ABSTRACT
Chapter 9 explores the evolving definition of heritage as a social practice and delves into the concept of participation and its historical development within the built environment, examining why participatory and community-focused methodologies have been underutilised in architecture and built heritage conservation. The chapter emphasises the need to understand the role of participation in built heritage conservation and the preservation of intangible heritage, and discusses the barriers and consequences associated with this, including the lack of focus on social justice within the field. It acknowledges the growing awareness of the merits of participation and highlights the increasing pressure on built heritage professionals to incorporate participatory practices into their work. The chapter suggests that architects and conservationists can act as facilitators and negotiators, bridging the gap between people, buildings, social groups, and stakeholders. By prioritising the understanding of intangible heritage and local identities, practitioners can move away from a conservation solely for conservation’s sake model and foster meaningful participation in conservation processes. The chapter sets the stage for further exploration of participatory methodologies and their potential to transform the field of built heritage conservation, facilitating a more balanced and inclusive approach.
