ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the concept of ‘communal value’ in the context of built heritage, underscoring it as the connective tissue between heritage conservation and community engagement. It discusses the evolving role of communities in shaping and maintaining community identity, including historically marginalised communities. The chapter critically examines the current interpretation and use of communal value in heritage practice, aiming to deepen the understanding of its potential future use within a critical heritage context. It highlights the need for improved guidance and methodologies for practitioners to navigate communal value and its sub-concepts effectively. The chapter emphasises the significant role communal value plays in accessing and representing intangible cultural heritage in built heritage assessments and addresses the importance of connecting architectural conservation with community involvement. It concludes by stressing the need for more comprehensive guidance relating to communal value which would addresses present-day concerns and provide practical approaches for practitioners to incorporate communal value into heritage conservation projects.
