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Proposal for a basic concept and scientific framework for the HERMES project

Paper to be distributed at the first HERMES meeting in Weimar, 25 – 27 April 2004

The aim of this short paper is to introduce to all HERMES participants, on the occasion of the first general meeting, some ideas about a possible overall conception for the project. Particular focus of the following considerations will lie on the aspect of culture and cultural heritage, as well as on the question of how to design the scientific framework of the entire enterprise. This bias is due to the authors' specific interests and tasks within the project; however, it should not be misunderstood as an exclusion of other aspects. The paper is based on the content of the Interreg application form; it is hoped that this short sketch will serve as a starting point for a thorough and construction discussion among all project partners about the structure and the intentions of HERMES.

Facing the „Eastern enlargement“ of the European Union on 1 May 2004, as well as a steady growth of attention on the side of the EU towards structural and regional policy, two questions are increasingly drawing attention: how will the European space develop in future? And what are possible means of influencing this process in such a way as to fulfil the goal of social and economic cohesion laid down in the European contracts? In recent years a number of strategies and guidelines for spatial planning have been elaborated by the EU (e.g. ESDP), hinting towards a gradual re-orientation of measures in the field of regional policy; in line with the general aim of an harmonious and sustainable spatial development not only (technical) infrastructure is to be enhanced, but also „soft“ locational factors such as culture or identity of a given region are to be taken into account.

Viewed against this backdrop, the overall concept of HERMES can be structured in a three-fold manner, which means that it is based on three pillars:

 

According to this model, the set of relations between these pillars, which is based on numerous interactions, is embedded in specific regional contexts. However, since its triadic basic structure is a common feature in all regions, the outcome of HERMES will be comparable to a certain level of abstraction. In its work, HERMEs subscribes to the dialectical principle of „unity in diversity“, i.e. regional distinctions (and national ones, too) are essentially seen as a linkage – not as a dividing element in the first place – and are as such integrated in the project's approach, which is itself orientated towards CADSES-space.

Broadly speaking, HERMES as a project in general envisages the application of the concept described above, which is derived from theoretical considerations. Several pilot measures will be carried out (e.g. Wieland estate in Ossmanstedt/D, Szymbark heritage complex/PL, Tsalapatas brick factory in Volos/GR, Boyana Church in Sofia / BG etc.) in order to demonstrate the pactical use of HERMES concept. The central question underlying these measures will be: How can cultural heritage be preserved and maintained und utilised for the economic development of regions through new usages.

The results from the various pilot projects will be disseminated and discussed critically among an extensive network within CADSES. Furthermore, a trans-European HERMES radio will be established on a common internet web-site, which will make region-related topics accessible to the European public on a regular basis. Furthermore, these issues will be put to the disposal of a global audience by means of life-streaming technology.

Bearing the above concept in mind, we must ask ourselves: What concrete measures can be undertaken by different project partners in the future? What follows below, is a list of possible measures; this list will hopefully be discussed and completed by further proposals and suggestions:

 

Authors: D. Hassenpflug, B. Kolbmüller, F. Reinhardt, S. Schröder, J.H. Ulbricht

 

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