On the Balance between Preservation and Modernization of Architectural and Urban Heritage

Abstract

So far, the reasons for the sharp conflict between advocates of architectural heritage and proponents of urban modernization are not entirely clear. Both parties appeal to historical experience. Indeed, there was a tradition of maintaining continuity, but another tradition is known, according to which to destroy the old and create in its place the new was considered necessary and progressive. The paradoxical conclusion is that heritage protection requires the destruction of one of the foundations of traditional culture. This article proposes to consider the problem outlined in recognition of the historically unprecedented newness of the existing cultural paradigm. An analysis of attitudes towards the preservation and renovation of old buildings and layouts in a historical retrospective leads the author to the conclusion that in New and Modern times, the innovative aspirations have become excessive, aggressive, and crushingly revolutionary. Today it is time to refuse a radical renovation of the historical heritage, recognized as a non­renewable cultural resource. Architectural innovations must be a priori delicate in relation to it and have spatial isolation. Only under this condition a return to a moderate, natural, and viable concept of sustainable, conflict-free development of the living environment becomes possible.