Urban Heritage Conservation in the Second Half of the 20th Century: from Monuments' Restoration to Sustainable Development

Abstract

The following article describes evolution of approaches in urban heritage conservation in the second half of the 20th~beginning of the 21st century. Recognition of the complexity and diversity of cultural heritage has changed our understanding of the conservation goals and approaches, especially in the sphere of historic cities. During the last 50 years, such new concepts as Integrated Conservation, PeopleCentered Approach, Active Conservation, Living Heritage, Historic Urban Landscape and Sustainable Development emerged. With all the differences of content interpretation, they are united by the idea of fundamental changeability of the historic urban environment and the need for such an approach to its conservation, which would create conditions for further development. The main way to achieve it is the active inclusion of cultural heritage in the socio-economic life of the city as one of the resources of its sustainability, which requires adequate legal and economic measures. Keywords—urban heritage; historic city; Integrated Conservation; People-centered Approach; Active Conservation; Living Heritage; Historic Urban Landscape; sustainable development