Oresta Remeshylo-Rybchynska: “The problem of preservation and use of cultural heritage in Ukraine needs to be addressed comprehensively”
A comprehensive and systematic approach to the study, preservation, and use of the historical and cultural heritage of Ukraine can be ensured through the cooperation of research universities, such as Lviv Polytechnic National University, and state institutions. Today, the contribution of leading scientists and educators who promote the cultural heritage of Ukraine abroad is invaluable. We are engaged in Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy through science and education, including in the field of architecture. Oresta Remeshylo-Rybchynska, Associate Professor of the Department of Design and Architecture Fundamentals at the Institute of Architecture and Design of Lviv Polytechnic, who will speak at the Art of Victory Forum as part of the Cultural Front project, knows this well.
Over the past year alone, Oresta has given a number of guest lectures in Austria and Poland, and presented papers at international conferences and congresses. The associate professor initiates the creation of the scientific and educational project “Timber laboratory” together with Lviv Polytechnic National University and the University of Innsbruck to recreate monuments (Wooden Church in Pidhirtsi), including the use of the latest technologies in modern design and construction using wood materials.
It should be noted that Ukraine’s historical and cultural heritage includes an important layer of fortifications and archaeological sites.
“Architecture is one of the most important fronts, which is why I am so committed to it. The issue of fortifications is relevant all over the world, and my task is to draw attention to this issue in Ukraine. After all, the issue of preserving and revitalizing defensive structures is extremely acute in our country today. If we leave everything as it is, the problem will soon “disappear” by itself – we will have no ancient castles and other fortifications left,” Ms. Oresta believes.
According to her, it is necessary to take care of the correct presentation of information about Ukrainian architecture, including sacred architecture, in foreign language translations in offline and online information centers. As of today, libraries and the Internet contain literature concerning Ukrainian and Catholic churches, mosques and synagogues, etc., which is mostly translated from Russian authors and, accordingly, with a distorted view of them. Therefore, we need to make sure that there is enough literature presented from the Ukrainian point of view and translated into foreign languages.
According to Ms. Oresta Remeshylo-Rybchynska, the problem of preserving cultural heritage, including fortifications, should be addressed comprehensively: involving scholars, government representatives, and private owners who could take care of ancient castles on a concession basis and attract investments.
“We need a thorough approach that would include special methods of research and revitalization work. In order to preserve unique structures, including fortifications, we need to create protection zones that would cover the architectural complex as a whole, along with historical landscapes,” Oresta Remeshylo-Rybchynska concludes.
The Art of Victory Forum will take place on December 8-9 in Lviv. To learn more about the Forum and register for the event, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/167244705326349
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.
