A motive for adapting the desecrated churches to new purposes is a broadly discussed matter, progressively better investigated and defined. Is it advisable to introduce a new, permanent function, complementary to the sacred one in the historical ecclesial buildings? This paper presents the results of the research on benefits of adapting the non-utilized attics of monumental churches still performing their sacred function, located...

The abandonment of churches and their adaptation for secular purposes is a current subject in Europe and worldwide. Most cases involve objects that were desacralized and then rebuilt as a whole object for alternative functions. Thus far, the merging of secular and sacred functions in one monumental Catholic church has not raised any issues. The paper describes the case of St. Catherine’s Church in Gdansk, Poland, where sacred function...

Are avant-garde elements added to historical objects as a temporary fashion to fulfill the aspirations of designers or an attempt to draw attention to themselves? It may be the exact opposite, and this type of controversial project is the best lifebelt for such monuments. This article explores issues related to external avant-garde elements added to adapted churches and their influence on the efficiency of such adaptation projects....