Architecture and development of community heritage in post-situations. Strategies for future oriented (socially) sustainable development

This research is based on the proposition that “Instead of seeing our built and unbuilt heritage as composed of isolated historical objects, it should be seen as past, present and future; as a carrier of (often invisible) relationships that both individuals and communities have with it” (Gantois, 2019). It focuses on the often underestimated current social role that heritage has for society. Heritage gives rise to cultural and social identity for different communities. This research should be situated within the current critical discourse in which heritage should not be regarded as a passive subject of change, but rather as an active generator of change.This research works across different scale levels and approaches heritage not only from the historical characteristics that can be artistic, archaeological, architectural and/or anthropological in nature (cultural-historical value), but also studies the intrinsic qualities that can be read from the natural and social presence (ecological value) and the different forms of contemporary significance (social value). In the methodology used (Interactive Walking), the research touches on other disciplines such as anthropology and sociology.

Keywords:community heritage, collective space, memory of place

Disciplines:Social and cultural anthropology, Built heritage and renovation, Environmental and sustainable planning