The “Intrinsic Value” of Cultural Heritage as Driver for Circular Human-Centered Adaptive Reuse

Abstract

By referring to the European Green Deal, this paper analyzes the “intrinsic value” of cultural heritage by investigating the human-centered adaptive reuse of this heritage. This implies questions such as how to improve the effectiveness of reuse, restoration, and valorization interventions on cultural heritage/landscapes and how to transform a cultural asset into a place, interpreted as a living ecosystem, to be managed as a living organism. The autopoietic characteristic of the eco-bio-systems, specifically focusing on the intrinsic versus instrumental values of cultural heritage ecosystem is discussed in detail. Specifically, the notion of complex social value is introduced to express the above integration. In ecology, the notion of intrinsic value (or “primary value”) relates to the recognition of a value that “pre-exists” any exploitation by human beings. The effectiveness of transforming a heritage asset into a living ecosystem is seen to follow from an integration of these two values. In this context, the paper provides an overview of the different applications of the business model concept in the circular economy, for a better investment decision-making and management in heritage adaptive reuse. Matera case is presented as an example of a cultural heritage ecosystem. To conclude, recommendations toward an integrated approach in managing the adaptive reuse of heritage ecosystem as a living organism are proposed.

Indicators for Ex-Post Evaluation of Cultural Heritage Adaptive Reuse Impacts in the Perspective of the Circular Economy

“…Finally, according to the results of the study conducted, interesting emerging fields of research intersecting circular economy and cultural heritage adaptive reuse are related to Intrinsic value, Local circular economies, Heritage community, Circular metabolism, Smart Specialisation Strategies, Wellbeing and Health impacts. For example, the concept of Intrinsic value of cultural heritage was proposed by Fusco Girard in 1987 [6] and further explored by Fusco Girard and Nijkamp in 1997 [8], but only recently the concept was developed by Fusco Girard and Vecco applying it to cultural heritage adaptive reuse [89,90], while operational tools and specific indicators for its assessment are still to be developed. On the same line, Gustafsson and Stanojev developed research on Smart Specialisation Strategies for cultural heritage adaptive reuse, pointing out the need of directing regional investments to achieve inter-sectorial synergic outcomes including cultural heritage adaptive reuse [91,92].…”

Intrinsic Value and Perceived Essentialism of Culture Heritage Sites as Tools for Planning Interventions

“…One of the important factors in evaluating cultural heritage sites is their intrinsic value [11,12], a concept gaining momentum in recent years but not easily operationalized or quantified. The analysis of existing literature on values of cultural heritage [1,5,[13][14][15] suggests that the measurement of intrinsic value is very much needed to inform the planning processes regarding adaptive reuse of cultural heritage. Intrinsic value reflects the importance of a place to a local community and therefore establishes a frame for human-centered transformation: "( .…”

“…The notion of intrinsic value, as described in works of Fusco Girard and his colleagues [1,11], allows us to go beyond classical approaches to cultural heritage values. It reflects the importance of place for community, particularly the collectively sustained sentiments attached to and created around it [18].…”

“…This regenerative potential can be compared to the auto-poietic capacity of natural resources [1]. Although intrinsic value comes from environmental studies, where species are considered to have "in and for itself" value, the understanding of the intrinsic value in the domain of cultural heritage differs.…”

“…Urban cultural heritage is an expression of the well-established communal ways of life, organized around certain values, customs and places [1], creating a link between the past and the present. Over time, places acquire certain character and functions that often become part of the local identity, stimulate place attachment and are meaningful to local residents [2].…”