Post-war Planning for Urban Cultural Heritage Recovery

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to present guidelines and recommendations that can contribute to the post-war recovery of urban cultural heritage by a proposed methodology, based on other experiences in the reconstruction and preservation field of historical areas after wars, with the possibility of applying them, as an attempt to regain the features of the old part of the city. We also suggest those suggestions and guidance on three different levels. These guidelines are applicable at three levels: the historic core of the city, neighbourhood level, and individual quarters level. Each level had a specific theme for reconstruction planning that can maintain the city’s particular character during the current circumstances. Many cities have been heavily damaged as a result of the armed conflict in Syria, destroying most of the city’s neighbourhoods, including the historic district. Hence, we present a study of the consequences of this destruction on the historic fabric of the city, and search for the best solutions to give it the needed protection. Finally, the results and recommendations of this research will lead to developing answers to deal with historic centres and historic buildings that have been damaged by the armed conflict and were neglected before the war. The goal of this research is to identify fundamental principles that can lead to a successful reconstruction process while also preserving the city’s cultural identity.