Shaping building culture: value-based and participatory

Project description

The project challenges the traditional distinction between inventoried and non-inventoried buildings. The preservation of cultural heritage should not be the exception, but an essential part of renewal, conversion and refurbishment. To this end, existing assessment systems for buildings are being analysed, and new ones are being developed. So-called “cultural probes” are used to enhance participatory processes. This product development method involves people in a structured process. Instead of the spoken word, photos, drawings and objects provide an insight into the lives, values and thoughts of the participants. This approach uncovers emotional connections and creative potential. The aim is to apply this technique to building culture processes.

Background

The research project contributes to the improvement of the built environment by focusing on people and their perception. It provides them with tools to connect with places and enables them to actively participate in their transformation. It thereby has a real practical impact. This can benefit a wide range of stakeholders, such as architects, local authorities and spatial and urban developers.

Project implementation

The project team will integrate its research into practice, standardisation and teaching:

• Together with the Office for Cultural Assets of the Canton of Fribourg, the researchers are testing this method in potential analyses for existing buildings.
• Together with the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA), the universities are developing tools and processes that will be incorporated into the revision of the SIA 2017 Technical Specification “Value Maintenance of Buildings”.
• At Bern University of Applied Sciences, the findings and methods are integrated into the BA “Architecture” curriculum.