Middle Age Building Techniques in an Open Air Museum • Düppel Museum / Germany

Описание: The Middle Age Building Techniques in an Open Air Museum project was organised by European Heritage Volunteers in collaboration with the Museum Village Düppel and the City Museum Berlin. The Museum Village Düppel, located on the outskirts of Berlin, is a reconstructed medieval settlement that offers visitors a glimpse into 12th-century rural life. The site features authentically recreated wooden and clay structures, traditional crafts demonstrations, and experimental archaeology initiatives. Spanning nine hectares, the museum also includes cultivated fields and forests, reflecting historical land-use practices.

Participants in the project engaged in hands-on activities essential for the preservation and maintenance of the museum's structures. One of the primary tasks involved re-roofing a smaller house within the village. Traditionally, all roofs at Düppel were thatched with reeds. However, to illustrate the variability in historical roofing methods—since exact archaeological evidence for original coverings is lacking—the project introduced wooden shingles as an alternative. This approach not only diversified the visual representation but also educated visitors on the interpretative aspects of reconstructing historical architecture.

The educational programme provided participants with comprehensive insights into medieval construction techniques and the challenges of maintaining such reconstructions. Workshops led by experienced craftsmen covered traditional woodworking methods, shingle making, and the application of wooden roofing. Additionally, lectures and discussions facilitated by the museum's archaeologists and historians delved into the site's excavation history, the rationale behind reconstruction choices, and the broader context of medieval life in the region. This combination of practical work and theoretical learning ensured that participants not only contributed to the site's upkeep but also gained a profound understanding of the complexities involved in heritage preservation.

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