Wood architecture: heritage and the challenge of modernity
A hundred years ago, a large proportion of Polish buildings were made of wood. After the war, however, they quickly disappeared from the landscape. Only a small part of the wooden, often already unique, legacy has survived to this day. However, investors, architects and conservators are increasingly making efforts to restore them to their former glory. This is not easy, as knowledge of construction methods, material selection and properties has disappeared. There are also exacting standards to which old wooden architecture must be adapted.
So how do we restore historic and historical forms? What is most important: the preservation of the original building material or the original shape of the building? How to adapt wooden monuments to new functions? Finally, how much does it cost to preserve wooden heritage? These issues will be discussed by designers with experience in the renovation and creation of new architecture from wood: Krzysztof Mycielski, Piotr Grabowski and Piotr Olszak.
The panellists will also reflect on the fact that wood is returning to the favour of architects and builders, who are learning almost anew how to use this traditional building material in the form of durable and technologically advanced building materials. They will also consider how to combine new developments with traditional craftsmanship and whether completely contemporary timber architecture can also take on historic forms.