Die Historische und Archäologische Bauforschung als Stakeholder einer Archäologie der Moderne

Abstract

With reference to its basic methodology, building archaeology (“Bauforschung”) according to the specific traditions in Germanspeaking countries – is a stakeholder of Contemporary Archaeology. Building Archaeology is not focused exclusively on architecture, civil engineering, urbanism and the corresponding techniques, processes and results, but rather generally interested in all facets of building as a basic category of human behaviour. For practical as well as conceptual reasons the field of architectural conservation is a close point of reference. In contrast to the various archaeologies as represented in the German system of science and scholarship, “Bauforschung” is not divided into branches according to the different time periods or cultures. Instead, its diversification during the last decades is driven by distinct approaches towards the field of building. Civil engineers for example have contributed historical research focussing on constructional and engineering aspects. Future approaches might be concerned with technical infrastructure, building physics or energy regimes. Needless to explain, during the 20^th century these aspects have definitively gained prominence in building practice and accordingly turned more complex. The aim of this contribution is to demonstrate approaches of “Bauforschung” towards modern buildings with regard to possible connecting points with Contemporary Archaeology.