ABSTRACT
This introductory chapter text explores the evolving understanding of ‘heritage’ in academic, policy, and practical contexts, with a particular focus on shifting interpretations of built heritage in Western societies. It highlights the emergence of an intangible conception of heritage since the early 2000s, which challenges the dominance of material authenticity and objective value in Western European building conservation practices. It introduces the concept of intangible cultural heritage (ICH), emphasising its dynamic and social aspects and raises questions about integrating intangible cultural heritage into the conservation processes for built heritage assets. It covers the applicability of Practice Theory as an ontology for understanding the relationship between tangible and intangible heritage, highlighting its relevance to a critical heritage approach. The book is divided into three parts exploring historical perspectives, intangible outlooks, and socio-material approaches to heritage conservation, with the concluding chapter offering a consolidated discussion with regards to accommodating intangible heritage in the assessment and alteration of heritage buildings.
