EXPOSED CONCRETE RESTORATION AND RECONSTRUCTION OF THE LATVIAN NACIONAL MUSEUM OF ART IN THE NEW BUILDING ANNEXE
Year:
Anno 2017/2018
Category:
Conservation
Autor:
Gundega Jeruma
Restorer Sia
My largest and most significant restoration objects of exposed concrete objects In Latvia was the new building of Latvian National Library (2012), new building of the Latvian State Revenue Service (2016) and the old building of Latvian National Museum of Art in Valdemara street where was build new building easement under ground after museum reconstruction (2015 – 2016).
Exposed concrete is a new architectural expression tool for building exterior and interior walls, ceiling and floor finishing. The paradox is that - such restoration is needed for new buildings, which are generally not older than three years. Restoration as process is usually associated with something old restoration or conservation, but in this case the restoration is done immediately after creation. There are various possible causes of damage to exposed concrete. Concrete damage occurs during the process of construction, the works are being carried out in different weather conditions (winter/summer). Concrete pouring process can be affected by ambient temperature and high humidity. Exposed concrete surface quality can damage the design error, the necessary building
communication establishment, construction machinery, unsuccessfully poured concrete, formwork
moving, space flooding, improper communication place (hole) creating, other unforeseen circumstances. The main problems is that the need of exposed concrete restoration have already during the building process and can’t be done with concrete manufacturer's recommended methods
and materials at high quality and aesthetically well. The engagement of the artists does not resolve the problem, because artists haven’t knowledge of the restoration, which is necessary in this case.
Therefore, exposed concrete restoration requires a professional restorer help.
Exposed concrete restoration is based on the same principle applied to the restoration underlying
monumental restoration.
