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Research

Research

Explanation of the historic urban landscape

The framework for the research and teaching of the UNESCO Chair for Historic Urban Landscapes and Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment is provided by the Recommendation on Historic Urban Landscapes adopted by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in 2011. This statement (36 C / Resolution 41, 2011) is based on the recognition of the multi-layered nature of urban World Heritage sites and includes both tangible and intangible values.
It states:

"The historic urban landscape is the urban area defined as the result of a historic layering of cultural and natural values and attributes, extending beyond the notion of 'historic center' or 'ensemble', to include the broader urban context or geographical setting. This wider context includes notably the site's topography, geomorphology, hydrology and natural features, its built environment, both historic and contemporary, its infrastructures above and below ground, its open spaces and gardens, its land use patterns and spatial organization, perceptions and visual relationships, as well as all other elements of the urban structure. It also includes social and cultural practices and values, economic processes and the intangible dimensions of heritage as related to diversity and identity." (UNESCO, 2011)