Intangible heritage and design in historic contexts
Lead Research Organisation:
Manchester Metropolitan University
Department Name: The Manchester School of Architecture
Abstract
Intangible heritage is fast becoming a prerequisite concept for the contemporary understanding and interpretation of heritage. However, in England, a prevailing focus on tangible (physical) heritage assets within policy and practice is resulting in an ever-growing lacuna in practitioner guidance and recommendations concerning how immaterial manifestations of culture can be accounted for when designing in historic contexts - be that new design, conservative repair, or adaptive reuse. This secondment proposal seeks to directly address this lacuna by connecting the secondee's academic research findings relating to the impact of intangible heritage on architectural and building conservation practices, to the industry challenges that are faced by the secondment host, Historic England, who are the public body that takes care of England's historic built environment. As the host's work is based on their statutory function, their projects typically respond to developments in legislation that are focused on the tangible qualities of heritage. This secondment proposal has therefore been purposefully designed to sit outside of this duty, meaning it offers the secondee and host a unique opportunity to begin exploring in detail how the management of change to historic places can reflect the intangible qualities of heritage, and how this can be utilised to innovate principles for design in historic contexts. During a 24-month period, this process of knowledge transfer between academia and industry will be developed across a number of case study projects and managed through the creation of a dedicated project Steering Group. A series of new practitioner recommendations ('pre-guidance') will be developed to not only be utilised by the secondment host, but also by the broader UK heritage sector, as a means to underpin their own disciplinary approaches in relation to this increasingly relevant component of the heritage industry and heritage management.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Johnathan Djabarouti (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Djabarouti J
(2024)
Intangible Cultural Heritage and UK Built Heritage Practice: Opportunities and Future Directions
in The Historic Environment: Policy & Practice
| Description | The research and activities supported through this funding have explored the connection between intangible cultural heritage (ICH)-such as traditions, skills, and community memories-and physical heritage, which includes historic buildings and places. The key insights from this work reveal how these two aspects of heritage are deeply intertwined and offer pathways for more inclusive, sustainable, and meaningful conservation efforts. 1. The Role of Intangible Heritage in Physical Conservation - Heritage is more than just buildings. While historic sites and structures are important, their meaning comes from the traditions, skills, and memories associated with them. - Skills and knowledge are at risk. Many traditional building techniques, such as stone masonry or timber framing, are disappearing due to an ageing workforce and lack of training. - Conservation must include people. Protecting historic places isn't just about preserving structures but also about ensuring the continuation of the skills, practices, and cultural knowledge that shaped them. 2. Community Involvement is Key - People define heritage. The most meaningful heritage sites are those that communities identify with, not just those listed as nationally significant. - Co-creation builds stronger places. When communities contribute to heritage projects-whether through storytelling, participation in design, or hands-on conservation work-they develop a stronger connection to place. - Memories influence design. In cases like the redevelopment of Bootham Crescent (a former football ground), community memories have shaped how new developments incorporate historic elements, ensuring the past is not erased. 3. The Economic and Social Value of Heritage - Heritage creates jobs. Investing in traditional skills training not only helps preserve historic buildings but also provides employment and career opportunities, particularly for young people. - Heritage supports wellbeing. Walking routes, historic sites, and cultural activities rooted in ICH contribute to community identity, mental health, and social connection. - Memory and place shape regeneration. New developments that incorporate elements of the past-such as the reuse of materials, historic street layouts, or commemorative features-are often more successful in retaining local character and attracting visitors. 4. Challenges and Future Directions - Legal and policy limitations. Current heritage policies focus mainly on protecting buildings, making it harder to safeguard traditions, skills, and stories. - Funding and resources. Many heritage organisations lack the financial and human resources to integrate ICH meaningfully into their work. - Broadening representation. Traditional heritage approaches often overlook diverse community perspectives. Addressing this requires more inclusive decision-making. Why This Matters These findings highlight the need for a shift in how heritage is valued and protected, moving beyond just buildings to include the living traditions and skills that give places meaning. By embracing a more people-focused approach, conservation efforts can become more sustainable, inclusive, and relevant to contemporary society. |
| Exploitation Route | The findings from this research can be used to shape heritage policy, ensuring protections extend beyond buildings to include traditions, skills, and community-led heritage. Developers and planners can integrate cultural memory into regeneration projects, while heritage organisations can adopt co-creation models to involve communities more meaningfully. Training providers and conservation professionals can address skills shortages by embedding traditional craftsmanship into apprenticeships and education. The research also supports advocacy efforts, helping local groups secure funding and recognition for their heritage. Finally, media, artists, and cultural organisations can use these insights to raise awareness and reinterpret heritage in innovative ways, ensuring it remains relevant and accessible. |
| Sectors | Communities and Social Services/Policy Creative Economy Government Democracy and Justice Culture Heritage Museums and Collections |
| Description | Informing a change of culture within the secondment host organisation. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2024 |
| Sector | Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
| Impact Types | Cultural |