Church restoration ‐ problems regarding values of cultural history

This thesis handles the problems regarding different value aspects which are applied during restoration and renovation of churches. The curator’s aspects along with the interests regarding change that exists today, is often integrated and is therefore affecting the final results. The thesis aims to discuss the different perspectives and to look at the different values the room possesses. Furthermore, the historical aspects are discussed along with possible strategies to increase a positive outcome of restorations and how to integrate churches to the modern standards in terms of use and allowing them to be a part of a living cultural heritage. Church buildings have historically speaking always had a significant meaning to people, independent of religious belief. They are buildings made by people, for people, and they reflect both present and past customs and usage and they give us a sense of connection and a historical anchorage. Even to the non‐believers these buildings have great meaning. They are buildings to relate to on different levels; both topographical as they are perceived as landmarks in our environment, and a cultural historical meaning as we all have some personal relation to these buildings. Either it may concern weddings, funerals, christenings or the simple fact that the church has always been there, the meaning is important as it constitutes a connection to our past. In Sweden there are today some 3000 churches amongst the majority stands empty. The long‐range effects is therefore that both maintenance and preservations are to suffer if not being cared for by new measures and new standpoints regarding this issue. The Swedish national church that has existed since the reformation, seized to exist in that form in the year 2000 as by the separation from the state. Consequently the Swedish church now has the overall responsibility for both maintenance and preservations of their buildings. This has come to lead to an increased need of knowledge and cooperation amongst several authorities in order to, in the best way, provide for the church’s continued existence and management. Increased secularization along with worldly alterations has come to lead to that the churches often is considered redundant and objects to demolition. This development is alarming when likewise the economical factor is central in most cases regarding the preservation of churches. The Swedish church has according to this aimed to change and develop the church room in order to make it more accessible and adjusted to the age in which we live. A flexible usage of the church buildings can in the long run benefit the congregations and consequently endorse a continued usage. The comprehension of the different value aspects, both material and immaterial, is therefore of significant importance for the cultural heritage care that today has several complex standpoints to regard concerning the preservation of our churches