Historic Cities and Urban Settlements Initiative

Over the last decade the Institute has explored ways to better address the most pervasive and urgent challenges faced in the conservation of historic cities and urban settlements through ongoing work in site management and field projects in China, Egypt, Southeast Asia, Jordan, and Tunisia.

There is little question that exponential evolution and growth and uncontrolled change puts the integrity and authenticity of historic cities and urban settlements—and values that are embedded in them—at risk. At a time of rapid urbanization and globalization, the conservation of the historic urban environment is one of the most urgent and difficult challenges facing the field of heritage conservation. The task extends beyond the conservation of the physical fabric of the city and its setting, demanding a more holistic understanding of the historic urban landscape and all the values that contribute to its cultural significance.

The Conservation Institute has long recognized the importance of the conservation of historic cities. Between 1991 and 1997, the Institute was involved in a project in the historic center of Quito. The Quito project included a photogrammetric study of historic buildings on the principal thoroughfare, Calle García Moreno; investigation of the color history of building facades; and an international colloquium on the seismic retrofitting of historic buildings.

• Undertake research to identify and assess issues and needs for the conservation and management of historic cities, as a basis for developing solutions to critical problems as well as to identify potential beneficiaries and partners
• Identify gaps in knowledge and information and to outline potential actions that can improve practices and support professionals and decision-makers in addressing the development threats and conservation challenges that confront the historic urban environment
• Create and disseminate key texts that assist professionals in their work
• Deliver training in the conservation of urban heritage to professional practitioners in underserved regions of the world

Former team members: Michael Aronowitz, Jeff Cody, Maria Cummings, Françoise Descamps, Sara Galerne, Caroline Cheong, Getty Graduate Intern (2008–2009)