Restoration of historical fortifi cations from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries in Poland — architecture of modern additions

Aim of project
The aim of the study is to collect, complete and summarize research and didactic-design experience, concerning adaptation and modernization of post-fortress objects with particular consideration of problems of modern additions of historical structures.

Protection and development of historical fortifi cations from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries cause many conservatory and architectural problems. Most fortifi cation objects have considerably deformed earth forms and damaged, damped brickwork forms. Their correct adaptation requires signifi cant fi nancial means, time and knowledge.

Adaptation of historical structures to modern functions is a complicated conservatory and architectural problem, but much more diffi cult is the issue of shaping architectural forms of socalled “new additions” of historical objects — of earth and brickwork. In this respect, there are not many examples of realizations
and the existing ones are only small objects or their elements: modern entrances, canopies, benches, systems of information, interior design etc.

Conservators and designers often cannot cope with the scale of problems. Clearly noticeable is lack of methods of determining principles of protection, preparing programmes and architectural projects — enabling maximum scientifi c objectivity. The most domineering seem to be intuitive approaches and research using expert method, condemned to subjectivity of creators. Too often architects treat historical forms as a “substance-excuse” to creative activity, while conservators present conservative attitudes
towards formulating guidelines for protection of historical objects and making appraisals of projects.

Expected results
Results of research have to defi ne methods of determining principles of protection, preparing programmes and architectural projects — enabling maximum scientific objectivity
and, as a result, should help designers in correct modernization-conservation design, and conservators in directing, not paralyzing architects with bans.