Protect our history: Experts warn against demolition of historical buildings!

Protect our history: Experts warn against demolition of historical buildings!

The importance of monument protection and the renovation of historical buildings were the focus of a lecture by Christof Wanderer at the Witzenhausen History Association. The half-timbered and earthen building specialist warned urgently against the rapid demolition of buildings that are perceived as unsightly. Using successful examples such as Mühlstrasse 13 and Walburger Strasse 19, he made it clear that there are often unexpected treasures in old houses that are worth preserving. Particularly moving was the presentation of a model of the house at Walburger Straße 19, which used to be a butcher's shop and was presented by Karl-Ludwig Dierksen. Such renovation projects are not only a question of preservation, but also of the region's identity.

Wanderer, who also holds a teaching position and is the head of a nationally known wood and clay construction company, pointed to the Venice Charter, which laid the foundation for the preservation of architectural monuments as early as 1849. This charter has lost none of its significance to this day and shapes the discussion about monument protection in Europe. It ensures that valuable historical elements are not simply sacrificed for modernity.

Resource-saving work in monument protection

Back to the practical aspects: The respectful treatment of historical buildings and resource-saving work are the essence of renovation. Wanderer emphasizes that the lifespan of a house is considerable: While the shell lasts up to 150 years, you can expect a lifespan of 70 to 120 years for the wooden interior and roofs have an average deterioration of around 50 years. This shows the need for cooperation with the monument protection authority in the Werra-Meißner district in order to preserve the valuable substance of the heritage.

Steffen Gugenberger, a certified “handicraft restorer” and another expert on historical buildings, agrees with these ideas. According to his industry, monument restoration requires specialized knowledge that goes beyond the skill of a craftsman. The first steps that are important are the documentation and assessment of the existing building structure and the creation of a well-thought-out restoration concept. The ideas and suggestions of Gugenberger are always developed on the basis of the Venice Charter, which is an internationally recognized guideline in monument preservation. This not only respects history, but also clearly defines how cultural heritage should be dealt with.

The Venice Charter: A Guide to Monument Preservation

The Venice Charter, which was adopted on the Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice in 1964, is considered one of the most important texts in the field of monument preservation. It states that structural interventions should not change the structure and shape of monuments and calls for comprehensive protection of the surrounding area. This includes individual monuments as well as urban and rural ensembles. It is clear: the responsibility for cultural heritage lies with all of humanity, which owes its preservation to future generations. Another important statement in the charter is that reconstructions are only permitted in the form of anastylosis, i.e. the reassembly of existing parts.

In conclusion, the restoration and preservation of historic buildings is a complex but extremely important task. Whether through respectful renovations or through professional renovation measures – attention to detail and knowledge of history and architecture must go hand in hand. In this way, cultural identity remains alive and the treasures of our past are preserved.