Renovating Historic Buildings
Before commencing renovations of cultural heritage sites, a pre-project and project preparation are required. A very important part of the pre-project preparation is thorough research and examination of the historic object. This involves an onsite inspection as well as a study of archival materials, including written sources, maps, plans and photographs.
In the case of buildings, a structural-archeological research is of paramount importance. This typically results in a description of the heritage elements requiring preservation, as well as an outline of the recommended procedure for renovations. In the case of a site with archaeological finds, archaeological research of the area is required instead. When it comes to movable or built-in works of art, conservation-restoration research takes this role.
Another important part of the pre-project preparations is consultation with national heritage experts. Such a consultation is the only way to prevent, to a great extent, later misunderstandings, and wastage of state and private expenditure in the processing of documentation.
An integral part of a successful restoration is a well-prepared design and documentation. This must be approved by the relevant state authority, on the basis of an independent expert assessment provided by the National Heritage Institute. The documentation should include design drawings prepared by an experienced architect, as well as a detailed written and tabulated inventory of all valuable elements and a selection of favourable renovation technologies.
Spatial Planning and New Buildings
Special care and attention is required when considering new buildings within conservation areas (reservations and zones), buffer zones and in the vicinity of historic sites. The sustainable development of these protected areas requires respect for their cultural and environmental value. This includes the urban, architectural and archaeological heritage (as appropriate) that conveys the identity of the area and demonstrates its historical traditions. There is no doubt that these cultural values present irreplaceable tourist attractions for individual regions, with direct economic impact on tourism and related services.
Apart from respecting the urban and architectural context, the overall character of habitation and landscape should be considered when planning new buildings in a historic environment. Similarly, the wider context contained in zoning plan documentation should be considered. This means considering the land use limits at different levels: countrywide (Politics of Spatial Development); regional (Principles of Spatial Development) and local (Municipal Zoning Plans). Apart from a zoning plan put through in several drafts (assignment, concept, proposal, assessment of proposal, release), other tools of zoning plans include zoning studies, regulatory plans, or specific protection plans for particular reservations and zones.
The most problematic type of construction in conservation areas are new buildings on previously vacant lots, even when architecturally well-designed. On the other hand, long-term vacant lots within adjoining built-up areas typically do require filling in. However, even in these cases the outer limits of the building development (coverage of plot, frontage, height limits) need to be considered. Planning for changes in land use is directly related to areas of development. It is fundamental to define open space never to be built on, and to protect the urban composition (scale, dominant elements, axes, vistas, panoramas, etc). Similarly, valuable natural areas and elements need to be protected, including those that are artificially created (lanes, water reservoirs, etc).