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Journal of Environmental and Social Sciences

Research Article

Exploring the Role of Monumental Values in the Mountainous Regional Development Using Traditional Bridges as an Illustration

Maria Goula1, Nikolaos Hasanagas2*

1Maria Goula, Centre of Environmental Education of Makrinitsa, Magnisia, Greece
2Nikolaos Hasanagas, University Forest Administration, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece,
*Corresponding author: Nikolaos Hasanagas, University Forest Administration, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, E-mail: n.hasanagas@gmail.com
Article Information: Submission: 20/01/2016; Accepted: 10/02/2016; Published: 16/02/2016
Copyright: © 2016 Hasanagas N. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract

Aim of this research is to examine the contribution of traditional bridges as monuments to the regional development and to empirically analyze the possible interdependence of their monumental values. In 2015, 135 standardized questionnaires were answered by school teachers during an adult education project, including a visit to the bridges of Mpalta (Dipotama), Gorgianades, Karitsa and Xerolikos (Korischades) in the region Evritania, central Greece. Bivariate correlation test Spearman was used for the analysis. Riegl’s model (1903) of monumental values has been used (historical value, agevalue, aesthetic value, use value). All dimensions of all monumental values contribute to the creation of use value, as perceived by the interviewed visitors. The historical value enhances use value through technical features inspiring safety, reflections of past events etc. Tourists are supposed to be mostly attracted by architectural issues and local materials while the researchers are expected to focus on building methods or historical facts. Nostalgia enhances the perception of all possible uses, disclosing a desire of transition from “monumental” into “functional”, particularly to “multifunctional”. Remembrances of romantic past, uniqueness, etc. are related with several dimensions of use value. Emotional stimulus seems to be induced to the tourists and researchers by the feeling of strength (eternity, immortality) characterizing “primitive” building materials and methods. Synergy appears among all four monumental values, but mostly among historical, aesthetic and use value. Thus, “knowing”, “feeling” and “using” seem to be induced by each other. The multiple monumental values characterizing the traditional bridges constitute them functional and of social, economic and entrepreneurial importance for the mountainous regions.