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UNESCO Restoration

Part 1 Project 2011
Alexander Anderson
University for the Creative Arts | UK
The UNESCO Restoration is an active structure which is dedicated to the reparation and archiving of historic artefacts and administration tasks of UNESCO.

One of Prague’s greatest assets is its enormous wealth of historical and cultural heritage. As an important part of its economy Prague relies on such sites being maintained properly for the benefit of future visitors. The city is governed by UNESCO, a global organisation which determines where World Heritage Sites are located. The key architectural sites are now under threat of environmental and political disaster. UNESCO is unable to successfully deal with problems of damage suffered by historic structures due to vandalism, potential terrorism or corrosive weathering as a result of problems in the city with pollution.

The specific types of structure that are being intercepted are mainly statues and other pieces of architectural artwork. This is so that the process of bringing these objects on site is not only possible but a social event. Also it prevents historic artworks from being covered in scaffolding. Once the structures are brought to site they act as a catalyst for social and scientific activity. The building consists of an underground matrix consisting of several vaults for a long term ‘time capsule’ storage ability.

The project acts as a representation of UNESCO’s authority in Prague and is designed to encourage the people to investigate for themselves the restoration, documentation, and administrative processes which govern the Czech capital so strictly.

The structure itself is designed to express a transparency and is in itself an extension of the urban fabric. The structural concept of the UNESCO restoration/administration building is to view it as an existing formal framework being intercepted by parasitic forms representing the new attitude towards planning and restoration. The forms which inhabit the frame represent the new approach to UNESCO authority by bringing administrative power back to the people of Prague. They allow specific programmes of documentation, archiving, and restoration which allow for the public to learn and take part in the preservation of historical objects.

Alexander Anderson

Tutor(s)
Mr Oliver Froome-Lewis
2011
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