Representing the Past in Architecture

Interdisciplinary conference
“Representing the Past in Architecture”
Vilnius, on October 8-11, 2012.

The conference is organised by the Herder-Institut (Marburg), the Lithuanian Institute of History (Vilnius) and the Nordost-Institut (IKGN e.V., Lüneburg).

Short Description of the Theme of the Conference:

In 2001 Lithuanian government decided to begin rebuilding the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania in Vilnius, which was completely destroyed at the end of the 18th century. Among many things this (re-)construction indicated a search for the new/old history, for the country’s self- assertion, for the state’s representation, as well as manifested one of the ways in promoting new post-Soviet Lithuanian national identity. This example, however, was not unique: one can recall the rebuilding of the Royal Castle in Warsaw in the 1970s, or recent discussions about the restoration of the Stadtschloss in Berlin.

However, some scholars tend to argue that such resurrection of historical structures in contemporary time is more than a mere act of representation. As French philosopher Jean Baudrillard has pointed out, such objects become simulacra which not just represent, but rather simulate or imitate certain aspects of the past, and at the same time are imbued with particular contemporary meanings and connotations. Therefore, among the questions that we would like to discuss during the event are: What impact do the rebuilt structures have on the historical perception and formation of identities? How do they represent or simulate the past? What old and new connotations can be identified in the object(s)? Why were these particular structures chosen to be rebuilt? Therefore one of the main aims of the conference is to discuss such examples of (re-)constructed histories, which are expressed not only in different architectural forms, but also monuments, city planning, parks, squares, etc.

Under such general guidelines the organisers of the upcoming interdisciplinary conference cordially invite young scholars (up to the age of 35) to present and discuss their cases. Framework for the discussions will also be guided by presentations given by several keynote speakers. Even though our primary focus is on Central, Eastern and Northern Europe, yet other relevant proposals pertaining to the topic will be considered too.

Travel (only within Europe) and accommodation costs will be covered by the organisers. The language of the proceedings is English.

A short description of the proposed conference paper (1-2 pages, preferably in Word) together with your CV should be sent to: Dr. Heidi Hein-Kircher, Herder-Institut Marburg, forum@herder-institut.de. The closing deadline for applications is April 30, 2012.