Topic of dissertation is integrated preservation of architectural heritage on the case of castles in Slovenia. The aim of dissertation is to contribute to heritage preservation in a way that allows its integration into development
of space and of local environment. Based on research work, presented in dissertation, we therefore developed
multi-criteria methodology for monuments properties assessment. Methodology, as proposed by thesis, embraces
properties of monuments, which can be explored by different disciplines, yet at the same time defines heritage
“potential” for its future use, especially in relation to the planning of its management and function, which would
ensure efficient link of monument with local development. At the same, methodology can be used for science
based renovation and maintenance interventions planning, as the number of castles, in urgent need of such
interventions, exceeds resources available. Methodology is designed to suggest allocation of resources for
interventions to those monuments first, whose assigned priority is the highest according to the state strategy and
respective criteria and objectives of the call. The need for such research has been strong, while at the same time
results of this research come before the state strategy (even though it is prescribed by the law), which would stop
monuments deterioration and introduce clear criteria of state subsidies. In defining criteria of the methodology
we proceeded therefore from the art historical, historical, civil engineering, environmental, administrativeeconomic
and sociological aspects of monument conservation. Methodological approach is interdisciplinary
research, covering methods of art history (style analysis, values assessment and comparative analysis of art
monuments etc.), historiography (critical analysis of primary and secondary sources), sociology (interview
method, analysis, synthesis, method of participant observation), civil engineering (multi criteria decision making
methods, AHP – Analytic Hierarchy Process method, visual inspection of the building state of conservation,
assessment of risks) and partly of the economy and environmental protection field (multi criteria decision
making methods). Castles in Slovenia, declared as monuments of national importance, are the case study for
verification and validation of the methodology, whilst methodology offers also important platform for the
treatment of monuments of local importance, however this approach has not been introduced systematically and
requires further consideration. Research work, presented in dissertation, confirmed the hypothesis that
professionally and science-based multi-criteria decision-making methodology can be important support in
monuments analysis and their integrated preservation. Test methodology has been verified through interviews
with experts from different disciplines and has served for the preparation of methodology proposal, which gives
possibility for integrated interdisciplinary monuments assessment, as well as for definition of methodology for
financing renovation of deteriorated objects and for financing maintenance of those objects, which are in
function and are in satisfactory state of conservation. As crucial it has been pointed out that the state needs a
comprehensive and long-term approach to define function of castles, while at the same time it should not to
expect that the majority of objects will sustain themselves.
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