What is the best way to identify and prioritize urban heritage assets?

Urban heritage assets are the tangible and intangible elements of a city's past that contribute to its cultural, social, and economic value. They can include buildings, monuments, landscapes, traditions, practices, and stories that reflect the identity and diversity of a community. However, urban heritage assets are often threatened by rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, conflicts, and neglect. How can urban planners identify and prioritize the most significant and vulnerable urban heritage assets for conservation and management? Here are some steps to follow.

1 Define the scope

The first step is to define the scope of the urban heritage assessment, which can vary depending on the scale, context, and objectives of the project. For example, you may want to focus on a specific area, such as a historic district, a neighborhood, or a street, or on a specific theme, such as industrial, religious, or artistic heritage. You may also want to consider the temporal dimension, such as the historical periods, eras, or events that shaped the urban heritage. Defining the scope will help you narrow down the criteria and methods for identifying and prioritizing the urban heritage assets.

Add your perspective

Cara Armstrong

Director of the School of Architecture + Art at Norwich University
Report contribution
As one of the co-authors of “A Guide to Cleveland's Sacred Landmarks,” I found that the initial step of defining the scope of the urban heritage assessment was absolutely vital. It was a collaborative effort and multifaceted process, with geographical, thematic, and temporal considerations at its core. We understood that Cleveland's rich heritage couldn't be encapsulated with a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we decided to tailor our assessment to the unique characteristics of the city. This involved delving into the various neighborhoods and districts and understanding their individual historical significance.

Like

2 Identify the stakeholders

The second step is to identify the stakeholders who have an interest or influence on the urban heritage assets, such as local communities, government agencies, NGOs, private sector, academia, media, and tourists. Stakeholders can provide valuable information, perspectives, and feedback on the urban heritage assets, as well as their needs, expectations, and challenges. You can use various tools and techniques to engage with stakeholders, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops, participatory mapping, and social media. Identifying the stakeholders will help you understand the social and political context and dynamics of the urban heritage assets.

Add your perspective

Cara Armstrong

Director of the School of Architecture + Art at Norwich University
Report contribution
As one of the co-authors of “A Guide to Cleveland's Sacred Landmarks,” I found that the initial step of defining the scope of the urban heritage assessment was absolutely vital. It was a collaborative effort and multifaceted process, with geographical, thematic, and temporal considerations at its core. We understood that Cleveland's rich heritage couldn't be encapsulated with a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we decided to tailor our assessment to the unique characteristics of the city. This involved delving into the various neighborhoods and districts and understanding their individual historical significance.

Like

3 Assess the significance

The third step is to assess the significance of the urban heritage assets, which means evaluating their cultural, historical, aesthetic, scientific, educational, and economic value. You can use different frameworks and indicators to measure the significance of the urban heritage assets, such as the UNESCO World Heritage criteria, the ICOMOS values-based approach, or the Historic Urban Landscape approach. You can also use qualitative and quantitative methods to collect and analyze data on the urban heritage assets, such as archival research, field observation, mapping, documentation, and valuation. Assessing the significance will help you determine the importance and relevance of the urban heritage assets.

Add your perspective

Cara Armstrong

Director of the School of Architecture + Art at Norwich University
Report contribution
In creating "A Guide to Cleveland's Sacred Landmarks," we evaluated the urban heritage assets in terms of cultural, historical, aesthetic, scientific, educational, and economic value. We used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including archival research, field observation, mapping, documentation, and valuation. This comprehensive approach allowed us to determine the assets' importance and relevance, ensuring our guide presented a well-informed perspective for our readers.

Like

4 Assess the vulnerability

The fourth step is to assess the vulnerability of the urban heritage assets, which means identifying the risks and threats that affect their integrity, authenticity, and sustainability. You can use different sources and methods to identify the vulnerability of the urban heritage assets, such as the UNESCO World Heritage risk assessment, the ICOMOS Heritage at Risk report, or the Heritage Impact Assessment. You can also use SWOT analysis, scenario planning, or sensitivity analysis to evaluate the potential impacts of the vulnerability of the urban heritage assets. Assessing the vulnerability will help you anticipate and mitigate the challenges and opportunities for the urban heritage assets.

Add your perspective

5 Prioritize the actions

The fifth step is to prioritize the actions for the conservation and management of the urban heritage assets, which means selecting and ranking the most urgent and feasible interventions and strategies. You can use different criteria and tools to prioritize the actions, such as the cost-benefit analysis, the multi-criteria analysis, the prioritization matrix, or the SMART goals. You can also use stakeholder consultation, consensus building, or participatory decision making to ensure the legitimacy and effectiveness of the actions. Prioritizing the actions will help you allocate the resources and responsibilities for the urban heritage assets.

Add your perspective

6 Monitor and evaluate

The sixth step is to monitor and evaluate the outcomes and impacts of the actions for the urban heritage assets, which means measuring and reporting the progress and performance of the interventions and strategies. You can use different indicators and methods to monitor and evaluate the outcomes and impacts, such as the UNESCO World Heritage indicators, the ICOMOS indicators for cultural heritage conservation, or the Logical Framework Approach. You can also use feedback mechanisms, learning loops, or adaptive management to improve and adjust the actions. Monitoring and evaluating will help you ensure the accountability and sustainability of the urban heritage assets.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Cara Armstrong

Director of the School of Architecture + Art at Norwich University
Report contribution
Prioritizing heritage assets should be based on a combination of objective criteria and community values. Balancing the two is often critical.

Like

What is the best way to identify and prioritize urban heritage assets?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define the scope

2 Identify the stakeholders

3 Assess the significance

4 Assess the vulnerability

5 Prioritize the actions

6 Monitor and evaluate

7 Here’s what else to consider

Urban Planning

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Urban Planning

More relevant reading

What is the best way to identify and prioritize urban heritage assets?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Define the scope

2 Identify the stakeholders

3 Assess the significance

4 Assess the vulnerability

5 Prioritize the actions

6 Monitor and evaluate

7 Here’s what else to consider

Urban Planning

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills