This research aims to reveal and discuss state-of-the-art research addressing the relation between built heritage and individuals' subjective wellbeing (SWB). Through a systematic literature review, fifty-one studies were analyzed. Even if limited, past research confirms the substantial relation between built heritage and subjective wellbeing, and six primary factors and other subfactors were identified. This paper's originality is found in its focus, being the link between built heritage and subjective wellbeing seldom addressed, and the definition of a six-factor model deduced from the state-of-the-art, as a theoretical framework to support further research. This paper contributes to the ongoing notion of human-centrality in the built environment and the growing trend to give importance to the human experiences within the built heritage context. The results are valuable for academics and policymakers, contributing to a tailored and place-based sustainable urban development.

Community perceptions and experiences of built heritage are essential in understanding the built heritage and effect in individual and community wellbeing. Subsequently, local perceptions of built heritage directly influence the conservation and heritage-led interventions. This study investigated local perceptions of built heritage in Erbil by assessing responses of 414 participants using a questionnaire survey aiming to identify how built heritage is perceived by the various group samples, exploring local perceptions’ (in)consistencies. Significant differences were found between architects’ and non-architects’ perceptions and related wellbeing. As the groups attribute different values, the results suggest that heritage buildings do not contribute to the wellbeing of non-architects as much as to architects. A contradicting result was found between modern and heritage buildings. This study contributes to the notion of human-centrality of the built environment by assessing local perceptions of built heritage, that, when implemented in urban planning and heritage management, can contribute to the city’s socio-cultural sustainable development.