News

Lublin University of Technology and the Archdiocese of Lublin have concluded an agreement aimed at cooperation in the field of religious construction. “This is an important step towards preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Lublin region” emphasize representatives of both parties.

As recalls Prof. Zbigniew Pater, Rector of LUT, the initiative of cooperation with the Archdiocese of Lublin is the result of the involvement of employees of two faculties: Faculty of Management and Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture. – They came to the conclusion that there is a need to support the Church in technical issues related to cultural heritage, and above all, its architecture. This agreement is open and we can expand it to new areas at any time. We believe that by joining forces, we will achieve a synergy effect that will benefit the entire society.

Archbishop Stanisław Budzik does not hide his satisfaction with the future cooperation: – Protection of monuments requires a professional approach. Therefore, I am glad that Lublin University of Technology will support parish priests and vicars in this task. It is not only about technical assistance, but also access to knowledge and experience in the field of architecture, construction and monument protection.

As part of the cooperation, scientists from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture will deal with design, but also with expert opinions, architectural research and conservation of religious buildings.

– Cultural heritage, especially in the form of religious buildings, is an extremely important element of regional identity. It is worth noting that many church and monastery complexes in our region are entered into the register of monuments, which proves their great importance for history and culture. Nevertheless, many of them, especially those located in smaller towns, remain unknown and underestimated. In the face of globalization and dynamic social changes, this heritage is becoming a key element that we should cultivate and protect - says Prof. Bartłomiej Kwiatkowski, Vice-Dean for Student Affairs of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture.

For a thorough analysis and documentation of the monuments, the following will be used: remote control flying cameras, 3D scanning, thermographic, acoustic and GPR research.

One of the ideas is also to engage our students. – Architecture is not only theoretical knowledge, but also the ability to act in practice. Practicing on real objects, such as churches, is an irreplaceable experience. Students who will participate in such projects will not only acquire valuable skills, but will also contribute to preserving the cultural heritage of our region - emphasizes the Vice-Dean.

Employees of the Faculty of Management will also provide support in the implementation of joint projects.

– We are able to undertake many works related to process management, coordination and human resources management. We have experience in developing schedules, documentation and control cards for the implementation of various types of projects. We specialize in preparing partial and final reports describing individual stages of work implementation. We will strive to ensure that our cooperation is based on efficiency and full use of the potential of each party - says Prof. Marcin Gąsior, Dean of the Faculty of Management.

The bursar of the Archdiocese of Lublin, priest Dr. Jarosław Orkiszewski, talks about expectations related to future activities.

– One of the extremely valuable aspects of our joint initiatives will be work on the reconstruction of plans and digitization of historic churches. We know that many of them are entered in the register of monuments, but detailed plans are often missing. It is also worth emphasizing that this cooperation adds credibility to our activities, making it easier for us to obtain financial support - says the bursar. And he adds: - We hope to develop activities also in the field of ecology. The Archdiocese of Lublin has over 100 cemeteries, and the problem of garbage in cemeteries is very real. Therefore, we would like Lublin University of Technology to support us in the aspect of waste recycling.

The agreement was concluded on September 12, 2023 in the Bishop's Palace of the Archdiocese of Lublin.