Managing ensemble scale heritage conservation in the Shandon Architectural Conservation Area in Cork, Ireland

Abstract

Functionings an intergenerational repository of cultural meaning, built heritage artefacts form an important part of the cultural history of settlements (Al-hagla, 2010 and Tweed and Sutherland, 2007) and act as ‘dispensers of cultural identity’ (Bianca, 2010, 28) for modern urban areas around them by providing a tangible connection to the past. Conserving built heritage can thus promote intergenerational equity by preserving cultural capital for the benefit of future generations (Taylor, 2013). However, just as historic urban areas shape society, they are also subject to change and reshaping to satisfy society's evolving needs and values (Nepravishta, 2015). Although urban ensembles now constitute the largest category within the UNESCO World Heritage List (UNESCO, 2011), the conservation of urban heritage has been recognised as a ‘daunting task’ (van Oers, 2010, 7).