OUR SPEAKERS. YEGOR ZHUCHENKO: “We know how to extend the life of historical monuments”
A small device, the size of a brick, is able to stop the waterlogging of an entire building, and thus protect it and everything in it from the destructive effects of nature. This device was developed by BioDry, whose director, Yehor Zhuchenko, will tell more about the unique technology for preserving historic buildings and exhibits at the Art of Victory Forum as part of the Cultural Front project.
“Waterlogging of walls and foundations in historic buildings is a very common problem. If we compare it to a human disease, it is a cancer that gradually destroys these buildings and destroys priceless collections. And our task is to overcome the cause of this disease,” says Yehor.
So far, BioDry has saved more than 9,000 cultural institutions in more than 30 countries. According to Yegor Zhuchenko, since the beginning of the war, Ukrainian museums and cultural institutions have also started to contact them with a request to stop waterlogging in their buildings.
“It was important for them to solve several problems. First, to bring the storage facilities into proper condition for the long-term preservation of collections. After all, if the microclimate in such storages is disturbed, the works stored there are destroyed very quickly. Secondly, to stabilize the condition of the buildings, to increase their resistance to external factors, including possible shelling and explosions. The third issue concerned sacred institutions, in particular, the preservation of frescoes and oil paintings,” said Mr. Zhuchenko.
According to him, another important issue is the preparation of buildings for restoration in the period after the war – in order to preserve the maximum number of historical monuments, we need to take care of it now.
According to their experience, one device is enough to balance the microclimate in a building of 300-500 square meters. In a few months, the microclimate in the same storage facilities returns to normal, while it takes up to three years to bring the entire building to optimal condition.
“Judging by the feedback from our clients, the device allows not only to reduce the humidity in the premises quickly and noticeably, but also to maintain the optimal microclimate in which priceless cultural monuments are best preserved,” emphasizes Yegor Zhuchenko.
The Art of Victory Forum will be held on December 8-9 in Lviv. To learn more about the Forum and register for the event, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1672447053263491
Допис створений в рамках проекту за підтримки Відділу преси, освіти та культури Посольства США в Україні. Погляди авторів не обов’язково збігаються з офіційною позицією уряду США. / Supported by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy to Ukraine. The views of the authors do not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Government.
