2nd May 2009, 08:22 PM
Paphos old town and it`s mosaics are a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I can`t imagine just how many visitors a year turn up but they would be at least compatable with the Stonehenge numbers. Elevated walkways draw the visitor around and through the more sensitive parts of the site and this seems to work fairly well. Similar arrangements can be found at Amathus, Kurion and any number of other sites here. Where components of sites are deemed to be of special significance or particularly at risk from weathering and millions of feet- elevated walkways are complimented with some fairly grand protective superstructures. Whilst arguably not ideal- the compromise between visitors and conservation is a concept that has at least been taken seriously.
Stonehenge is unique and as such (arguably) demands a unique mitigative approach. As an integral component of its surrounding landscape context, nothing short of a comprehensive proposal for the entire complex would be needed. It was discussed at length during a seminar at Bournemouth Uni some years ago when all the big players came together for a day.
For me, one potential solution would go something like this.....
No car parks. Visitors would arrive at the soggy end of the avenue after approaching the area via navigating the Avon by boat (suitably accompanied by one of those "and on your left..." commentaries) and thence alight carefully placed walkways to stroll up the avenue.
This walkway would then be cleverly placed so as to not obscure the illusion that the henge is rising out of the ground upon approach to the stones.The walkway would then form a circular structure encompassing the henge itself but-carefully built so as not to obscure the henge itself from a wider landscape view.
After that- either another walkway or one of them-there hideous tour-train jobbies would bring visitors to a 21st century/interactive/technology-laden/all bells and whistles/ canines testicles visitor experience. Preferably of-site. Lighted walkways and stones would make for a magical experience for visitors at night.
There should be archaeologists on site full-time in the role of guides/ finds interpreters/ organisers and motivaters of educational activities etc. There really is no excuse for having any unemployed archaeologists in the UK. Think we have a bit more than 650 sites desperately in need of an on-site archaeologist!
As it stands- Stonehenge can be seen as one of the most deflatory, boring, uninspiring and neglected experiences one can endure in the UK. This is a national shame.
As for HRH Pendragon- I`m all for protest and at least someone is doing his best. As for access- I`m all for that too so long as the Stonehenge environs is protected. I really don`t think that it would be beyond a 21st century western democracy ( ha ha ) to come up with an integrated solution that could allow for access, enhance conservation and entice tourism. Question is- why hasn`t it been done?
As an aside, one individual has stuck his head up above the parapet and spent ten months giving it some. Our response has been to question his sanity, accuse him of being a parasite, being work-shy or being a substance abuser. Fruitcake? Maybe. Theres plenty of those in our profession and a goodly few that I would say match the other attributes listed here too. Why is it that when someone makes a stand (rightly or wrongly depending on your views) we immediately see fit to deconstruct someones personality? Wouldn`t it be better to concentrate on the issues instead?:face-huh:
..knowledge without action is insanity and action without knowledge is vanity..(imam ghazali,ayyuhal-walad)
Stonehenge is unique and as such (arguably) demands a unique mitigative approach. As an integral component of its surrounding landscape context, nothing short of a comprehensive proposal for the entire complex would be needed. It was discussed at length during a seminar at Bournemouth Uni some years ago when all the big players came together for a day.
For me, one potential solution would go something like this.....
No car parks. Visitors would arrive at the soggy end of the avenue after approaching the area via navigating the Avon by boat (suitably accompanied by one of those "and on your left..." commentaries) and thence alight carefully placed walkways to stroll up the avenue.
This walkway would then be cleverly placed so as to not obscure the illusion that the henge is rising out of the ground upon approach to the stones.The walkway would then form a circular structure encompassing the henge itself but-carefully built so as not to obscure the henge itself from a wider landscape view.
After that- either another walkway or one of them-there hideous tour-train jobbies would bring visitors to a 21st century/interactive/technology-laden/all bells and whistles/ canines testicles visitor experience. Preferably of-site. Lighted walkways and stones would make for a magical experience for visitors at night.
There should be archaeologists on site full-time in the role of guides/ finds interpreters/ organisers and motivaters of educational activities etc. There really is no excuse for having any unemployed archaeologists in the UK. Think we have a bit more than 650 sites desperately in need of an on-site archaeologist!
As it stands- Stonehenge can be seen as one of the most deflatory, boring, uninspiring and neglected experiences one can endure in the UK. This is a national shame.
As for HRH Pendragon- I`m all for protest and at least someone is doing his best. As for access- I`m all for that too so long as the Stonehenge environs is protected. I really don`t think that it would be beyond a 21st century western democracy ( ha ha ) to come up with an integrated solution that could allow for access, enhance conservation and entice tourism. Question is- why hasn`t it been done?
As an aside, one individual has stuck his head up above the parapet and spent ten months giving it some. Our response has been to question his sanity, accuse him of being a parasite, being work-shy or being a substance abuser. Fruitcake? Maybe. Theres plenty of those in our profession and a goodly few that I would say match the other attributes listed here too. Why is it that when someone makes a stand (rightly or wrongly depending on your views) we immediately see fit to deconstruct someones personality? Wouldn`t it be better to concentrate on the issues instead?:face-huh:
..knowledge without action is insanity and action without knowledge is vanity..(imam ghazali,ayyuhal-walad)