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Architecture. Restoration. Archaeology
announces
The Nufăru Field School - 2014
Conservation of architectural archaeological heritage
Dates: 15 - 28 September 2014
Place: Nufăru, Co. Tulcea, Romania
Background and content: The Nufăru Field School was established within the ARA field schools programme with the intent of bringing on a subject insufficiently tackled in contemporary Romanian cultural heritage debate and action, namely the conservation and restoration of archaeological vestiges.
At Nufăru there is a Byzantine site overlapped entirely by the present day village. Vestiges of a fortress have been and are still being recovered by means of systematic archaeological research, conducted by the procedure and with the means of what is currently known as "preventive and rescue archaeological research". Important vestiges from the fortification have emerged, as well as a small church and a construction conventionally called "Landing pier".
The Nufăru Field School is organised annually from 2012 and is addressed to students in final years of studies and to young professionals in the field of cultural heritage. The school is located in one of the largest researched areas inside the fortress, where the continued excavations during the past years have brought to light the structures of a river landing pier adjacent to the curtain wall. This is one of the few places within the site where the archaeological level can be presented to visitors.
The school tackles general problems of conservation of archaeological sites, with an emphasis on sites of Dobrudja and particularly on the problems of the site at Nufăru.
Aim and objectives: The aim of the field school is to contribute to the understanding of the values of architectural archaeological heritage. In particular, the school is directed at the applied research of the Byzantine site at Nufăru, at the same time with the protection and enhancement of its vestiges.
The main objectives of the school are:
- to provide the participants with a theoretical and practical framework regarding the conservation and restoration of archaeological ruins;
- to trigger discussions and to catalyse initiatives aimed at removing the archaeological ruin from the threat of destruction, tackling generally the problem of the protection of architectural vestiges in the sites of Dobrudja, but giving precedence to the vestiges of the Byzantine fortress at Nufăru by: direct interventions on mortar bound masonry of ruined structures, exposed to the local climate; conservation and restoration of lithic material and of large-stone construction; presentation of archaeological stratigraphy and the recovery of ancient walking levels;
- to test and validate appropriate methods for the protection of the site through high quality conservation and restoration works.
The field school programme: The practical module of the school is directed at saving, by emergency conservation measures, of the architectural vestiges from the area named "Landing pier", in danger of deterioration following the archaeological excavation. The theoretical module is conducted by means of lectures and debates which take on relevant subjects as to the schools's aim and objectives.
A special module of the programme will be dedicated to presentations by the participants, with subjects of their choice, relevant for their professional formation and experience.
The programme includes a study tour to other archaeological sites in Dobrudja.
The detailed programme is due at the beginning of September.
Lecturers and tutors: The theoretical section of the field school programme will be delivered by the site's archaeological staff members and by ARA's members and guests, recognized faculty members and professionals in the field of heritage. The practical work will be carried out under the guidance of the professionals of ARA and of partner institutions, together with the guest specialists.
Fees, travel, accommodation:
The participation fee is 300 lei (70 Euro) and it includes accommodation and meals.
Participants will be responsible for their round trip travel costs to Nufăru, Romania. Details and information on travel arrangements will be available at the organizers.
Participants:
Applicants should be students in their final years of studies or young graduates of history, archaeology and architecture, interested in expanding their knowledge and gaining practical experience in the field of archaeological . The number of participants is limited to 10.
The selected participants will receive detailed indications regarding the participation to the field school.
Languages:
The working languages of the school are Romanian and English. Translation from Romanian to English shall be provided when necessary.
Applications:
Please prepare a short motivation letter and send it to the contact address below, together with a professional curriculum vitae.
asociatie (at) simpara.ro
Application deadline:
Applications should be submitted by 10 September 2014.
organized by>
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Architecture. Restoration. Archaeology
www.simpara.ro , www.facebook.com/asociatia.ara
President: Dr. Monica Mărgineanu Cârstoiu
Vice-president: Dr. Ştefan Bâlici
Secretary: Dr. Virgil Apostol
in partnership with>
The „Vasile Pârvan" Institute of Archaeology of the Romanian Academy
Dr. Oana Damian, scientific leader of the archaeological site
Romania's National Museum of History
Dr. Mihai Vasile
contact persons>
Ştefan Bâlici:+40-(0)731-343 333
Virgil Apostol: +40-(0)731-393 333