VALUE CATEGORY IN THEORY AND PRACTICE OF CONSERVATION OF HISTORICAL URBAN ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The paper outlines the stages of the formation of the value category and determines its significance in the international protection system of historic cities. It also traces the transformation of ideas about the value of urban areas as heritage sites and considers the protection of the historical urban environment in the international and Russian experiences. It is found that along with the variety of existing instruments of the urban heritage protection, the requirements for the conservation of regular buildings as elements of the historical urban environment are insufficient. The elaboration of detailed regulations, in turn, provides for a clear understanding of architectural and urban values of each element. The aim of this work is to justify the need to develop a methodology for assessing the value of historical buildings, which should be applied with due regard to the regional or local cultural context. It must be also recognized that the overall goal of such a classification based on the values and the role of elements of historical development in shaping the urban landscape, is to formulate clear rules and parameters for permissible intervention in the historical environment.