19th February 2006, 11:31 PM
Evening everyone and thanks for your responses.I did try and be clear that I asked why "we as a profession" assume the roles we do with a publically-owned finite resource.Please excuse me if my post resembled an attack on the nations Curators-far from it.With the level of current development nationwide and, with plenty more in the near future, much of the archaeology that could have been incorporated within new-builds(conservation and long-term monitoring accepted) will be gone for good.The term "preservation in situ" is embedded in the only flimsy protection we have.Members of the public have asked questions of us and I think we should at least have the decency to consider their opinions.I know of at least one new build (UK) that incorporated Roman archaeology into the structure of a new school.I was lucky enough to meet the architect who was very keen to see this happen.I suppose I have been spoilt by living abroad-Greece, Cyprus and thereabouts.....heritage is incorporated into new builds.Children can see the heritage they learn about through the classroom floors,public buildings incorporate archaeology, subways in Europe with wall-to wall stratigraphy,glass viewing ports set into pedestrianised urban centre walkways, information boards etc.Surely this is`nt rocket science? Of course we have to accept that there really is no realistic way of preserving some remains but, can we not at least make an effort?
..knowledge without action is insanity and action without knowledge is vanity..(imam ghazali,ayyuhal-walad)
..knowledge without action is insanity and action without knowledge is vanity..(imam ghazali,ayyuhal-walad)