Wooden Buildings in Market Squares of Polish Small Towns: Bielsk Podlaski and Kleszczele—The Issue of Preserving and Restoring Historical Values of Market Spaces

Aleksander Owerczuk

doi:10.3390/su13126779

Abstract

In the past centuries, small towns in Podlaskie Voivodeship were dominated by wooden buildings. Nowadays, there are not many of them left. However, they can still be found in the centers of towns, including some market squares. These are often inconspicuous objects, mainly wooden houses. This paper discusses the issue of the significance of wooden buildings, especially houses, in maintaining and restoring historic values of market spaces in small towns of Podlaskie Voivodeship in the examples of Bielsk Podlaski and Kleszczele. The research determined the moment of rapid changes, during which most marketplace buildings lost their historic form. The existing condition was analyzed in terms of its historical values. Conclusions were formulated on the scope and type of restoration works for individual market squares. Finally, general conclusions from the research on the market squares of Bielsk Podlaski and Kleszczele were presented.

Highlights

An assessment was made of wooden buildings in terms of their significance for the preservation of the historic values of the market spaces
The preservationist conclusions formulated were aimed at defining recommendations that would enable the restoration of the architectural elements of the surveyed buildings, essential for maintaining or restoring the historical values of the market spaces
The conducted research can be summarised in the form of general conclusions in relation to the wooden buildings in the markets of the examined towns:

Summary

Introduction

One of the most important is the quality of public spaces. Their value is determined by various factors. The market square was usually the most important urban element of a city. In small urban centers its significance was quite special. It has fulfilled and still fulfils various functions [1]. It is a place where trade and services are concentrated, and it meets cultural and social needs. Mainly today, it is a place of recreation and rest

Methods

Results

Conclusion