Characterising the impact of urban green initiatives on cultural heritage environments.

Cities are increasingly implementing 'green' initiatives to improve the environment for the health and wellbeing of residents. Common initiatives in Flanders include more space for pedestrians, low emission zones, expanding green spaces and density of plants, and the reintroduction of water. These initiatives are often undertaken in historic city centres, in which heritage buildings are abundant: these heritage buildings are crucial to establishing the character of places and supporting mental wellbeing. These buildings are often built from traditional materials such as local stone, brick, and mortar. Over time, these materials are affected by the local environment and can deteriorate. The factors that control this deterioration are the same as those which are most commonly modified by introducing green initiatives in urban areas. This project investigates how the 'greening' of our cities may have long-term implications for the durability of heritage buildings. Of particular interest is how these initiatives change the environment at a local scale near the surfaces of heritage buildings. By using laboratory studies and examining heritage buildings in proximity to current 'greening' initiatives, this project will not only study the current impacts on heritage buildings and their materials, but also look forward to the implications for our heritage and cities toward the end of the 21st century.

Keywords:ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE, GREEN SPACES, PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE

Disciplines:Built heritage and renovation, Sustainable buildings and cities, Construction materials, Environmental and sustainable planning

Project type:Collaboration project