Manifest opevnených miest k Európskej Únii
Dokument bol prijatý účastníkmi konferencie "Fortress as a Corset" v holandskom meste ´s-Hertogenbosch v októbri 2005 a následne bol odovzdaný európskemu komisárovi, p.Jánovi Figeľovi ako holandská výzva smeurjúca k navýšeniu finančných prostriedkov z rozpočtu EU venovaných na záchranu a obnovu historického dedičstva v európskych opevnených mestách. Podujatie sa konalo - podobne ako konferencia v Trenčíne - pod záštitou a s podporou Kruhu priateľov opevnených miest (Walled Towns Friendship Circle). K dispozícii iba v anglickom jazyku.
on the future of
Introduction 'The cultural heritage of
This proposition (number 133) from the European Spatial Development Perspective[1] is warmly endorsed by European walled towns and regions. The Dutch town of ’s‑Hertogenbosch was nominated European Walled Town 2005 by the European organisation of Walled Towns, the Walled Towns Friendship Circle. [1] Agreed at the Informal Council of Ministers responsible for Spatial Planning in
'S-HERTOGENBOSCH DECLARATION
Within that framework various European conferences were held in this town, in which the focus was on the opportunities and dangers facing walled towns. During these meetings many experiences were exchanged concerning the utilisation of the military-historical heritage in future developments. In order for collective initiatives to be implemented, it is essential that attention is paid to historic fortifications in the new European structural fund programme. This declaration, laid down at the congress on
Proposition1. Defence ist the best form of attack
Throughout the centuries we have maintained a changing relationship with our walled towns. Long ago they offered us protection from the enemy in times of need. Later the old town walls and ramparts were increasingly seen as an old-fashioned and restrictive corset. Due to their limited space, the development of these towns at this time gave them a very special character. An individuality, the effect of which can still be seen today and must be preserved in the future. In particular the security resulting from the relatively high density and a medieval character are typical features unique to these towns.
Cultural history is an integral component of our society and is not without obligations. We see the linking of cultural history to the making of new history, preferably in a high-quality and contemporary style, not as a threat but as a challenge for our generation. Cultural history is not a leaden burden, on the contrary it is a valuable source of inspiration when designing our future. This way cultural capital is converted into cultural wealth: from passive to active, from introvert to extrovert, from conservative to progressive, from museological to social. Greater awareness in various circles leads to broader social support. Latent interest leads to more interest, interest to appreciation and appreciation ultimately to preservation. Our walled towns are the gold that will enable us to give shape to this social grounding.
Traditionally walled towns have turned inwards. Protecting the citizens within the town gates: that was what they were for. Nevertheless our walled towns still maintained - and continue to maintain - close relations with the surrounding areas. Often fortifications were erected as outposts within a radius of many kilometres from the town itself. And the relics of this military past can still be found everywhere, if you just look closely. At the same time, the realisation that a fortified town does not end at the town wall provides an insight into good relations between town and countryside today. So we can restore the historic symbiosis between the red (development), blue (water) and green (countryside). The area of tension between the high density of the town and the open pastureland of the surrounding landscape demands a good balance and an active interaction. This perspective also provides an insight into supralocal cooperations, which will substantially increase support for our collective mission - the revitalisation of our walled towns and the surrounding region.
Proposition 4. There is no fixed formula for the restoration of our walled towns.
'Renovation takes precedence over preservation' became 'Preservation takes precedence over renovation': the history of our idea of restoration in a nutshell. Nowadays we can choose from many forms of restoration: from a complete reconstruction according to the character of a specific era, to leaving a ruin as a ruin. Obviously each individual restoration demands a situational approach. Sometimes we are forced to opt for major intervention in order to make the history of our walled towns visible once again and available for visitors to experience. At other times we prefer to choose the tranquillity, the poetry of the place, allowing visitors to experience its mysterious character. Also we should not be afraid to occasionally add contemporary elements to our old walled towns. After all, what we build today will be tomorrow's heritage, provided this task is carried out in a respectful, creative and quality-enhancing way. Only in this way will we succeed in preserving the historic dynamic of the place, including the period of deterioration, demolition and renewed attention in our time. In addition this method of working offers ample possibilities for our inhabitants and for tourist differentiation. This is why no restoration can ever be fitted into a tight straightjacket. In every town and at every place, the basic principle is that planning takes cultural history as its starting point.
Our walled towns must be welcoming both to visitors from outside the town and to local residents. Fortifications form the frame for the painting. This frame can make an important contribution towards improving the relationship between the historic town and the surrounding areas. With urban renewal we can use our city wall as a pedestrian walkway, a public park designed to strengthen social cohesion. In addition an attractive town will mean that the pressure of visitors in the town centre can be better spread. 'Keep out' will become 'welcome', both from the outskirts to the town centre and from the centre to out-of-town.
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8. Proposition participants congress
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9. Proposition participants congress
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