Preserving the Past and Shaping the Future: An Articulation of Authenticity of Heritage within Urban Development

Abstract

Preserving cultural heritage requires a profound grasp of authenticity and integrity embedded within architectural design, material choices, and contextual significance. The preservation, accurate representation, and storytelling of a cultural property's original form, historical context, and intrinsic worth all fall under the umbrella of authenticity in heritage management. However, the diverse interpretations of this concept pose a significant challenge, potentially undermining shared objectives of heritage preservation and urban development. In this intricate web of heritage preservation, relevance of authenticity as a value-laden concept remains indisputable. It is through authenticity that we navigate the complex historical context of heritage, striving to preserve the past while shaping the future in urban development.The paper develops a theoretical framework that connects authenticity, cultural heritage values, and urban progress in order to effectively incorporate heritage into urban development. It explores the intricacies of maintaining authenticity in heritage management while considering the future development of urban areas. To achieve this, it first examines how various social, cultural, political, and economic factors influence the way authenticity is understood in different contexts, deriving data from literature. The study also utilizes a case study approach delving into Ahmedabad, Cairo and Shiraz as case studies to unravel how they have manifested in real situations.This paper specifically explores the relationship between authenticity and sense of place. The findings unearth the common denominators across the three case studies and reveal practices that can be used to protect authenticity and sense of place of a site. It also identifies the role of the stakeholders in this task. It recommends a range of strategies and management techniques for heritage management within urban development.

Urban Heritage Facility Management: A Conceptual Framework for the Provision of Urban-Scale Support Services in Norwegian World Heritage Sites

“…This development coincided with the emergence of a new paradigm in managing urban heritage areas and historic towns, known as the HUL approach, which was recommended by UNESCO in 2011 [13,21]. This approach advocates for a more holistic and inclusive strategy in managing heritage, aiming to balance the preservation of historical buildings and monuments with the evolving demands of urban development [22][23][24]. UHFM addresses the complex task of managing urban-scale support services in these unique types of heritage areas.…”

“…The justification for UHFM establishment is supported by the dual requirement of safeguarding the WH sites' outstanding universal values while ensuring their sustainable development and stakeholders' well-being [6,9]. The HUL approach is a comprehensive framework highlighting the coexistence of heritage preservation and sustainable urban development [22,23]. The HUL approach acknowledged the significance of the historic town as a living environment and dynamic entity.…”