Restoration techniques at the Potlogi Palace (Potlogi, Dâmboviţa) and the Royal Court (Targoviste Municipality, Dâmboviţa County, Romania) – comparative study
As part of European community, Romania owns probably the most unknown and neglected monuments, architectural sites and ensembles. Over recent years, as the regeneration and renewal of a number of our important monuments has gathered pace, it has been noticed that giving them a new life provides economic and social revival to our towns and rural communities. A recent experience in Dambovita County, showed that the rehabilitation of both the Princely Court in Targoviste and the Potlogi Brancovenesc Palace has been popular, successful examples as people enjoy working, living and visiting.
As public organisation or as the professionals involved, we should critically assess if such a rehabilitation resolves the issue of the urban regeneration schemes, on one hand, and where the faults in understanding the special conservation, planning, funding and construction matters associated with historical monuments are on the other hand. The restoration process requires specialized knowledge. Where expertise in any of these areas lacks, projects may fail. Pitfalls can be identified in both these completed projects. Together we can find solutions for reducing risks in restoration and later on in maintenance. A greater understanding of the special issues related to both heritage assets and regeneration of the entire areas can only enhance the success rate of heritage. These concerns are also given by the context of the early discussions in the regional heritage committee for the initiation of an international design competition for rebuilding the Royal Court in Targoviste.