Uses and Abuses of Reconstruction

Crișan, Rodica (2018) Uses and Abuses of Reconstruction. ICOMOS University Forum, 1 . pp. 1-19. ISSN 2616-6968 [Article]

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Abstract (in English)

Negative consequences of misunderstandings and/or inappropriate generalisations of the very comprehensive and deliberately vague definition of authenticity consecrated by the Nara Documents can be observed in the practice of last decades. The absolutization of the idea that heritage values are not inherent in the tangible fabric and the underestimation of the material authenticity, open the way to abusive ‘in style’ reconstructions driven by political and economic reasons which become more important than any conservation philosophy. The abuse of reconstructions is worrisome especially since it seems to be more and more accepted in the current conservation practice. Counterfeit historic buildings are too often made equal to originals by professionals, with no concern for misleading people, nor for the distortions induced in the social recognition of the built heritage values. Very often kitsch is proliferating within consumerism-lead reconstructions which fetch heritage sites as entertainment places with historic ambiance for tourists’ delight. Some other times the underestimation of the material authenticity justifies the demolition of existing historic buildings, subsequently replaced by slightly modified copies to accommodate contemporary demands within an overall historic appearance.

Item Type:	Article
Authors:	Authors Email Crișan, Rodica UNSPECIFIED
Languages:	English
Keywords:	cultural heritage; Conservation of cultural heritage; philosophy of conservation; theory of restoration; reconstruction; criteria; principles; authenticity; memory; sense of place; spirit of place; Values; social aspects; local communities; cultural identity; cultural significance; tourism; concepts; doctrinal texts; counterfeits
Subjects:	A. THEORETICAL AND GENERAL ASPECTS > 09. Philosophy of conservation A. THEORETICAL AND GENERAL ASPECTS > 12. Theory of restoration E.CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION > 03. Monuments E.CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION > 05. Sites N.ANTHROPOLOGY > 01. Generalities
Name of monument, town, site, museum:	Nara document
National Committee:	ICOMOS International
Volume:	1
ISSN:	2616-6968
Depositing User:	ICOMOS DocCentre
Date Deposited:	12 Mar 2018 15:48
Last Modified:	16 Apr 2018 08:41
URI:	https://openarchive.icomos.org/id/eprint/1851

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