2.1.2 Why Protect Architectural Heritage
Architectural heritage was inherited from predecessors, preserves an era, and will provide a benefit to the future.Even though we have the right to use it, this cultural heritage never belongs to us.Therefore, it is the responsibility of the present generation to keep architectural heritage in good condition and hand over this valuable legacy to the next generation.
With the development of the public awareness, the values of architectural heritage expanded.In 1877, William Morris in the SPAB Manifesto pointed out that architectural heritage is “anything which can be looked on as artistic, picturesque, historical, antique.”[10]The Venice Charter of 1964 proposed to preserve those more modest structures and believed that these buildings may have no definable artistic value, but have nevertheless acquired cultural significance.[11]In the Convention Concerning of the Word Cultural and Natural Heritage of 1972, architectural heritage was believed has “Outstanding Universal Value from the point of view of history, art or science”.[12]The Washington Charter of 1987 declared that conservation plans should address the values of archaeology, history, architecture, techniques, sociology, and economics.[13]The Valletta Principles of 2011 proposed the social values which connected with the social fabric, spirit of place, tangible and intangible elements that give an area specific identity, meaning, emotion, which indicated the important role of architectural heritage in our present life.[14]The Florence Declaration of 2014 emphasizes on the human value of heritage regarding the values of cultural heritage in building a peaceful and democratic society.[15](https://www.daowen.com)
Preserving and utilizing architectural heritage in our present society, therefore, will significantly benefit us in various aspects, such as strengthening local identity, revitalizing local economics, creating job opportunities and stimulating a sense of pride for residents among other attributes.Meanwhile, it should be noted that architectural heritage holds value not only for individual nations, but for all humankind; not only for our present generation, but future generations as well.However, as a non-renewable resource, architectural heritage sites are facing various risks, especially from the man-made risks caused by urbanization.It is our duty to protect architectural heritage, revitalize it, integrate it in contemporary society, and pass it on to the next generation in good condition.