Chimney sweeps give old chimneys a new function

Prague - Old factory chimneys often suffer the fate of all buildings that their new owner finds unnecessary. However, their integration into new structures is not uncommon either. If they are not part of a heritage-protected complex, their further existence depends solely on whether the owner likes them. Unlike other buildings, it is difficult to find new uses for chimneys. "Newly," however, chimneys are used by a group of chimney climbers who scale tall structures.
    The association also creates a database of them, describes them, and keeps records of demolished chimneys. The Czech Association of Chimney Climbers, which was founded in 1981, also assists in the maintenance of historic chimneys. In the Czech Republic, there are more associations or individuals who engage in "prekiontry," as the enthusiasts refer to climbing on chimneys.
    "The main function of a chimney is that you can climb it. Besides, it is an interesting technical structure," said Jiří Sehnal, a member of the association, to ČTK. Over 500 members of the association strive to raise awareness and explain to owners that even an unused chimney is worth preserving. Most owners reportedly have no objections to their chimney being climbed. "By climbing the chimney, we can inform the owner about the technical condition of the chimney, create photo documentation, or serve in some other way," he notes.
    The association also includes foreign chimney climbers, including representatives from Hong Kong and Cameroon. "We are not aware of any similar organization abroad, nor of any other country with such a large number of chimneys. The Czech Republic is a paradise for chimney climbers," stated Sehnal. A person over 18 can become a member of the association if they climb at least three chimneys that are at least 15 meters tall in the company of an existing member.
    Chimneys are also a prominent element of architecture. "The development of the form of the chimney and its construction is relatively clear, and often even the type of chimneys helps date the entire complex, whose architectural appearance may have changed considerably in the meantime," said Lukáš Beran from the Research Center for Industrial Heritage at the Czech Technical University to ČTK.
    Chimneys play a significant role in the landscape and serve as orientation points; nevertheless, many fall to the ground after demolition. The demise of chimneys is related to the situation of the entire industrial heritage; according to experts, they are still undervalued compared to other monuments.
    "After industrial complexes lose their original function, owners usually do not intend to invest in their maintenance. It is possible to find a new function for the complex, but finding a new function for a chimney is practically impossible," said Kateřina Lopatová from the Research Center for Industrial Heritage at the Czech Technical University to ČTK.
    There are already many examples of so-called conversions, or changes of function, especially abroad. Some of the most well-known include London's Docklands or the new Tate Gallery building – it also features an interesting chimney. In Prague, the former sewage treatment plant in Bubenč has found a new use as the Eco-technical Museum, which visitors can also recognize from a distance by its two preserved chimneys.
    In Desná, a project has been prepared to convert a chimney of a local glassworks into a lookout tower. "Architecture students from Liberec have created designs for it, and it will be discussed by their municipal council in the coming days," Beran mentioned as another example of new use for a chimney.
    The research center does not monitor chimneys separately, only as parts of complexes. It has a database of 9,000 industrial objects and is gradually publishing it.
    Out of approximately 40,000 heritage-protected properties in the Czech Republic, there are only about 3,000 industrial monuments. According to Beran, there are about ten independently protected chimneys.
    Technical monuments are still waiting for recognition; if they are not protected, they suffer from inappropriate renovations, or they face complete destruction – this also applies to old factory chimneys.