Today is the International Day of Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day. This year’s theme of “Disaster and Conflict”, examines the enduring relevance of the 1964 Venice Charter six decades later.

As stated in the Venice Charter, “Historic monuments and sites of generations of people remain to this day as testaments to time-honoured culture and traditions.” While the Charter provides principles for preserving and restoring ancient buildings, each country is responsible for applying the plan within the framework of its own culture and traditions.

An exemplary case is our involvement in the restoration of Bokšto Skveras in Vilnius, Lithuania. Amidst a nation with a young history, politically, bureaucratically, socially, and economically, Lithuania’s planning regulations were extremely tentative. Despite the initial expectation to replace damaged roofs like-for-like with clay tiles, through deep and meaningful discussions with local planners, we advocated for a more innovative approach, informed by UNESCO charters. The resulting design, featuring vertical aluminium slats, not only offered the potential for light-filled roof accommodation, but maintained the aesthetic solidity of the original roof form and the gothic characteristics of the historic architecture.

This bold reinvention and renegotiation of preservation charters pays homage to Lithuanian history while revitalizing the site into an active and vibrant space. Since its completion in September 2022, it has catalysed urban regeneration, as the city invested in the renewal of several surrounding streets.