ABSTRACT
This chapter explores through Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) the underlying ideologies of the UNESCO Recommendation for the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL). I argue that the recommendation is predominated by an emphasis on heritage aspects that are ‘materially’ and ‘visually’ oriented. ‘Materially oriented’ aspects refer to heritage aspects related to the ‘heritage fabric’, its integrity, authenticity and aesthetics. ‘Visually oriented’ aspects relate to spatial organization of heritage, its surroundings and setting. Through the case of the Acropolis Museum at the historic centre of Athens, I exemplify the social consequences of the dominance of ‘materially’ and ‘visually’ oriented approaches to heritage for communities. By critically and discursively examining the Historic Urban Landscape concept as described in the 2011 UNESCO Recommendation, this chapter reveals that the approach remains object-centric and advocates for the adoption of the idea of ‘critical heritage landscapes’ with communities at the core of the approach.
