Together into the soil

Working below the ground surface yields great finds as well as interesting stories

The consultants, project leaders, researchers and other specialists at the Vestigia Archaeology & Cultural Heritage consultancy and research firm like to stick their heads in the sand. Literally, because working below the ground surface yields beautiful finds and interesting stories. For example, at inner-city locations and in old industrial areas, where history has left clear and tangible traces.

'Interventions' in inner-city areas often involve soil contamination, foundations of former buildings and other obstructions, such as cables and pipes, which require excavation or remediation. Moreover, such an area has often been inhabited for centuries and archaeological research is required, know Wilfried Hessing and Jeroen Flamman, who together form the management of Vestigia. "We help clients to harmonize archaeological research and other workflows in the preparation for construction, which can lead to considerable savings in inconvenience, time and costs."

Reduction of inconvenience and costs

"What we often see is that an archaeologist is not called in until the excavation of the soil in soil remediation or earthmoving operations," says Jeroen. "In this case, there is a good chance that work flows will clash. Especially in inner-city locations, where the task is large but space is limited. To dig twice at one location and set aside soil twice creates too much inconvenience and too high a cost. Nuisance and costs that can easily be reduced by setting up the process properly at the front end." In order to support clients and executing parties in this, Vestigia likes to be at the table during the tendering and planning phase.

Solution to the chicken-and-egg problem

"In the preliminary phase and based on historical data or borings, we determine with sufficient certainty whether there is archaeology in the ground," Wilfried said. "And if so, whether this archaeology is important enough to document. The excavations required for this purpose often take place at sites that also suffer from contamination. In this case, the chicken-and-egg problem quickly arises. What comes first? We respond to this by facilitating - depending on the specific project situation - remediation with archaeological guidance or excavation under remediation conditions."

Discovery of an ancient brewery

Vestigia recently made headlines with this service. At the future site of new construction project De Vijfhoek in Purmerend center, an almost complete foundation was uncovered of a former brewery from 1640. "That brewery de Dubbele Arent had existed was known. But now it is also clear exactly where the brewery stood," Jeroen says. "During the excavation, the complete foundation was uncovered. In addition, utensils were still stored in the vaulted cellars, which were accurately mapped." 

The unique find generated enormous interest. For example, from local residents, who became more understanding of the work. "This is precisely where the crux lies," Wilfried explains. "By properly coordinating soil remediation or earthmoving and archaeology, as a developer you can really give something back to the neighborhood. Certainly if the 'roots of the neighborhood' are given a valuable place in the new building, understanding is created. Moreover, by putting up an information board or making part of the old foundation visible in the public space, such a new construction project gains an extra dimension and identity."