Author(s)

S. Sajeva

Abstract

The preservation of architectural assets requires full training, updated knowledge and an interdisciplinary nature. Considering an architectural site’s values and that many are no longer restorable once modified, the case is evident. It is legitimate that all taking part must operate in the full conscience of these values. However, there are cases in which it is not possible to make use of modern instruments and skilled labour – cases in which the context and the economic availability narrow down possible choices. Adding to this a condition of urgency, it turns out that the above mentioned is no longer linearly applicable. At Voskopojë (Albania), today a village, once a flourishing cultural centre, still visible are 5/25 post-Byzantine churches. The plan for cultural saving in course (n.g.o. Patrimoine sans Frontières, Paris/France), has been, with local institutions, a movement for conservation of these assets that represent such important testimonies of the village’s history, whose memory has been compromised through destructive actions, also by the natural exposed risks (seismic risk M=6,9). Conserving these assets means conserving the historical memory of the place and people, giving them back a durable key of identity, an instrument for autonomy, and a coherent development with the past. Modernity in these cases is in developing the applicability of the above-mentioned competences, not only in hands-on terms but also in an awareness of the advisors’ role. The case of the church of the Prophet Elias, one of abovementioned five, has put forward a responsible reflection on these thematic ones, in that the conservation plan was to be elaborated with qualitative standards, and carried out through the involvement of local resources. This has been translated into an action of contextual acquaintance, in the appraisal of system’s limits and in the consequent responsible action of specialized \“external” technical support. Keywords: Albany, Voskopojë, historic sites, church architecture, post Byzantine age, conservation, seismic vulnerability analysis, cooperation.

Keywords

Albany, Voskopojë, historic sites, church architecture, post Byzantine age, conservation, seismic vulnerability analysis, cooperation.