Managing religious heritage

Abstract

Secularisation is leading to an increasing amount of obsolete churches in the Netherlands. There is a need for decision making on which churches to preserve and how to deal with the preserved churches. Adaptively reusing these buildings can safeguard them from demolition. Adaptively reusing churches is a matter of making concessions. Every stakeholder has its interest. These interests are interrelated, and it is almost impossible to meet every stakeholders’ goal to the maximum. Therefore, one should strive to find the optimal solution. Finding this optimal balance is the task of the decision maker. Theory shows that aligning the following four goals can help: physical, functional, financial and organisational goals. These are based on the CREM perspectives. This is tested by interviewing several decisionmakers and by comparing this qualitative data and the additional literature research with the theory. The aim is to strengthen the position of the decision maker with this new information and tools. Equally important as finding the optimal solution, is making supported decisions. The use of the DAS-frame guides this. Comparing the four steps derived from the literature with the steps decision makers take leads to the findings. This information is derived from interviews. A step-by-step plan for future decision makers helps making substantiated decisions, and a database and reference booklet, compiled in this thesis, help broadening the solution framework for adaptively reusing churches. This step-by-step plan is compiled based on the DAS-frame and the information for the interviews. Tips from finding the optimal solution merge into this step-by-step plan. The step-by-step plan, database and reference booklet form a toolbox to support private and public decision makers in fulfilling their task.