Local Research and topography
Old buildings and the past
MúzeumCafé 28.
Why does the history of an old building need research? The answer is clear. If a building has existed for a few decades it is sure that its exterior and/or interior have undergone reconstruction.The reconstruction of a listed edifice or building with local significance deserves special attention for two reasons: one concerns learning about the original ed-ifice or a valuable reconstruction period which has to be separated from later additions; the other highlights the total history of the building as an organic part of its value to be protected. Founding the Society of Researchers of Old Buildings was based on the fact that in Hungary today firm principles require increased attention in the protection of listed buildings with respect to the role of research. There is a tendency to see the protection of such buildings and economic development as opposites. The society was founded in 2007 with the aim of promoting research into the conservation of listed buildings and creating a forum for presenting methods and results. A presentation of some specific research is held at the FUGA Budapest Architecture Centre each month. The first important task in research is to select the listed buildings to be conserved and confirm their values with the relevant data. Performing tasks connected to interventions implemented in relation to listed buildings is one of the main duties. A good plan for a historic building can only be made if the building is thoroughly studied and that facilitates maintenance of the protected values and implementation at a high standard.Learning about the building is a source of inspiration for the design. Documenting results assists the preservation of values and drawing up plans. It also enables the licensing authority to assess the plan.