Heritage Urbanism – Urban and Spatial Models for Revival and Enhancement of Cultural Heritage (HERU)

Croatia’s urban heritage is at least 25 centuries old although life took place here even much earlier. Examples of cultural heritage (urban, architectural and landscape heritage) in Croatia are numerous, valuable and diverse. It is, for the most part, recognized and protected, partially explored but jeopardized because a considerable number of built heritage is not included in the lives of cities, settlements and people. The fundamental question is how to include this numerous decaying heritage in contemporary life, how to prevent its further decay, how to make it a resource which will be sustainable and how to creatively supplement it – without losing its heritage attribute.
This research project brings together 36 researchers and PhD students, conducting research on 17 topics of diverse types of cultural heritage. Heritage Urbanism - HERU method reflects on revitalization and enhancement of heritage in spatial, urban and landscape, contexts. The context influences on heritage and its revitalization, while new usage/adaptation of heritage is stimulating for development of its surrounding. The method implies establishing a balance between economic success and the preservation of heritage authenticity.
From HERU perspective, cultural heritage must be active – it has to actively contribute to the development of the local community and improve the quality of space and human life. Active heritage is the one which has permanent usage, and which is active subject in contemporary, social, economic and spatial development of local community. Heritage is adaptable, and we have to give it an opportunity for transformation and with it a chance to extend its life or give it a new life.