Lietuvos mokyklų architektūros paveldas. I dalis: įgyvendintas iki 1918 m

Abstract

The history of Lithuanian education goes back to the 15th century, while the modern-era education in the country will be celebrating a hundred-year anniversary next year (1918-2018). During this time, not only the political system but also the concept of education, the technical requirements for school buildings and architectural tendencies saw many changes. Today the pool of education-purposed buildings is mostly comprised of pieces built during different periods of the 20th century. A relatively small part of it comprises buildings erected in the first half of the 20th century and earlier, while most of today’s youths in Lithuania are being educated in buildings, constructed in 1970-1990, most often with standard projects. In such context of schools, a rather interesting place is taken by 76 school buildings (built in 1693-1974), which have already become objects of cultural heritage. 33 of these buildings have maintained their original purpose, 12 were repurposed for cultural functions (multifunctional centres, libraries, reading rooms, museums, leisure centres), 11 – for residential use, 6 are now used for commercial, office or even industrial purposes. The remaining 14 buildings are abandoned, disused, or their current purpose is unknown. The importance of school architecture heritage objects is unequivocally described in state legislature. The preamble to the Law on Education states that “Education protects and creates national identity, passes on values which make human life meaningful, public life harmonious in solidarity, and state life – progressive and safe”. In the guidelines to culture politics, it is stated that “cultural heritage is an inseparable part of the identity of the country and its citizens, one of the most important guarantees of the state’s national security”. In such light, the representation of school buildings in the State Register of Cultural Heritage takes on a unique importnce.