The notion of value in cultural heritage preservation: A systematic review of foundational sources published by renowned international organisations

Abstract

This paper systematically addresses the inconsistencies in interpreting the notion of value within the field of cultural heritage preservation, as observed in foundational sources published by renowned international organisations. The research aims (1) to clarify how the notion of value is defined and to map the recognised value typologies and those for which the definition exists, as well as (2) to identify the main approaches to cultural heritage preservation and their relationship to the notion of value. A comprehensive content analysis was conducted on a curated sample of 34 seminal documents sourced from UNESCO, ICOMOS, ICCROM, the Council of Europe, and the Architects’ Council of Europe, all of which explicitly define “value” in the context of cultural heritage. The results systematically highlight the complexity of the notion of value – its meaning and scope, as well as the representation of the previously identified main approaches to cultural heritage preservation within the analysed seminal documents. The results reveal substantial variation and evolution in the definition and understanding of the notion of value, with over 151 distinct value typologies identified; however, only a handful—cultural, historical, social, and aesthetic values—predominate across the analysed sources. Furthermore, the study identifies four main approaches to cultural heritage preservation: material-based, value-based, living heritage, and historic urban landscape. The findings demonstrate that the evolution of these approaches corresponds directly to changes in how values are conceptualised and operationalised, particularly regarding the balance between tangible and intangible values and the expanding role of different stakeholder groups. The study highlights a persistent lack of consensus regarding the definition of the notion of value and classification of values in cultural heritage preservation discourse. This multiplicity raises critical questions about the coherence, inclusivity, and cultural adaptability of current valuation practices. Rather than proposing a unified model, the paper offers a critical reflection on the institutional and epistemological frameworks – foundational sources published by renowned international organisations that still serve as a global guideline for identifying and preserving values of cultural heritage in practice. Moreover, the identification and examination of the ideas and principles of the four main approaches to cultural heritage preservation serve as a starting point for further, more context-based analysis of the notion of value. These insights aim to inform future discussions on redefining the notion of value – its meaning and scope in cultural heritage policy documents - moving beyond rigid typologies toward more dynamic, contextually sensitive, and inclusive approaches.