Bells form an invisible part of the landscape. Suspended in bell towers and churches they only make their existence known by sound and tone. The familiar sound of bells is an important element of any landscape, its enriches the acoustic space, draws in and unites people. Each bell has its distinctive sound. The author dissects and analyses the bell construction and sound quality and talks about the history of the most famous bells in Poland and abroad.
After long-lasting efforts by community of architects and conservationists, the amendment to law on protection of cultural values and museums passed recently, comprises precise definitions regarding legal protection of cultural landscapes in the form of conservatory protection zones, cultural reserves and cultural parks. Conservatory protection zones are the most reasonable and viable. The authors consider implementation of this solution using Janowiec, a locality situated on the Vistula river bank, as an example.
The debate on identity and tradition in architecture is vital because of the fear of losing our identity and abandoning tradition. Architecture lacks sustainability because it is no longer in touch with tradition. Environmental awareness is very fashionable and it is enforced by laws on sustainable development. However, these are not implemented. The space is so threatened by land development that bans defining construction exclusion zones should be imposed. Such steps seem to be especially important in Poland. The author talks in particular about the need to increase the value attached to the architects' profession, amongst others in legal terms.
The landscape, marked by human creativity, comprises infinite places, created by the Maker. The landscape has always influenced man - even only in the realm of the sub-consciousness. The author discusses the role of landscape, defines the meaning of landscape heritage, and suggests new form of protection, the Heritage Park.
Wałbrzych outpaces the industrial towns of Lower Silesia in terms of valuable preserved industrial buildings and associated infrastructure. Old mine facilities are excellent examples of technological development and they are considered to be the most precious monuments of technology. However, their future is uncertain because industrial restructuring in recent years has led to the closing down of a number of companies. Placing these facilities under museum protection is one measure of preserving them. The author presents this problem using the Julia Mine facilities, dating back to the late 18th century, as an example.