Interdisciplinary Definition of a Sustainable Approach to the Environmental Protection - the Case of Castle Heritage

Field: Social Sciences (Social Sciences)

Topic of dissertation is integrated preservation of architectural heritage on the case of castles in Slovenia. The aim of dissertation is to contribute to heritage preservation in a way that allows its integration into development \nof space and of local environment. Based on research work, presented in dissertation, we therefore developed \nmulti-criteria methodology for monuments properties assessment. Methodology, as proposed by thesis, embraces \nproperties of monuments, which can be explored by different disciplines, yet at the same time defines heritage \n“potential” for its future use, especially in relation to the planning of its management and function, which would \nensure efficient link of monument with local development. At the same, methodology can be used for science \nbased renovation and maintenance interventions planning, as the number of castles, in urgent need of such \ninterventions, exceeds resources available. Methodology is designed to suggest allocation of resources for \ninterventions to those monuments first, whose assigned priority is the highest according to the state strategy and \nrespective criteria and objectives of the call. The need for such research has been strong, while at the same time \nresults of this research come before the state strategy (even though it is prescribed by the law), which would stop \nmonuments deterioration and introduce clear criteria of state subsidies. In defining criteria of the methodology \nwe proceeded therefore from the art historical, historical, civil engineering, environmental, administrativeeconomic \nand sociological aspects of monument conservation. Methodological approach is interdisciplinary \nresearch, covering methods of art history (style analysis, values assessment and comparative analysis of art \nmonuments etc.), historiography (critical analysis of primary and secondary sources), sociology (interview \nmethod, analysis, synthesis, method of participant observation), civil engineering (multi criteria decision making \nmethods, AHP – Analytic Hierarchy Process method, visual inspection of the building state of conservation, \nassessment of risks) and partly of the economy and environmental protection field (multi criteria decision \nmaking methods). Castles in Slovenia, declared as monuments of national importance, are the case study for \nverification and validation of the methodology, whilst methodology offers also important platform for the \ntreatment of monuments of local importance, however this approach has not been introduced systematically and \nrequires further consideration. Research work, presented in dissertation, confirmed the hypothesis that \nprofessionally and science-based multi-criteria decision-making methodology can be important support in \nmonuments analysis and their integrated preservation. Test methodology has been verified through interviews \nwith experts from different disciplines and has served for the preparation of methodology proposal, which gives \npossibility for integrated interdisciplinary monuments assessment, as well as for definition of methodology for \nfinancing renovation of deteriorated objects and for financing maintenance of those objects, which are in \nfunction and are in satisfactory state of conservation. As crucial it has been pointed out that the state needs a \ncomprehensive and long-term approach to define function of castles, while at the same time it should not to \nexpect that the majority of objects will sustain themselves.