Changing Approaches to Historic Preservation in Quedlinburg, Germany

Abstract

This article examines the changing approaches to historic preservation of half-timbered houses in Quedlinburg, Germany. Under the East German (GDR) regime, the scarcity of funds and materials limited preservation measures. After the German reunification, the conditions improved significantly, and Quedlinburg became the largest historic preservation project in the country. The difficulties in enforcing the high preservation standards and the conflicts arising over certain aspects of the project clearly demonstrate the need for integrating historic preservation projects with general urban planning to meet the needs of both preservationists and inhabitants of the city.