Abstract
There are 320 historical cult buildings as cultural monuments of national significance in Latvia. Cultural and historical art monuments and artifacts (paintings, organs, chairs, altars, pulpits) must be preserved and protected in these cultural buildings. Specific indoor climate is necessary to maintain in historical cult buildings to pass on to future generations, but those specific requirements often are complete opposite of the actual microclimate and what the user wants. Indoor climate measurements have been carried out in five brick wall and two wooden churches with and without heating systems. Potential condensation risks are determined using calculations. Typical air flow has been formed using building’s termography measurements. Heating systems and making use of buildings influence historical buildings and this has been determined. The main aim of the article is to determine potential indoor climate type of control in historical cult buildings avoiding humidification and dehumidification, and it is similar in the coastal climate of the Baltic Sea. Results show that: great humidity fluctuations have been observed in buildings which have been used during winter, outdoor air has a great impact to buildings, less humidity fluctuations have been observed in buildings with controlled heating systems.
Highlights
Historic churches constitute an important part of European cultural heritage
According to data provided by the National Culture Heritage Administration (NKMP, until 2020 the former State Inspectorate for Heritage Protection) in Latvia: x There are 226 cult buildings with the status of monument of national significance; x There are 1,385 movable art monuments of national significance located in the cult buildings; x There are 993 immovable art monuments of national significance located in cult buildings [1]
The discussion resolution of a seminar organized by the State Inspectorate for Heritage Protection on 29 July 2008 states: “To ensure the comfort of church visitors, more and more often church building managers wish to install heating in churches
Summary
Historic churches constitute an important part of European cultural heritage. Buildings and their interiors, including liturgical objects and artefacts, attest to our cultural heritage and must be preserved for future generations. According to data provided by the National Culture Heritage Administration (NKMP, until 2020 the former State Inspectorate for Heritage Protection) in Latvia: x There are 226 cult buildings with the status of monument of national significance Churches, cathedrals, synagogues, prayer houses); x There are 1,385 movable art monuments of national significance Paintings, tableware etc.) located in the cult buildings; x There are 993 immovable art monuments of national significance Altars, various benches, organs, pulpits, interior and “exterior” details) located in cult buildings [1]. The choice of heating system is often not based on its impact on the monument, but rather following the recommendations of construction companies and forceful advertisements for heating systems which aim at a quick profit instead of the preservation of the building. [2]”
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