City Center Recovery & Conservation Efforts in Gyumri

  Armenia

Gyumri

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: June 27 - July 9, 2009

Description: Workshop participants will assist with the preservation and repair of a historic masonry residence courtyard that suffered serious damage during the 1988 earthquake. The house has remained occupied since 1988 even though only three of the twelve rooms are habitable. Participants will work under the guidance of professional masons from Yerevan, Interior Armenia, and a U.S. engineer specializing in masonry to improve living conditions for the residents. As such, participants will be contributing to the ongoing effort to create housing in the city. Along with project work, participants will take walking tours to explore Gyumri and the Kumayri Historic District, as well as field trips to surrounding cultural and historical sites. Instruction will be in English and Armenian.

Since 1994, Armenia has slowly rallied but has still not fully recovered from the devastating earthquakes. Reconstruction of the historic center of Gyumri - the planned site of HCN's workshop has, until recently, been unable to proceed because temporary housing for 10,000 families occupied the area's avenues, parks & plazas. By 2004, 6,500 of these families had found permanent housing, and the Kumayri central historic district is poised for repair, rebuilding and conservation. The city center contains over 1000 intact historic structures, many featuring an Armenian Belle Epoque design. HCN is partnering with the non-profit Historic Armenian Houses and Jane Britt Greenwood, Assistant Dean and Professor, College of Architecture, Art, and Design, Mississippi State University, to demonstrate that in rebuilding the city center, preservation and re-use of historic buildings is a viable alternative to demolition, which results in the loss of both the built heritage and valuable building materials.

Contact Heritage Conservation Network for other volunteer vacation opportunities in Europe, Africa and the United States.

Highlights: Work to restore historic vernacular buildings to improve housing conditions and demonstration preservation is a viable alternative to demolition and new construction.

Armenia is one of the world's oldest civilizations, and according to legend, was the paradise where Noah's ark landed after the flood. Throughout its approximately 3000 year history, Armenia has been invaded by many groups seeking to control the major geographical crossroads where it sits: the Romans, Persians, Mongols, Arabs, Ottoman Turks and Russians all controlled the area at one time or another. Consequently, Armenians have continually struggled to retain their own culture, which includes trying to maintain their architectural identity.

Qualifications: An interest in historic architecture or in providing long-awaited disaster relief, along with a willingness to learn new things and work hard are all you need to join HCN's hands-on workshop. No previous experience is necessary.

Cost in US$: 1,770

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical workshop participant has a strong interest in historic buildings, either as a profession or hobby. Otherwise, our workshops draw participants from a broad range of backgrounds, particularly those looking to volunteer with a non-profit organization for a good cause; that mix contributes significantly to the workshops' success.

Age Range: 18-65

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Armenia Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 8-10

Scholarships are Available. - Local residents wishing to contribute restoration efforts are welcome to participate at lower rates. Contact HCN for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Heritage Conservation Network's Mission Statement: Heritage Conservation Network is dedicated to the conservation of historic architecture around the world. Through a network of experts, volunteers and community members, HCN increases awareness of the significance of architectural heritage within each community, provides hands-on training in building conservation skills, and assists in the completion of building conservation projects.

Year Founded: 2001