Description
The project aims to preserve Czech cultural heritage by creating the Study Centre of Applied Research of Cultural and Historic Heritage and Environmental and Social Disciplines located within the grounds of the castle and chateau Český Krumlov, a national cultural monument and a UNESCO heritage site. The project comprehensively addresses the protection, renovation, preservation, utilization of the extremely valuable building that houses the former Column Hall, which has not been used for many years and makes it accessible. The project includes constructional and conservational renovation, revitalization of interiors and exteriors of the former Column Hall and functional utilization of the renovated interiors for the new function of the international Study Centre. As the renovated spaces will serve as accommodation facilities and lecture halls for students, necessary furniture and equipment will be purchased and will be created and current information system will be extended. The project meets the demand for this type of innovative utilization of UNESCO sites. The issues of administration, renovation and development of a UNESCO site, environmental development and culture in Bohemia or Central Europe are attractive for a large number of prestigious domestic and foreign schools and universities striving for an opportunity of studies connected with a stay in the place. This project will surely attract wide range of study fields which can take advance of rich regional resources and possibilities. The project is carried out with Czech and foreign partners who support the idea and long-term cooperation. Important international publicity will be sought. The partner is the Norwegian University College of Agriculture and Rural Development, which will participate on creation of the content and activities of the Centre, especially with regards to the rural development, pressing issue of the region.
Summary of project results
Český Krumlov is an outstanding example of a small central European medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact. Thanks to its unique preserved medieval core, Český Krumlov is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Prior the project implementation, the former Column Hall located in the foremost courtyard within the grounds of the state castle and chateau Český Krumlov had not been used for many years. The project objective was to reconstruct the building, apply an innovative plan for its future usage and make it once again accessible to the public. Therefore, the project focused on renovation of both interiors and exteriors of the Column Hall and its conversion into the International Study Centre. The construction works involved conservation and renovation of the facade and repairs to the roof, including the construction of the historically documented dormers. Unsuitable interior walls and partitions that had been added over the years were pulled down and the floors were returned to the original condition. The adjusted rooms are now used as lecture halls. Accommodation facilities were built on the second and third floors, new electrical wiring, sanitary equipment and heating were installed. The creation of the International Study Centre addresses the current higher education demand for programmes aimed at the integration of theory and practice, facilitating the application of newly acquired knowledge in practice on site. Courses in the areas of protection, restoration and preservation of heritage sites, cultural anthropology, archiving, librarian studies, arts, historical theatre and heritage sites management will take place in the newly established multi-disciplinary study centre. Study and research activities will represent a counterpart to the mass tourism which is currently dominant source of income for the majority of cultural heritage sites. From longer-term perspective, the project shall have a significant impact on reducing both the economic and social disparities, including the expansion of available service and increasing employment rate. Study centre activities, focusing on the participation of people in a mutual learning experience will help to support rural development.
Summary of bilateral results
Both foreign and domestic universities have been participating in the project. Thanks to the partnership with the Norwegian University College of Agriculture and Rural Development the study centre will become the first official Central European centre for rural development studies. The project has also helped to strengthen the existing 10-year collaboration with the Canadian Dalhousie University in the field of cultural Central European studies. The intended multi-disciplinary focus of the study centre corresponds with the interests of the Czech universities, whose students are engaged in fields of study such as regional development, history, arts, architecture and cultural heritage. Workshops, conferences and other practical and academic events will be organized and held in the International Study Centre in Český Krumlov. Research and development activities and projects conducted in bilateral collaboration with foreign universities, regional development cooperation and development of education are expected to be developed. Through international engagement the universities will enhance the accumulation of the comprehensive knowledge for high quality education.