Zprávy památkové péče 2020, 80(1):24-32 | DOI: 10.56112/zpp.2020.1.05

Changes in the manner of use of a historic center

Michal Kohout, Šárka Jahodová, Veronika Peňázová

Ústav nauky o budovách, FA ČVUT

Historical cores are ensembles with a unique system of physical and spatial parameters describing the character of buildings and spaces (e.g. building height, floor area coefficient, percentage of built-up area, ratio of paved and unpaved areas, scale of plots, plot size, street network organization, street profiles, interface character, location and ratio of exceptional and common elements, etc.). These parameters also correspond to unique socio-economic characteristics (social, economic, legal, etc.) which, together with the other circumstances in which the historical core is embedded, come together to create the perceived value of the historical environment while at the same time tending to scribe into its physical form.
The article deals with the importance, classification, and possibilities of monitoring various ways of using historical cores, especially on an urban scale. It tries to capture characteristic phenomena and different modes of environment use (e.g. long-term living, performance of regularly recurring activities such as work, study, office visits, etc. or single trips by tourists), describe their dynamics, interrelationships, and differences in relation to the physical environment. The aim of monitoring these characteristics and their tendencies, however, is not historical or factual research itself, but to create a basis for informed management of the historical environment which aims to ensure that urban cores successfully fulfill their cultural, social, infrastructural, and economic role.
A deeper knowledge of these phenomena and their dynamics, together with their coordination and regulation, can significantly assist in planning and creating a broader conceptual thinking process about the use and management of historic parts of settlements in the process of changing living conditions. It will make it possible to ensure the natural transformation of the heritage environment and to consciously search for and establish the optimal level of preservation of its physical form and life manifestations as well as its perceived identity and authenticity.

Keywords: historical cores, heritage values, urban values, transformations in use, identity, authenticity, adaptability

Published: March 1, 2020  Show citation