Applying a values-led approach to modern architectural heritage conservation in Dhaka: insights from stakeholders’ participation

Abstract

The conservation of Modern Architectural Heritage remains a neglected area in Bangladesh, where legal frameworks and policies fail to recognize the cultural, social, and historical significance of twentieth-century buildings. This situation has led to improper interventions, including unsympathetic renovations, alterations of the original design, and, in some cases, complete demolition. Ensuring the conservation of these buildings as heritage assets requires a reliable decision-making reference point, provided by a well-established heritage values assessment, which is currently absent in Bangladesh. This study employed a values-led approach grounded in globally recognized heritage values, with stakeholders’ perceptions playing a significant role. Focusing on four modern architectural buildings in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, this research employs a sequential questionnaire survey and expert interviews to examine how social, scientific, historical, ecological, and aesthetic values shape conservation priorities. The findings reveal that stakeholders’ engagement and direct interaction with Modern Architectural Heritage strongly influence value recognition, indicating a shared understanding of the importance of conserving such heritage in Dhaka. However, despite the potential of a values-led approach in heritage values assessment, the study identifies significant challenges hindering its adoption, including inadequate legal frameworks and limited awareness of Modern Architectural Heritage. To address these gaps, strategic interventions are recommended, including revising existing heritage conservation laws, establishing a national framework for heritage values assessment, integrating stakeholders’ participation, and raising public awareness.