Zprávy památkové péče 2015, 75(1):33-48

The development of architectural-historical research in the Czech Republic: from the middle 20th century until 1989

Jana Pařízková Čevonová

In a historical overview, the study deals with the development of architectural-historical research in the Czech lands from the 19th century to its methodical stabilization within the practice of the State Institute for the Reconstruction of Historical Towns and Buildings (SÚRPMO). The gradual transformations of design and preparation under the influence of art history, heritage protection, and related architectural practice are monitored. Attention is given to the individual contributions of knowledgeable scientists as well as to developments conditional to the change of tasks and institutionalization. The second part of the study covers the period from the middle 20th century until 1989. At that time, architectural-historical research definitively gained the character of a stabilized and sophisticated methodology, particularly in the context of the demanding tasks of the independent design institute of SÚRPMO in the third quarter of the 20th century under the leadership of art historian Dobroslav Líbal and later Jan Muk. The primary objective of the SÚRPMO research was to obtain a relevant professional basis which would serve as documentation on one hand and for establishing heritage protection and ensuring optimal conservation on the other. The findings thus obtained are undoubtedly a scientific contribution as well, enriching other disciplines including art history. The SÚRPMO method of architectural-historical research later became the foundation for a still valid methodology of the Heritage Institute (author Petr Macek), but also became part of university education (e.g. the curriculum of František Kašička). From the outlined developments of construction historical research, it was seen, among other things, that the fundamental contribution to the existing development of the construction historical research method is a complexity of knowledge, conditional to the teamwork of specialized professionals.

Keywords: architectural-historical research, Dobroslav Líbal, SÚRPMO, methodology, history of research

Published: March 1, 2015  Show citation