Interpreting living urban-industrial heritage: The Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham

Abstract

In light of the studies related to the theory of interpretation of cultural heritage sites, the holistic interpretation approach of heritage areas has developed, and a new interpretation culture has emerged. It includes new approaches, local and regional interpretation strategies, new policies and comprehensive analysis and evaluations. The new interpretation culture is important not only to produce interpretation themes, but also to the transfer and sustainability of the values of heritage sites that need to be preserved to the society. In this context, studies are being brought up in order to find the most appropriate ways to understand and transfer living urban heritage sites; tangible and intangible values, existing or non-existent urban structures, ongoing or non-existent social and cultural practices, used or ongoing structures and all cultural and historical layers of areas.  Beyond the current interpretation studies carried out for the heritage sites, it is important to develop interpretation strategies including the historical importance of the areas for living urban heritage sites and therefore complex cultural heritage areas, the connections to the places, cultural and social relations networks, urban memory, and the spirit of the place. For this purpose, the study focuses primarily on the critical viewpoint of theoretical content of the interpretation of cultural heritage sites. In the light of theoretical and practical knowledge, the research then concentrates on key themes and discussions on heritage interpretation in the UK. Accordingly, the research discusses the interpretation strategies in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham which is the one of the most influential areas by means of historical urban-industrial heritage site.