Frontiers of Architectural Research (2020) 9, 277e286

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Research Article

Striking elements e A lifebelt or a fad?

Searching for an effective way of adapting
abandoned churches

ski
Agnieszka Faustyna Szuta*, Jakub Szczepan

sk University of Technology, Gdan

Faculty of Architecture, Gdan
sk, Poland

Received 27 August 2019; received in revised form 16 December 2019; accepted 20 December 2019

KEYWORDS Abstract Are avant-garde elements added to historical objects as a temporary fashion to
Adaptive re-use; fulfill the aspirations of designers or an attempt to draw attention to themselves? It may be
Church re-use; the exact opposite, and this type of controversial project is the best lifebelt for such monu-
Kruisherenhotel; ments. This article explores issues related to external avant-garde elements added to adapted
Religious buildings; churches and their influence on the efficiency of such adaptation projects. Gothic churches
Sacral architecture; located in the north of Europe that have changed their religious function, entirely or in part,
Selexyz dominicanen were considered. This work examined former churches in Maastricht, namely, the Minorite
Church, the Church of the Kruisheren Monastery, the Dominican Church, as well as Polish
churches located in Gdan
sk, including St. John’s Church and St. Catherine’s Church. This
article attempted to identify the factors that contribute to the successful adaptation of former
churches and the benefits and drawbacks of adopting avant-garde design solutions. Results of
this study might provide valuable inspiration for other churches that are losing worshippers.
This study was conducted on the basis of a wide range of literature, statistical data, logical
reasoning, and comparative methods. Observations from selected edifices were checked for
their correlation over time. This study also included in situ investigations.
ª 2020 Higher Education Press Limited Company. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on
behalf of KeAi. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://
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* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: [email protected] (A.F. Szuta).
Peer review under responsibility of Southeast University.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foar.2019.12.007
2095-2635/ª 2020 Higher Education Press Limited Company. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi. This is an open access
article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
278
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A.F. Szuta, J. Szczepan

1. Introduction arrangement of a new entrance. The latter category of

changes evokes many emotions in society (Velthuis and
At present, the use of existing resources is increasingly Spennemann, 2007; Garstka, 2012). However, considering
important in the design process. The re-use of buildings is the aforementioned approach might be the only way to
increasingly becoming a common practice and acts as a preserve and protect a valuable building from falling into
catalyst for the transformation and regeneration of areas disrepair. Moreover, re-used churches may contribute to a
surrounding an adapted building. Furthermore, such pro- renewed interest and benefit cities because of the much-
jects are valuable from an ecological and economic view- needed financial input of tourism (Latham, 2000; ABN
point (Latham, 2000). Although still at its infancy, the AMRO, 2017).
capability to redesign existing buildings for new functions
and requirements is an important skill because adaptations 2. Methodology and process of the research
have been treated as secondary to the design of brand new
buildings for decades (Latham, 1999). In recent years, a This study aims to determine the factors that affect the
variety of transformations to revitalize old urban areas, success of the adaptation of deconsecrated churches. A
including religious structures, have been conducted. The portion of this study analyzed the benefits and drawbacks
progressive deconsecration of temples is observed as faith of adopting avant-garde design solutions. Gothic churches
increasingly declines. Therefore, numerous churches have from northern Europe, which included three churches in
ceased to serve their original function, making their adap- Maastricht (the Netherlands) and two churches in Gdan
sk
tation a contemporary pressing issue as evidenced by the (Poland), were investigated for this purpose. These loca-
number of European conferences on the subject tions were chosen for comparative purposes. The
(Ciela
˛tkowska, 2008; Fiorani et al., 2017). However, the Netherlands is a country that has performed deconsecration
subject of adaptive re-use of churches in eastern European and adaptation of churches for a long time while Poland has
countries is still a relatively new and considerably sensitive only begun. Ongoing changes and the current status of such
area. This condition may be caused by the lack of a broad edifices were investigated on the basis of the available
understanding of the entire process of deconsecration, its literature (Owczeruk, 2015; Niedałtowski, 2008; Di Biase,
reasons, and its consequences, especially within conserva- 2017; Ku
snierz-Krupa and Krupa, 2008; Harney, 2017;
tive communities (Kurek, 2011). EAAE workshop V, 2015) and performing in situ
In countries where the problem is visible, campaigns to observations.
rescue abandoned churches are currently performed. Thus, The researchers then gathered information on social
an organization called The Churches Conservation Trust attitudes toward adapted and deconsecrated temples to
(CCT) was established. The CCT takes care of almost 400 determine the popularity of the five selected churches.
abandoned churches in England (“The Churches Conserva- This stage was conducted by analyzing the local data,
tion Trust,”). A new concept developed by the CCT is verifying the appearance of churches in tourist guides, and
“champing,” an idea that involves camping in former determining the frequency of their online searches. Such
churches. One event held in 2018 provided the opportunity methods are commonly used (Ginzarly et al., 2019). A
to stay overnight in All Saints’ Church in Billesley where further step was the verification of collected material and
William Shakespeare is rumored to have gotten married. organization of data in tables. This stage highlighted the
Such events elicit significant interest and help attract connection between the adaptive activities of the partic-
financing for the maintenance of the buildings. However, ular churches and their current state and popularity. Thus,
the churches included in this project were still in a good the results were presented, the conclusions were drawn,
state of repair and did not require major investments. and the study was summarized.
Unfortunately, such events are occasionally insufficient. In This article also used the comparative approach and the
the case of large Gothic buildings, the costs of maintenance method of logical reasoning, which were supported by
are considerably large. Hence, undertaking initiatives with statistical data. These data were gathered by the Institute
a broad scope is necessary. for Catholic Church Statistics SAC (Instytut Statystyki
In contemporary society, experts on architectural disci- Ko
scioła Katolickiego SA; ABN AMRO, 2017). The comparison
plines and laypeople alike are aware of the important role of the selected churches allowed the determination of
of churches in urban spaces (Garstka, 2012). Therefore, factors, which may affect the long-term success of adapted
steps that should be taken to preserve these buildings for churches and the advantages and disadvantages of the
future generations must be determined. One way to implemented design solutions.
determine the steps would be by adapting their previous
functions; however, this approach may be insufficient. The
edifice must be customized in accordance with the re-
3. General characteristics of the selected
quirements and standards of the 21st century to execute a churches
successful adaptation. Latham (1999) discussed the need to
create a plan of action. The process of adapting a building Three Dutch churches, namely, the Minorite Church (now
to a new function usually involves not only reworking the an archive), the Church of the Kruisheren Monastery (now a
interior but also making equally significant changes in the hotel), and the Dominican Church (now a bookstore), were
exterior; for example, the attachment of a lift or chosen. These churches previously fulfilled a sacred
Striking elements e A lifebelt or a fad? 279

Figure 1 Dominicantes indicator in Poland over the last 30 years. The graph is prepared by using the data from annual surveys
conducted by the Annuarium Statisticum Ecclesiae (SAC) in Polonia Ad (2018).

function. Two Polish churches, which are partly adapted for a garrison. When the Franciscans were allowed by the
secular functions, were also studied: St John’s Church French invaders to return, they did not recover the Minorite
(partly adapted for cultural events) and St Catherine’s Church but established a new monastery instead. The
Church (which works partly as a museum and a viewpoint). Minorite Church was used by the garrison until the 19th
All five churches are monumental. Gothic churches dating century (Di Biase, 2017).
from the 12th to the 16th centuries are all located in At the end of the 19th century, the first Franciscan
northern European cities and share a similar architectural church and monastery were restored and currently serve as
history. These churches currently stopped fulfilling their the Regional Historic Center Limburg (RHC Limburg) with a
primary function due to the progressive decline in the reading room and exhibition space. Minimal changes were
number of people participating in Holy Masses (Fig. 1 based introduced in the interior, and the façade does not feature
on the dominicantes indicator1). Parishes do not have suf- any new elements, possibly indicating a change in the pri-
ficient funds for the maintenance of all churches, and the mary function of the church (Fig. 2) (Di Biase, 2017).
number of sacred buildings often exceeds the demand of
worshippers. Lack of use of a building is equivalent to its 3.1.2. Church of the Kruisheren Monastery, maastricht
gradual destruction; thus, finding new opportunities to re- The Kruisheren Church and monastery are located in the
use abandoned churches is necessary. tourist area of Maastricht. The 16th-century Gothic church
ceased its religious function approximately 200 years ago.
3.1. Churches in the Netherlands The church was owned by the municipality of Maastricht,
which had neither a concept nor funds for its development.
3.1.1. Minorite Church, Maastricht Thus, the building performed many different temporary
The Minorite Church (Oude Minderbroederskerk, also known functions. For example, this church served as an arsenal,
as Eerste Franciscanerkerk) is located in Maastricht, the hospital, and opera rehearsal hall until it was finally bought
Netherlands. This church is the oldest among three Fran- by a private investor. Before its final adaptation, the con-
ciscan churches in Maastricht. The Minorite Church was dition of the building was negatively affected because it
built in the 13th century in the Gothic style and was closed had not been used for nearly 20 years.
in the 17th century soon after the Franciscans were sent The church and monastery were transformed into a hotel
into exile. This church was also used as military barracks by in 2005. The newly created prestigious hotel had all the
features to suit the high requirements of the 21st-century
society. The structure had conference rooms, a library, a
restaurant, and a reception space. Apart from the interior
1
Dominicantes indicator e the percentage of worshippers
changes, this church was also visibly altered externally with
participating in a Sunday mass among all Catholics.
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A.F. Szuta, J. Szczepan

Figure 2
ski).
Former Minorite Church: a view from the outside and the inside (photo by J. Szczepan

Figure 3 Former Church of the Kruisheren Monastery: a new entrance to the Kruisherenhotel e a view from the outside and

ski).
inside (photo by J. Szczepan

a newly designed distinctive entrance (Fig. 3) (Ku
snierz- heating installations. The Boekhandelgroep Nederland has
Krupa and Krupa, 2008). shown interest in designing a bookshop inside the former
temple. However, a bookstore needed approximately
3.1.3. Dominican Church, maastricht twice more space than was available. Therefore, a cellar
The construction of the Dominican Church in Maastricht under the existing floor of the church was unearthed and
started at the end of the 13th century. The estate was warehouses and toilets were located below the ground
seriously damaged in 1557. The façade of the edifice was level. Additional space was created by introducing the
restored with the support of the city council. Since the church black, steel shelving, and an imitation of a book-
French Revolution, the church and convent have fulfilled case into the interior; such changes allowed for two
various functions, such as a school, a depot (at that time, additional floors (Fig. 4). These interventions created a
newly erected walls seriously damaged the existing fresc- bookstore, which respected the historical character of the
oed walls), an exhibition space, an archive, a library, a post building. The exterior of the former church gained a newly
office, and a bicycle storage space. The building was in poor redesigned entrance. The church currently serves as the
condition in the 1990s, and a plan for its restoration was Bookstore and Café Selexyz Dominicanen. This bookstore
commissioned. However, the work was not undertaken due was ranked as one of the most beautiful libraries in the
to financial reasons. The topic was revisited in 2000 as part world (Harney, 2017; EAAE workshop V, 2015;
of a revitalization plan for the Entre-Deux Center. ‘Merkx þ Girod’; “Dezeen: A shop in a church by
The former church had to be adapted to the new re- Merkx þ Girod Architecten”).
quirements with the introduction of basic electrical and
Striking elements e A lifebelt or a fad? 281

Figure 4 Former Dominicanen Church: interior of the Selexyz Dominicanen Bookstore (“Merkx þ Girod,”).

3.2. Churches in Poland This church was in ruins in the 1980s, and only the former
sacristy and library were used as offices for the restoration
3.2.1. St. John’s Church, Gdan
sk workshops. Despite the catastrophic condition of the
An interesting example of a Gothic church that combines building, Archbishop S. Gocłowski applied to governmental

sk.
sacred and secular features is St. John’s Church in Gdan authorities to have it transferred to the diocese of Gdan
sk.

Figure 5 St. John’s Church: view of the exterior and main entrance (photo by A. F. Szuta) and the interior of the Church during a
cultural event.

Figure 6 St. Catherine’s Church: on the left a view of the main entrance and entrance to the museum (which is marked by a red
rectangle); on the right, a close view of the entrance to the museum and viewpoint (photo by A. F. Szuta).
282
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A.F. Szuta, J. Szczepan

According to the agreement between the State Treasury 3.2.2. St. Catherine’s Church, Gdan
sk
and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Gdan
sk in 1992, the St. Catherine’s Church in Gdan
sk has a turbulent history.
church again became the property of the diocese of The vaults and roof of this church were damaged during the
Gdan
sk. The reconstruction work began soon. The organi- war. Reconstruction was conducted in the second half of
zation and funding plans involved the laity and clergy, the 20th century, but the roof was immediately destroyed
whereas scouts and students participated in the excavation again and burnt down in a fire. The form of the edifice from
and cleanup. the time before World War I was considered in a new con-
However, the financing of St. John’s Church became a struction project. Additionally, the scope of the project
problem because another parish was unnecessary in Gdan
sk. envisaged adopting the attic for museum purposes. St.
Accordingly, a combination of ecclesiastical and cultural Catherine’s Church is an interesting example because this
features was proposed to allow the property to acquire funds church is probably the only one in Europe that can fulfill a
for its maintenance. This endeavor was the first project of this secular and sacred function simultaneously. This feature
type in Gdan
sk. An agreement was arranged between the means that reaching the secular attic of the church is
secular institution “The Baltic Sea Cultural Center” and the possible even during religious practice. In other known
Church. The institution agreed to fund further work in ex- examples of partly adapted temples, the secular functions
change for the use of the interior of the church for exhibitions, of the church are suspended during religious events (Gu
c-
congresses, and concerts. After three years, a religious func- Jednaszewska, 1993).
tion took place in the church again Holy masses began to be The Museum of Science is currently located at the loft of
celebrated in the chapel (which was under the control of the St. Catherine’s Church. Unfortunately, the attic has no
Church). This symbiotic relationship between the Church and disability access nor does it meet safety regulations for
The Baltic Sea Cultural Center still operates today. The inte- evacuation. Therefore, projects exploring various possibil-
rior of the church reflects its former form. On the outside, no ities of bringing visitors to the church attic are continuously
new elements that may indicate the multifunctionality of the designed. One main difficulty is designing an entrance such
church have been added (Fig. 5) (Niedałtowski, 2008; that the religious and secular functions are separated.
Szczepan
ski, 2008). Another setback is posed by strict conservation guidelines.

Table 1 List of changes introduced in the selected churches. Data in column 5 are based on the statistics from ABN AMRO
(2017), articles and magazines related to architecture (e.g., Ku
snierzeKrupa, D., Krupa, M., 2008. Nowe zycie _

sredniowiecznych ko
sciołów z Maastricht. Wiadomo
sci Konserwatorskie. 24, 103e106.), web rankings, and guidebooks.
Striking elements e A lifebelt or a fad? 283

To date, the church façade does not feature anything new. internal changes as problematic. The next question
The outside does not indicate the existence of a museum in referred to external modifications. Apart from the issue of
the church attic (Fig. 6). demolition, external modifications show the importance of
churches in society. Among the respondents, 78.23%
4. Connection of the structure’s form, generally agreed that changing the exterior appearance of
the church would be detrimental to the local landscape.
function, and popularity Overall, the research has shown that the respondents are
aware that churches are an important element in cities that
A leading restorer, Viollet-le-Duc, claimed that the best should be preserved (Garstka, 2012).
way to preserve an edifice is to find a new use for it. A Society approaches matters related to deconsecrated
problem arises when this theory is applied to religious churches emotionally; the society wants to preserve
buildings. Thus, all actions must be undertaken with the churches and appreciates their intangible value and
intention to serve society and contribute to the improve- important role in the city. Such an attitude is also an
ment of living standards and public spaces. Unfortunately, argument for preserving such buildings for future genera-
in many cases, the main aim of investors is an adaptation tions. At this point, the following question arises: are
that could frequently generate the highest possible reve- there any changes that may contribute to self-financing
nue at the expense of architectural and aesthetic values. In and increasing the profitability of a sacred object? This
this way, the cultural worth and individuality of former study attempts to answer the above question. Table 1 lists
religious buildings and their surroundings might be lost. the changes introduced to each building with their
Cooperation among the designers, the religious community, popularity.
society, and investors should be sought for the successful The graph below (Fig. 7) shows the percentage of online
adaptation of an important building (Garstka, 2012; searches for the churches in question over time. These data
Cie
slak, 2008; Mine, 2013; Khalaf, 2016; Smith, 2006; were used in Table 1.
Dvornik Perhavec et al., 2015; Beste, 2019). The chart and the table show that the most popular
The attitude of the public to the adaptation of churches churches are the former Church of the Kruisheren Mon-
is revealed by a survey conducted among 124 people. The astery and the Dominican Church. Both churches share the
first question involved the perception of functions, which characteristic of multifunctionality (a bookstore and café
could be adopted by former churches. The most acceptable as well as a hotel, restaurant, and library) and also feature
ones included cafés, kindergartens, and private apart- a new avant-garde entrance. In the cases of the Minorite
ments, while the least desirable were clubs, mosques, and Church, St. John’s Church, and St. Catherine’s Church,
supermarkets. The next question referred to the internal these churches appear half as much in Internet searches as
division of the churches. The responders did not consider the former Church of the Kruisheren Monastery and the

Figure 7 Percentage of online searches for the churches in question made by the Internet search engines. The chart was made
via an internet search tool “Google Trends”.

Fig. 8 Former Dominican Church: the newly designed entrance and a view of the outside café area.
284
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A.F. Szuta, J. Szczepan

Dominican Church (where the trend line reaches the solely from a visual assessment of the relationship between
maximum). Based on the above data, the small popularity the old and new architectures. At this point, the Cas-
of the Minorite Church, St. John’s Church, and St. Cath- telvecchio in Verona rebuilt by Carlo Scarpa in 1957e1973
erine’s Church could be connected to their mono- must be included. The remnants of the reconstruction from
functionality and the lack of a new avant-grade entrance the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries were removed to
or any other element. This finding could indicate the expose the medieval structures. Simultaneously, monu-
conversion of their former religious functions. The three ments from earlier eras were introduced by using contem-
adaptations were neither connected to the community nor porary architectural elements. An equestrian statue of
provided any new space that could serve as a meeting Cangrande I Della Scala from the 14th century was placed
place (such as the café in front of the Selexyz Domi- on reinforced concrete support. Thus, Scarpa juxtaposed
nicanen bookstore) (Fig. 8). historical sculpture with contemporary construction and
created an architectural composition in which antiques and
5. Discussion new elements play an equal role (Gamble, 1999). L. Smith
(2006) proved that “heritage” is not merely an object or
material item but also a cultural process. Cultural heritage
The protection and preservation of cultural heritage for
combines tangible and intangible aspects and considers
future generations is currently a salient issue. One method
important cultural, sociological, and environmental as-
by which historically, architecturally, and culturally valu-
pects. The design should protect not only buildings but
able buildings may be kept alive is their modification for
should also be extended to their surroundings (Smith,
fresh and contemporary uses. This modification is a prac-
2006). Monuments have a direct impact on the areas
tice known as adaptive reuse. Such buildings include
directly associated with them. The relationship of these
deconsecrated churches (Mine, 2013). Elements added to
objects with the other elements in a particular space
the façade of the building elicit remarkable emotions due
(including those which are designed today) become a part
to the application of new functions to the interior of former
of the urban landscape. Adapted temples, which are usually
churches (Garstka, 2012). However, attention-grabbing
located in important parts of the city, could enhance a
changes could be the key to furthering the use of a
street landscape, thus exerting a social and economic
particular structure (Table 1).
impact (Mine, 2013; Cie
slak, 2008; Beste, 2019).
After analyzing the selected churches, two main ways of
The increasing popularity of former churches could
adapting former consecrated buildings may be
afford them continuity of use and introduce long-term
distinguished:
positive benefits. A further contribution could be provided
by adding an avant-garde element to the adapted building,
1) External innovation: contrasting elements and accentu-
as shown in Table 1. In the process of adaptation, the
ating the entrance;
addition of a new element that could facilitate the con-
2) Smallest possible intervention on the outside of the
version of a former sacred function could be crucial.
building.
Although avant-garde solutions can be met with criticism or
negativity (Garstka, 2012), extenuating circumstances,
Many buildings are about to undergo renovation, and a
such as the reversibility of changes introduced (for
choice must be made in terms of their customization to
example, the contrasting entrances in Maastricht), could
meet the new requirements (Chapter 3). The above analysis
also occur. In addition, if the means, scope, and form of the
has shown that in opting for minimal adaptation (such as in
adaptation work are supported by reliable analyses, then
the case of the Minorite, St. John’s, and St. Catherine’s
the changes do not have to be the subject of conflict. Other
Churches) or undertaking a contrasting approach (such as in
aspects, such as location (urban landscape, technical con-
the case of the Church of the Kruisheren Monastery and the
dition, and the spatial layout of the edifice) and the needs
Dominican Church), the minimal versus bold intervention
of the community, should be considered. Through such
remains unclear.
actions, the acceptance probability of the society, the
The design guidelines for historic buildings are governed
scientific community, and investors to re-use former
by The Venice Charter. Article 12 states that “Re-
churches increases (Garstka, 2012; Cie
slak, 2008; Mine,
placements of missing parts must integrate harmoniously
2013; Khalaf, 2016; Smith, 2006; Dvornik Perhavec et al.,
with the whole, but at the same time must be distinguish-
2015). Decisions cannot be unilateral, and team coopera-
able from the original so that restoration does not falsify
tion is necessary.
the artistic or historical evidence” (International Charter
Although projects aimed at reusing historic buildings,
for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and
particularly those with religious significance, are consider-
Sites, 1964). In an attempt to interpret and discuss the
ably difficult because they require cooperation between
selection of materials and the design of new forms relative
stakeholders with different vested interests (architects,
to the records of The Venice Charter, R. Khalaf (2016)
conservators, constructors, investors, and local in-
concluded that visible differences should exist between
habitants), such an undertaking is feasible. One positive
old and new architectures to help the general public
example is the Bookstore Selexyz Dominicanen (former
distinguish the old forms from the new. Such a distinction is
Dominican Church) presented in Section 3.1. In this case, a
in accordance with the principles of conservation. Hence,
properly chosen function along with a new and distinct
intervention does not forge historic architecture (Khalaf,
form achieved the following aims. The building is in con-
2016). However, determining the compatibility of the
stant use, which has a positive effect on its technical
original architecture and the adaptive work should not arise
condition. The added elements do not attempt to fake the
Striking elements e A lifebelt or a fad? 285

past and everyone can distinguish the new architecture structure or location. New entities should be in harmony
from its historical form. The history of the place is pre- with the surroundings and match the original character of
served, and the property gains popularity among the locals the area. Bold but properly selected architecture and
and tourists. Such outcomes are beneficial to the economy construction could lead to the creation of fresh aesthetic
of the city (growth in the number of tourists in Maastricht value and sophistication. From the outset, bold projects
coincides with the adaptation of the two former churches) could be beneficial to the former churches and the city as
(Table 1; ABN AMRO, 2017). a whole. The primary benefit of these deconsecrated
Accordingly, changing the function of a former church churches is the financial aspect as a consequence of
and distinguishing this change by adding a new external increasing tourism.
element gains the attention of people and encourages their The next research problem examines the benefits and
entrance. Hence, this phenomenon creates a sort of tourist drawbacks of adding new and distinctive architectural
attraction, which can introduce long-term benefits to the features to adapted churches. The respondents answered
adapted building. that the addition of a new item to an edifice may adversely
affect the landscape (Garstka, 2012). However, this study
6. Applications and summary has shown that significantly more benefits than drawbacks
associated with the addition of a bold element can be ob-
tained. Among the advantages of adopting avant-garde
In the 21st century, increasing emphasis is placed on the
solutions, the following may be considered:
adaptation of edifices in urban areas. Old buildings create
an identity and a sense of belonging to a given area in
particular (Latham, 2000). One example of old and aban-  A new form can create new aesthetic and landscape
doned buildings are churches. This type of structure is values;
connected to the declining role of the Church in society.  The popularity of an adapted church might increase;
Many European countries (Italy, England, and the Baltic  Increased interest in an adapted church could boost
States) have witnessed such development and struggled tourism;
with it for some time. However, the problem in the eastern  An adapted church covers not only its maintenance costs
part of Europe has only emerged in recent years. There- but may also bring income;
fore, immediately undertaking some broad action before  Increased continuity of use preserves the architectural
abandoned churches become a large-scale European prob- and cultural values of an adapted church for future
lem is necessary. generations.
The major aim of adaptive re-use is to maintain churches
in their optimal technical condition and preserve them for However, a thin line exists between overly audacious
future generations. Thus, adaptation programs have been projects, which may lead to the loss of authenticity and
implemented for the aforementioned purpose. Given that erode the identity of the building and its surroundings.
temples are special objects in terms of their impact on Moreover, a considerably restrictive approach may forbid
public sentiment, the entire process of re-use is a delicate the implementation of any visible changes. Decisions
issue for architects. Design in consultation with the repre- regarding the form of newly designed elements should be
sentatives of different specialist areas (for example, made after extensive analysis of the current state of affairs
maintenance workers, architects, investors, and the local and research in the local community. Finding a compromise
society) is essential to develop mutually acceptable com- between conservation ethics and the requirements of the
promises and obtain a successful result. A key consideration 21st-century society, and the prevalent religious sentiment
in this process is that former places of worship should be may be crucial.
able to finance their maintenance costs while also preser- Notably, heritage should not cause conflict. All parties
ving their architectural values for future generations. At should be linked by the same goal, which is to bring aban-
this point, countries in Western Europe, wherein the doned churches back to life and make them an integral part
problem first occurred (the Netherlands could be consid- of the community. The re-use of abandoned churches can
ered a pioneer), must be considered to draw from their also encourage people to explore the history of such
experience. buildings. Abandoned churches are guardians of history and
The studies were conducted to verify whether factors give character to their surroundings. Some adopted
affecting the success of adaptation programs for former churches have created new public spaces around wherein
churches could ensure their continuous use. Deconse- locals and tourists can meet and spend time. In this
crated (entirely or partially) Gothic churches located in respect, Jacobs (1961) stated that “Cities need old build-
the north of Europe were examined to answer the afore- ings so badly it is probably impossible for vigorous streets
mentioned question. A noticeable relationship exists and districts to grow without them [.] Old ideas can
among the chosen function, the introduction of new and sometimes use new buildings. New ideas must use old
external forms, and the popularity of an adapted struc- buildings.”
ture. The analysis reveals that the factors boosting the
interest in former churches possibly include their multi- References
functionality and the innovation of a new and distinctive
form on the outside of the building. The addition of new ABN AMRO, 2017. Hotel Market Breaks Records, But Caution Advised
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