Protection of the image of the city in a new approach of urban conservation

Ref.: 264
Área temática: 03 Integridad visual de los paisajes urbanos históricos
Fecha de recepción: 15/11/2008

AUTORES (* Autor principal)

SIRISRISAK, Tiamsoon * (Tailandia) - University Of Tokyo

ABSTRACT

The goal of the historic urban landscape concept is possibly to stem from conventional doctrines which tend to focus on architecture instead of historic area as a whole. As clearly seen in the Vienna Memorandum, the first document on the new notion, it states the concern on a holistic approach in urban conservation. Even though it is widely discussed, the Memorandum is considered as a useful basis for the revision of the guidelines for the conservation of historic urban areas.
It is true that the challenges confronted by historic urban areas today are different from what we have seen before. This includes the challenges of new conservation philosophy, worldwide demographic change, and the impact of globalisation. Underpinning is the impact of contemporary development occurred right next to the buffer zone in many urban heritages inscribed on the World Heritage List. In this regard, control of change, as frequently seen via the application of buffer zone, might not be enough to adequately convey the significance of the historic urban area.
Considering the issue of visual integration and the importance of a holistic approach, the geographical viewpoint is relevant and would contribute to the protection of multiple dimensions of the place identity. Issue of tall building built right next to the buffer zone leads to the need of re-considering the heritage identification and the concept of buffer zone. Visual integrity is not only the matter of aesthetics but also economic value of the historic areas. Therefore, the image or characteristic of the city is crucial for the survival of the city.
The paper deals with the heritage identification of historic urban area and how to take account of the visual impact of contemporary architecture especially tall buildings. It aims for a supplement to the ongoing establishing process of the notion of historic urban landscape. The paper discusses various aspects of the new notion including an intrinsic interest of the Vienna Memorandum, new challenges in urban conservation, visual impact of tall building and the issue of buffer zone application, and the image of the city and its value.

BIBLIOGRAFÍA

The bibliography of the paper is mainly on the documents on the notion of historic urban landscape provided by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Others are references regarding the urban planning and geographical approach. Some of which are, for example;

Gibovic, D., J. Lutter, K. Manz, and R. Van Oers. International Conference World Heritage and Contemporary Architecture: Managing the Historic Urban Landscape, Vienna, Republic of Austria, 12-14 May 2005, Conference report. Vienna: City of Vienna, 2005.
Lynch, K. The Image of the City. Cambridge: MIT Press, 1960.
Serageldin, I. Very Special Places: The Architecture and Economics of Intervening in the Historic Cities. Washington D.C.: The World Bank, 1999.
The World Bank. Participatory Development and the World Bank: Potential Directions for Change. Discussion Paper Number 183, Washington DC: The World Bank, 1992.
UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Operational Guidelines for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention. Paris: UNESCO World Heritage Centre, 2008.
Van Oers, R. `Towards new international guidelines for the conservation of historic urban landscapes'. City & Time, 3, no.3 (2007): 43-51.