Sustainable Urban Heritage vs Heritage Orthodoxy

Abstract

AbstractAgainst the backdrop of recent crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and various armed conflicts, this chapter highlights the unique vulnerabilities of urban heritage and how these have been exacerbated by an over-simplified construction and commodification of heritage in the official discourse. The chapter reflects on issues and contentions about the definition of urban heritage and the prevailing focus on listing sites and monumental values, highlighting the frequent contrast between community narratives and outstanding universal value. Aside from challenges to its existence, urban heritage must also find ways to mediate between environmental, social, and economic pressures that World Heritage status imposes and the over-riding principles and objectives of the SDGs and other ambitious policies.This chapter proposes that addressing all these challenges is linked to a shift toward an inclusive human- and environment-focused definition of urban heritage, which leaves room for community statements of values, not just OUV. This chapter presents the case for recognizing urban heritage’s compendium of values to consolidate its sustainability and spread and minimise the risks. In short, it is a call to move away from heritage orthodoxy and toward sustainable urban heritage.