Cooperations

The Universities of Brno (Czech Republic) and Berlin (Germany) - Documentation of the Gardens

From 2000 to 2001, the monastic gardens were the main object within the cooperative investigation of Technical University of Berlin and the Mendel University of Brno.

In consideration of the preservation of the gardens, the remaining historical constructional, sculptural and dendrological inventory was analyzed and described in a report. Furthermore, the inventory was documented in form of maps and photographs.

Based on this, Czech and German students classified and estimated the damage and loss and made suggestions regarding the next measures that has to be taken.

Today, we have a thorough data pool which can be used for first urgent measures of protection and the following restoration of the monastic gardens.

The Charles Universitiy of Prague (Czech Republic) and Freiberg University of Mining and Technology (Germany) - Investigation of the water system for a following restoration

At present, the monastery is in a partly very ruinous condition with a complex pattern of damages. This pattern is characterised by acute damage caused by moisture, efflorescence, damages of the masonry and settlement-induce damages.

The damage is mainly caused by the dysfunctional water system and the high environmental impact due to the coal mining and the chemical industry.

Furthermore, the valuable Baroque gardens with their garden elements (pavilions, stairs, fountains, sculptors) are highly endangered.

Fortunately, the architectonical frame of the monastery and the gardens almost completely remained as a work of art of the 18th century.

The primary task is the step by step restoration to save the unique monastery. Prerequisite for this restoration are previous thorough studies of the particular damaged objects.

Both universities will investigate the monastic water system to restore its functionality and to stop the pathways for the moisture which destroys the building fabric. Afterwards, investigations of the building fabric itself has to be carried out to make professional suggestions in respect to reconstruction measures.

Last but not least, this project is considered by both partners as a practical example for a cross-border cooperation within a historical sensitive Czech-German cultural area.