Discovery of the Oldest Construction Phases of the Convent …
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of archaeological studies which were performed in the years 2012–2014 by local
archaeological services [16], which expanded the scope of the presentation beyond
that of the former Archäologische Garten, linking it with a new, separate exhibition
organised at an exhibition salon at Bendergasse.
Insofar as the examples of enclosed preserves presented above allow the full
control of interior climate parameters [11], they are a form of “archaeological
cover… understood as a type of architectural structure that provides on-site protection to relics discovered through archaeological studies… it is intended to minimise
the impact of external environmental conditions that negatively affect historical
substance and change because of the open character of the exhibition” [11]. Of
note is the fact that experience has shown that archaeological covers can also have
an adverse effect on the relics they are meant to protect, as—depending on specific
solutions and materials—“external climate conditions can change underneath the
cover, escalating temperature, humidity or exposure to sunlight and UV radiation”
[11].
Thus, this type of archaeological cover appears to be suited merely as a temporary
measure in the case of the Dominican monastery in Sandomierz, to be applied for
the duration of extended archaeological studies, with the rational end goal being
to design an enclosed protective structure that could allow for the regulation of the
indoor climate and the exhibition of the archaeological and architectural relics on
the lowest level and on the ground floor, to be successively explored, conserved and
exhibited, with research and technical facilities on a level above the ground floor and
potentially its attic. This structure, featuring the characteristics of an architectural
landmark—at the site of the non-existing southern wing and in a portion of the
western one, should be their spatial restitution, restoring the historically shaped
composition of the convent, and should remain in harmony with the brick walls in
terms of colour, but at the same time operate using contemporary architectural form
and modern detail.
Here we touch upon an important theoretical and doctrinal matter, but the precepts
outlined in the Venice Charter of 1964 can be a still-relevant interpretation in this
case. The Venice Charter’s Article 9 reads as follows: “The process of restoration
is a highly specialized operation. Its aim is to preserve and reveal the aesthetic
and historic value of the monument and is based on respect for original material
and authentic documents. It must stop at the point where conjecture begins, and in
this case moreover any extra work which is indispensable must be distinct from the
architectural composition and must bear a contemporary stamp. The restoration in
any case must be preceded and followed by an archaeological and historical study
of the monument.” [17]
Apart from theoretical, doctrinal, research, exhibition and educational considerations, construction-related and technical matters will prove to be of particular
essence and will require individual, innovative solutions. However, due to the historical, academic and cultural significance of the structure in question, these solutions
cannot be a technical experiment, but must instead be based on previous experiences
and current knowledge while taking the individual characteristics of the archaeological site into consideration. “The state of the preservation of the relics, the type of
99
of archaeological studies which were performed in the years 2012–2014 by local
archaeological services [16], which expanded the scope of the presentation beyond
that of the former Archäologische Garten, linking it with a new, separate exhibition
organised at an exhibition salon at Bendergasse.
Insofar as the examples of enclosed preserves presented above allow the full
control of interior climate parameters [11], they are a form of “archaeological
cover… understood as a type of architectural structure that provides on-site protection to relics discovered through archaeological studies… it is intended to minimise
the impact of external environmental conditions that negatively affect historical
substance and change because of the open character of the exhibition” [11]. Of
note is the fact that experience has shown that archaeological covers can also have
an adverse effect on the relics they are meant to protect, as—depending on specific
solutions and materials—“external climate conditions can change underneath the
cover, escalating temperature, humidity or exposure to sunlight and UV radiation”
[11].
Thus, this type of archaeological cover appears to be suited merely as a temporary
measure in the case of the Dominican monastery in Sandomierz, to be applied for
the duration of extended archaeological studies, with the rational end goal being
to design an enclosed protective structure that could allow for the regulation of the
indoor climate and the exhibition of the archaeological and architectural relics on
the lowest level and on the ground floor, to be successively explored, conserved and
exhibited, with research and technical facilities on a level above the ground floor and
potentially its attic. This structure, featuring the characteristics of an architectural
landmark—at the site of the non-existing southern wing and in a portion of the
western one, should be their spatial restitution, restoring the historically shaped
composition of the convent, and should remain in harmony with the brick walls in
terms of colour, but at the same time operate using contemporary architectural form
and modern detail.
Here we touch upon an important theoretical and doctrinal matter, but the precepts
outlined in the Venice Charter of 1964 can be a still-relevant interpretation in this
case. The Venice Charter’s Article 9 reads as follows: “The process of restoration
is a highly specialized operation. Its aim is to preserve and reveal the aesthetic
and historic value of the monument and is based on respect for original material
and authentic documents. It must stop at the point where conjecture begins, and in
this case moreover any extra work which is indispensable must be distinct from the
architectural composition and must bear a contemporary stamp. The restoration in
any case must be preceded and followed by an archaeological and historical study
of the monument.” [17]
Apart from theoretical, doctrinal, research, exhibition and educational considerations, construction-related and technical matters will prove to be of particular
essence and will require individual, innovative solutions. However, due to the historical, academic and cultural significance of the structure in question, these solutions
cannot be a technical experiment, but must instead be based on previous experiences
and current knowledge while taking the individual characteristics of the archaeological site into consideration. “The state of the preservation of the relics, the type of