The past in the present

All throughout history, men have been transforming their built environment in order to meet the needs of modern times. In the chair of Heritage & Architecture, there is a common believe that taking the past with us into the future is of vital importance for people to stay emotionally connected with the built environment, as they bear the historical and cultural values of society. With this point of view in mind, the practice of heritage takes an interest in the way that should be dealt with the existing built environment in case of transformation. It is concerned with the act of balancing the old and the new and ultimately aims for preservation of existing qualities while making the building fit for contemporary needs, in other words, preservation through development.