ABSTRACT
This paper aims to develop a new paradigm for cultural heritage in times of economic and social transitions. The analysis derives from a key-note conference delivered at the KU Leuven (Ost, 2017), and from complementary architectural-cultural reflections on the relationship between heritage values and program renewal in conservation narratives (Carpentier, 2014). The authors analyze the post-WWII social and economic context that presented culture as a fresh domain for modern analysis, and a form of resilience towards the international expansion of uniform ways of life. Economic conditions have remained important for heritage conservation, and sometimes a catalyst for changes in practices for heritage management and financing. The paper selects some major trends and structural changes that characterize the current long-wave context of economic transition, and proposes a new paradigm aimed to better integrate cultural heritage in our society today.
