2.2.2 Why Protect Historic Personality’s Residence
In many countries, the seats in cafes, restaurants or library used by notable persons are often be marked for commemoration, not to mention the marking of and preservation of their former residences.Even if some former residences are very ordinary or rundown structures, to preserve and develop them still may have an important impact for the present and future society in various aspect.
Although some key historical persons’ residences are protected through special orders, improper preservation methods often damage the houses and their environment.People often begin with great enthusiasm in removing damaged parts and rebuilding the structure with new forms and materials.Meanwhile, the surroundings of these notable historic residences are often renewed to meet contemporary needs.The first article in the Venice Charter notes: “The concept of an historic monument embraces not only the single architectural work but also the urban or rural setting in which is found the evidence to a particular civilization, a significant development or an historic event.”[21]When these residences and their surroundings are changed, their historical culture and spirit disappear.Therefore, as a special physical and spiritual cultural heritage, the residences of these important people should be preserved and developed carefully with proper preservation and development methods.Only through this can a city become a unique space with distinct cultural characteristics.The local inhabitants may justifiably feel proud of these irreplaceable heritage sites, receiving in return high spiritual impetus.Just like Shu yi,[22]a famous Chinese scholar said: “If you are a resident of this city, you will surely be very proud of this famous people’s houses.The patriotism and national pride will arise in your heart spontaneously.It is a very natural thing.”[23]The significance of historic personalities’ residences preservation and development in contemporary society are embodied in the following aspects:
● Marking historical facts;
● Creating local identity;
● Enhancing local cultural connotations;(https://www.daowen.com)
● Promoting local economy;
● Diversifying educational approaches;
● Raising the public sense of pride and belonging;
● Establishing the sustainable cultural environment, and so forth.
In addition, because of the different values between famous versus infamous people’s residences for contemporary society, their preservation, utilization and development principles are different.Famous people’s houses should receive authentic preservation, proper usage and promotion of their culture in the present and future.However, infamous people’s houses may only be marked to remind people of facts and learn the lessons of history.For the historic persons under discussion, it is reasonable to preserve their house authentically, and leave it for the future.