Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

A motive for adapting the desecrated churches to new purposes is a broadly discussed matter, progressively better investigated and defined. Is it advisable to introduce a new, permanent function, complementary to the sacred one in the historical ecclesial buildings? This paper presents the results of the research on benefits of adapting the non-utilized attics of monumental churches still performing their sacred function, located in historic centers of the cities. The results were identified in three approaches: culturally-sociological, economic and urban. Sharing the zones above the vaults of churches has significant cognitive values - it exposes so far inaccessible elements of the historic structures of churches such as upper layers of vaults, masonry motifs of ornamental gable walls and the structure of a wooden roof truss. The use of unused church space for commercial purposes (conferences, shows, exhibitions) is an important alternative for parishes income in a period of increasing secularization of European society. Interposing of new public functions, awaited by the inhabitants, to sacred objects existing in the intense urban structure of the city eliminates the need to create new volumes, for which in the historical center of the city there is simply no space. The article provides guidance on combining sacred and secular functions in the cult site and provides a series of arguments to those who plan to undertake the adaptation of non-church zones in churches and encounter the resistance of the church, municipal and conservation service authorities.

Authors

• dr inż. arch. Ksenia Piątkowska link open in new tab