Seitlová: Arbiters could help improve the care of monuments

Brno - To enhance the care for monuments and improve their protection against insensitive construction modifications or destruction, according to Ombudsman representative Jitka Seitlová, could be the role of "heritage arbitrators". These roles should be created by municipalities that care about the future of their historical sites, she said to reporters today. An independent arbitrator would assess urban and architectural proposals and would also facilitate communication about projects among the office, the investor, and the public.
    The fate of valuable historical sites is overseen by conservationists. However, the arbitrator should be a person who ensures public discussion on larger projects or alerts to any conflicting decisions that may be issued by different institutions in a single case.
    "Practically every city has cases of contradictory interventions in the architectural appearance of the development. Many buildings have been criticized from the very intention not only by the public but often also within professional circles of the architectural community," emphasized Seitlová.
    The arbitrator should ensure that the office receives feedback from the public for every project. Their goal should be to make the decision-making concerning heritage-related projects transparent, consistent, and not contradictory, as is the case in some instances, said the ombudsman representative. The new role would also ensure that the public is informed about projects in a timely manner and does not miss the opportunity to express their opinions on the intentions.
    The role of the arbitrator need not be held by a paid official, but could be, for example, an external advisor to the municipality, an authority in the field of heritage care and architecture, or various institutions or reputable associations.
    Seitlová believes that the role of "heritage arbitrator" does not need to be enshrined in law. According to her, it should be in the interest of every city or municipality that boasts historical sites to ensure that monuments receive the best possible care and remain preserved. They are important for tourism, which is developing in the Czech Republic.
    Among the cities that approach their monuments with great sensitivity, according to the ombudsman’s office staff, are Mikulov or Znojmo. However, Brno has had several controversial projects. Criticized were, for example, the buildings of Velký Špalíček, the ZARA department store, and the construction of an apartment building on Anenské terraces.
    Arbitrators would only mitigate the problems associated with heritage care in the Czech Republic. According to Seitlová, to improve the situation, it is necessary to accept an amendment to the heritage law, enhance the record-keeping of monuments, and eliminate the duality in the care of valuable historical objects that is addressed by both the heritage institute and the municipalities.