The project fills the research gap in the area of study in historic typologies by defining the characteristics of historic barracks complexes and their importance for the cultural landscape of historic garrison towns. The project director recognized, analyzed and presented to the wide public a vast and diverse pool of military facilities, mostly up until now uninvestigated, along with an indication of their cultural capital and possibilities of adaptation to new functions. The research covered the area northern and eastern Poland, until recently called the “Recovered Territories”, i.e. the territory of East Prussia, Brandenburg, Saxony and Silesia taken over by Poland under international agreements after World War II. Its attractiveness as a research area results from the cultural and stylistic divergence of the objects taken over with it, which until recently was met with hostility, but is now starting to arouse interest.

Fig.1 Map of the area of research on the backdrop of Armee Korps plan, 1888 [elaboration by M. Rudnicka-Bogusz; map source www.bibliotekacyfrowa.pl; Public Domain Mark 1.0 No Copyright]

  The research defined the typological features of barracks complexes and presented changes in the style of military architecture throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. It was proven that the importance of the architecture of barracks complexes results from the fact that it is the so-called “architecture of power”. It is inextricably linked with the state authorities and the ruling political forces, as it depends solely on state patronage. It was created to provide a model of the system of structural thought that society uses to conceptualize the world. It is therefore architecture parlante – speaking architecture. Such architecture embodies relations between power and society, shows the scope of influence of the dominant individuals and groups responsible for its creation, and the nature of this power. Its analysis provides insight into social and political relations and reveals the codependence between art and politics.

Fig. 2 19th c. barracks complexes constitute a significant presence in cultural lansdcape of historic garrison towns [author M. Rudnicka-Bogusz]

  Barracks complexes are an important element of the cultural landscape of garrison towns. Selected examples show how the functioning of garrison cities depended on the rhythm of military parades, exercises and expansion of barracks, which contributed to modernization and added prestige to smaller urban centers.

The basic directions of development for contemporary architecture are bioclimatic and sustainable architecture. Carl Elefante, president of the American Institute of Architects, once said that “The most environmentally friendly building is the one… that has already been built.” According to this adage, the restoration and conservation of historical buildings belong not only to the field of monument protection, but also to ecological building practices, emphasizing the importance of existing buildings, especially now in the face of the climate crisis. The author conducted observations on site and source material queries carried out in barracks in Wrocław, Legnica, Gdańsk, etc., as well as in selected cities in France and Germany. Barracks complexes were examined in terms of revalorization solutions and the most beneficial practices were described leading to the preservation of the genius loci while adapting them at the same time for new purposes. This is especially important in Poland, where since the withdrawal of the Soviet Army and the subsequent professionalization of military service, hundreds of barracks have been demilitarized and have become vacant.

Fig. 3 Preservation of barracks complexes is vital to maintaining the genius loci of Garrison towns. It is crucial to find suitable functions that will facilitate adaptation and still enable recognition of signature features of this typology. [author M. Rudnicka-Bogusz]

The received conclusions were verified through an anonymous survey, which verified the correctness of the previously adopted typological features that allow distinguishing barracks complexes from other urban morphologies. The second aim of the survey was to examine the attractiveness and legibility of the presented revalorization solutions. Ultimately, the assessment of the revalorizations was conducted in accordance with the philosophy of the New European Bauhaus. This initiative was chosen because it reflects the state of awareness, needs and aspirations of city dwellers in the 21st century. For each case study, it was verified whether the transformation strategy of a given team complied with the principles of a multi-faceted approach to design in accordance with the adage”beautiful, sustainable, together”.

Fig. 4 Regeneration of 1930s. barracks complex was a grassroots initiative. Citizens worked towards preservation of the Vauban Barracks in Freiburg im Breisgau involving the authorities in the process. The result was an inclusive regeneration. [author M. Rudnicka-Bogusz]

After the publication of the framework called the New European Bauhaus Compass (NEB Compass), its guidelines were adopted as the basis for further analyzes of the success potential of revitalization activities in historic barracks complexes. We project director leaned towards the New European Bauhaus Compass, taking into account that historic barracks complexes are part of a cultural heritage rooted in the local cultural landscape, most of them not being legally protected monuments. The use of this tool as a reference point helped quantify the diagnosis of revitalization potential and indicate appropriate directions of adaptation.
In 6 articles in scientific journals, 5 articles in post-conference publications and 5 conference speeches, the author of the research recognized the research gap, analyzed the available literature, described the analyzed archives, discussed case studies and presented the developed typology, stylistic changes, and also indicated directions of revalorization that have a chance of preserving the post-military character. in the heritage and landscape of the historic garrison towns for future generations in the best condition.