ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts covered in the preceding chapters of this book. The book addresses how to make the professional care of old places more responsive to human needs, has covered a broad range of topics focusing on gathering and using evidence to implement a human-centered built heritage conservation practice. It argues that empirical evidence, which is based on observation and experience, is needed to balance the overemphasis of rationalistic theory that is so prevalent in built heritage conservation practice as expressed through doctrine, rules, and regulations. The book discusses the nature of empirical evidence and transcendence, giving practitioners space to think, the need for environmental psychology, practice frameworks, the "shadow" that prevents change to practice, isolation, and the lack of other voices. It explores ways in which social science-based evidence can be used to influence heritage conservation practice.
