Protection and conservation of architectural monuments are one of the disciplines of science, which a student of architecture acquires during extensive and difficult polytechnic studies. Despite the small number of program hours, the importance of this subject in shaping the profile of an architect is significant. This discipline teaches respect for the creative and rich heritage of our ancestors and indicates the means of action for the protection and existence of works of old building art. In the modern world, this issue is particularly important. We are witnessing the dynamic development of new technology and the pushing of old construction technologies into the sphere of oblivion. This phenomenon is observed not only in Poland, but also in other European countries. It occurs with particular force after the Second World War.
Poland is a country, which has been ravaged and destroyed many times over its history. Particularly great destruction and losses in the condition of monuments and cultural monuments were caused by the recent military operations. In the very capital of the country - Warsaw, over 85% of the historic heritage has been turned into ruins, rubble and rubble, the rest more or less damaged.
In the past, not only wars contributed to the destruction of cultural goods. Many architectural monuments have been destroyed due to the lack of funds for planned conservation or due to abandonment and devastation. In this way, the architectural achievements shrunk immeasurably.
W 1945 r., immediately after liberation, one of the main tasks set by the People's State when rebuilding the country was to save and protect these architectural monuments, that survived historical cataclysms and the reconstruction of these, whose significance for national history and culture was particularly significant. Currently, many monuments and historical complexes have been restored to their former glory at the cost of huge financial and social efforts. The conservation effects achieved in Warsaw are commonly and widely recognized on the international arena, Gdansk, Krakow, Toruń and other regions of the country. However, many monuments still need to be saved, and also these, that have already been maintained, are rapidly deteriorating for various reasons. Hence, the historic substance requires constant care, security and effective maintenance.
The profession of an architect is particularly predisposed to conservation activities. He is most often responsible for the preparation of technical documentation and the implementation of conservation works, and often, due to his qualifications, he has to decide about the fate of the monument. Therefore, it becomes necessary not only to master a certain amount of program knowledge, but also its constant deepening, if you intend to devote yourself to this discipline. Conservation of architectural monuments is a very specific field of knowledge, integrating historical issues, artistic and technical. In this book, I have tried to present, against the background of generally accepted rules of conduct, Polish achievements in this field.