Dynamic integrity: a concept to historic urban landscape

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to set out a proposal for the concept of dynamic integrity. It is a heritage quality that may be attributed to heritage properties whose attributes are capable to express past and present meanings, and therefore values, in a context of change, without relying exclusively on records of memory. So, dynamic integrity (DI) emphasizes continuity in changing urban context and may be a key concept for the new Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach. Design/methodology/approach – The concept of DI was developed using theory of complexity to critic the existing definitions of integrity and their use to in context of urban heritage area under the pressure for change. Findings – The current concept of integrity, adopted by heritage field of knowledge, is not capable to deal with the complexity of the HUL. There is a tendency to define conservation as the regulation or control of change. This assumption is problematic since it emphasizes the changes of meanings, values and attributes, instead of the idea of continuity. Controlling change means fixing the attributes that express the meanings of heritage areas, and this is a task fated to be unsuccessful in complex cities or, even in not so complex urban sites. Originality/value – It is the first time that the concept of integrity has been put to explain and manage the dynamics of urban heritage areas.