Critical Built Heritage Practice and Conservation: Evolving Perspectives

Critical Built Heritage Practice and Conservation - Evolving Perspectives challenges traditional conservation concepts and methods, advocating for a socio-material outlook that prioritizes intangible heritage while acknowledging the physical condition of old buildings. It is written for practitioners, students, and educators in architectural conservation, as well as academics and researchers interested in contemporary heritage studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 23 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Critical Built Heritage Practice and Conservation - Evolving Perspectives offers an alternative approach to engaging with the historic built environment by critically questioning the legitimacy of dominant conservation concepts and methods that are often taken for granted within building conservation, architecture, and adaptive reuse. The understanding of heritage is evolving. It moves from a static concept of the past to a dynamic and multifaceted process that encompasses the present and extends into the intangible realm. This shift in perspective has implications for the role and responsibilities of the built heritage practitioner, particularly the architectural conservationist.

The traditional notion of restoration, which aims to return buildings to their original state, is being challenged. The book encourages practitioners to question whether restoration is always the best solution and whether the condition of existing materials should dictate the conservation method. Authenticity, often considered an inherent quality of old buildings, is also being reevaluated. The book proposes a critical interpretation of heritage that allows practitioners to consider the evolution of their role within a rapidly changing context of built heritage practice.

A key aspect of this critical approach is a shift in emphasis from materials to meanings. The book advocates for an enhanced focus on intangible heritage within the built heritage sector, recognizing the significance of cultural, social, and historical aspects that contribute to the identity and value of historic buildings. At the same time, it acknowledges the physical condition of old buildings remains a priority for many stakeholders.

The book is written with practitioners, students, and educators of architectural conservation in mind, but it will also be of relevance to the broader built heritage industry, as well as academics, researchers, and heritage students with a passion for contemporary dialogues in heritage studies. By challenging established norms and promoting a more nuanced understanding of heritage, this book contributes to the ongoing discussion and evolution of built heritage practice and conservation.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032286075