The paradigmatic basis of architectural heritage management in the context of the modern philosophy of cultural property conservation

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Conservation of cultural property has been defined as all actions aimed at safeguarding cultural property for the future in order to study, record, retain and restore the culturally significant qualities of the object, site or building with the least possible intervention. Architectural conservation constitutes actions that address the repair, restoration, maintenance and display of historic buildings, enclaves of buildings and sites, as well as their associated accoutrements, such as furnishings and fittings. These actions whether conducted on individual buildings or groups of buildings represent investments in the future of such sites. Such regenerative action at historic buildings and sites usually increases values of adjacent properties and local economic conditions as well. Architectural conservation is widely regarded as the predominant activity within the larger and more diverse field of cultural heritage conservation, which is also referred to as cultural heritage (or resource) management. This field is concerned with the documentation and preservation of all forms of human culture, including tangible artifacts such as architecture, archaeological sites, cultural landscapes, arts and crafts, and other objects of material culture. Architectural restoration and rehabilitation offers new practical, educational and growth stimulus possibilities. In addition, cultural heritage conservation addresses intangible manifestations of human activity, including existing manners and customs (folkways); spiritual practices; and musical, craft and cuisine traditions of indigenous populations, all of which are considered living heritage. The general purview of heritage conservation practice is ever expanding which makes the field both dynamic and open to new participants who bring fresh talent and perspectives to the task. As organized heritage conservation practice expands with each passing year formerly disparate facts and representations of history take on new meaning and significance. In relation to this, both cultural and economic values at heritage sites constantly change. Changes posed by nature and humans on physical cultural heritage ensure constant change as well.