – facilitated the appearance of more general, overall value
protection conceptions. A stricter connection has been founded between culture
and environment, drawing attention on the principle of sustainable development,
compelling to make a balance in the rate of conservation and new building.
Therefore,
integrated conservation is a combination of renovation and rehabilitation. Its
aim is the general improving of life circumstances, and the development of the
local economy, employment and private investments. These are accompanied by
social flat building programmes, the conservation of the values of the built
environment, preparation for the reception of new functions and the appearance
of new economical, social and cultural values.
Integrated
protection deserves systematic planning and the consideration of the cultural
and economical capabilities in the actual building stock. This facilitates the
conservation and reinforcement of the actual social, economic and cultural
infrastructure. The trust of investors can be gained through active planning
policy, strong political commitment and common participation.
Integrated
protection is that way – contrary to those interpretations referring to the
protection of all elements of our environment – a conservation form integrated
into development, which requires the adoption and application of those new
methods and instruments that are introduced through the example of Debrecen,
and which have turned into compelling needs even in our region by present
times.
Bibliography:
- Erzsébet
Harrach: Preparatory works for the local protection in Switzerland
(A helyi védelmet előkészítő munkák Svájcban)
Műemlékvédelem (“Monument protection”) periodical, 1999/2
- Bálint Orosz:
Methodology presentation and professional discourse –
Debrecen, 14th December, 1999.
(Módszertani bemutató és szakmai véleménycsere)
Műemlékvédelem (“Monument protection”) periodical, 2000/2
- Bálint Orosz: Geographical
Information System (GIS) in the research of the urban character
(Térinformatika
a települési karakterkutatásban)
Falu Város Régió (“Villiga, City, Region”) periodical 2000/8
[1] The name „civis” means those (not too many) citizens who had civil profession but had to deal with agriculture too and had the vote.
[2] The name „taksás” refers to certain sites that were given to villains who had to pay an annual fee for site. This amount was called „taksa”.
[3] „Kertségi” refers to an area that was previously a vineyard system.
[4] The name „Külsőség” refers to the outskirts of the city and the surroundings settlements
List of illustrations
Illustration 1. Changes in the physical dimensions of the city –
Debrecen
Illustration 2. Debrecen, inner city– National and local territorial
protection
Illustration 3. Digital data sheet
Summary
In sound accord with international declarations, the
Monument Office of VÁTI applies new methods and instruments in the
investigation and protection of settlement values, and in the definition of
characteristics conveyors. These new methods were introduced on the example of
a Hungarian city, Debrecen. The character survey of the city has been
discharged in 2000.
VÁTI attached about 300 available photographs, which
were taken with the help of up-to-date computing instruments for the character
analysis, to a digital map. A 50-year-old photographical documentation of the
value survey of the city has also been attached to the same map, and all these
has been documented on a CD, together with chapters on value protection.
Thus the
present state of the city can be juxtaposed with that some 50 years ago, which
is a valuable document for the after-ages.
Along
with the value surveys, VÁTI participated in the introduction of a modern
building-registration system as well. The technical information system, which
is based on the preparation of data sheets through the individual survey of the
buildings, this Swiss method of “RECENSEMENT” has been adapted and tested in
Debrecen.
VÁTI –
also from its own development resources – is presently working on the
development of the method, aiming at the facilitation of computerized data
sheet filling in at the locations (by notebooks) and of data retrieval by icons
on the data sheets. Data sheets can be connected with the digital map of the
city.
This new
instrument is capable of a widespread enlisting of values and – within
Hungarian circumstances – of the total data recording of monumental buildings
and total building stock in their environment, as well as of the processing of
the evolving data base, founding a new practice in our country.
Integrated
conservation – a conservation form integrated into development - requires the
adoption and application of these new methods and instruments, which have
turned into compelling needs even in our region by present times.