Continuity and Change in Cities
Why this topic?
The challenge of balancing the conservation interest up against the need for renewal and development is an important and central issue for most cities of today. The focus on continuity in the physical environment is increasing - so is the need for developing modern attractions through new architecture and cultural events. Many conferences have been held and projects have been carried out on this theme, books and articles have been written. Nevertheless, this is a topic, which needs continuously rethinking. It is also a topic that will benefit from exchange of new experiences analysed in an interdisciplinary context.
Aim / purpose of the working party
- To create a network of professionals and institutions in order to exchange knowledge, to learn from each other on jointly chosen topics within the field of urban development and preserving continuity.
- To visit and investigate cities in which urban development and preservation have been successfully combined, or places where these challenges are obvious and may serve as learning lessons.
- To identify, describe and present examples of typical challenges and possible solutions, which can be used as illustrations for developers, politicians and decision makers.
- To discuss and develop concepts for comparing strategies and solutions with learning as an overall purpose.
- To offer an arena where you may find possible partners for more extensive cooperation in projects.
Target group
- Researchers with relevant projects
- Practitioners with personal experience in the field
- Civil servants (managers, planners) within urban development and the cultural heritage field.
Brief overview of past activities / publications
The intention is to organise a series of five expert meetings in five cities of interest to the aims of the Working Party, one meeting of 2-3 days each year. The meetings will be based on written papers, and a call for papers will be announced in advance. In each meeting we expect to have 15-20 international participants and a significant number of local experts . Of each meeting a printed report will be produced. Material will also be accessible on the IFHP web page. At the end of the 5 years’ period a summary report will be produced and published in a similar way.
Kick-off meeting: 14-16 May 2006, Oslo (Norway)
Theme: “Continuity and Change in Cities – Balancing Preservation, Development and Renewal”
2nd Meeting: 23-25 May 2007, Alkmaar (Netherlands)
Theme: “Continuity and Change in Cities – A Game with many Players”
Planned and future activities
To be determined.
Language
English
Composition of group and how to contact
The Working Party consists of a chairperson and members. The IFHP Secretariat in The Hague will support the work of the Working Party.
To operate the WP, we are searching for people willing to be part of a smaller core group that are prepared to contribute professionally, to use some time to develop the group, to host a meeting in their country and contribute to the reports.
A Norwegian working group will assist the continuity of the Working Party. The practical organisation of the meetings will be managed by each hosting city in collaboration with the IFHP secretariat according to IFHP routines.
Chair of the Working Party:
- Mr. Gisle Erlien
Directorate for Cultural Heritage, Norway
Please contact the Secretariat for more details.
Last Updated @ Tuesday, 04 March 2008