Emerald | Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development | Table of Contents

Conserving the Heritage in Chongqing by Market Forces–the Feasibility of adopting TDR in China

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Ling Hin Li, Lang Gan) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - In this paper, we intend to examine the feasibility of adopting a market-based land use model, Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) which is very popular in America and other countries as a positive land use control mechanism for conservation, in a socialist land economy, namely China.Design/methodology/approach - This paper utilizes a single case study, supplemented by a cost-benefit model, to estimate the feasibility of establishing a TDR model in Chongqing, China. Findings - From our analysis, we find that a market-based land use mechanism can serve to maximize the benefits of all parties and can balance the interests between development pressures and conservation needs. However, this is based a core premise that a well-developed legal framework can be set up to clearly delineate property rights, a good and enforceable planning system, and a mature land market mechanism that allows market prices to be realized in the trading of development rightsResearch limitations/implications - This case study is based on a hypothetical situation of one case. More data is needed to support the argument.Practical implications - Conservation is a major concern for the local governments in China, given the recent high speed economic growth. A model that can balance development pressure while allowing the market to compensate fully for the infringement of property rights in the process of urban regeneration is worth the authority’s attention in future policy formulation. Originality/value - This paper fulfills an identified need to study the establishment of a market-based land use model in the conservation policy in China.

Cultural heritage in building and enhancing social capital

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Monika Murzyn-Kupisz, Jaroslaw Dzialek) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Culture and cultural heritage are usually included in general discussions on the construction of social capital and its impact on socio-economic development. Despite that it seems that there has not been enough in-depth reflection on the typology and diversity of possible links between heritage and social capital.Design/methodology/approach - The aim of the article is to explain in what ways cultural heritage may constitute a tool, medium or space for enhancing and developing this type of capital. Though the text is mainly theoretical, conceptual statements are illustrated with selected cases from Great Britain and Poland, countries that differ significantly with respect to the level of social trust and involvement of residents in non-governmental organisations yet both reflect well the broad array of impacts of heritage on social capital.Findings - The article indicates a myriad of possible impacts of cultural heritage on social capital.Practical implications - It seems necessary to include this aspect of heritage impact in policy making not only in the field of culture and monument protection but also in other spheres, taking into account both positive and negative potential of cultural heritage with respect to social capital.Originality/value - A new, coherent typology of impacts and links between heritage and social capital is proposed. It may be useful to public authorities and organizations at different levels but also helpful for practitioners in the heritage management field with respect to the social implications of heritage projects and activities conducted by them.

Adapting the Scottish Tenement to 21st century standards: An evaluation of the performance enhancement of a 19th century ‘Category B’ listed tenement block in Edinburgh

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Tim Sharpe, Donald Shearer) — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - The stone tenement is perhaps the most iconic type of housing in Scotland and to a large extent defines the built environment of its major cities and towns. However in the context of the climate change agenda which demands reduced energy consumption and CO2 production, such buildings are recognised to be a particular challenge in terms of both their poor energy performance, but also the limitations on improvement measures that do not have a detrimental affect on their form and appearance. As a result interventions that improve performance tend to less mainstream and it is therefore import to assess the effectiveness of these, and this was the purpose of the research.Design/methodology/approach - This paper describes the findings of a post occupancy evaluation that examined the user satisfaction and energy performance of a recently completed (2008) adaptive rehabilitation project of a listed 19th Century sandstone tenement block in Edinburgh city centre. the project undertook a short intensive monitoring programme to gather both qualitative and quantitative data on occupancy and internal environmental conditions.Findings - The project incorporates low carbon technologies and high thermal performance into an existing and historic structure, including internal insulation, a ground source heat pump with underfloor heating, sunspaces and MVHR, which are intended to reduce energy consumption whilst maintaining the built form and appearance. Although generally successful the research identified problems occurring with systems and users interaction with these, leading to incidences of poor environmental quality and increased energy use.Research limitations/implications - The research identified issues with higher than designed energy use and poor environmental conditions. More detailed research is required into the design for energy and environmental performance of these buildings, and the effects of poor IAQ on occupants, and how these problems can be avoided in the future.Practical implications - The paper concludes by discussing improvements which could be made to this structure and future design considerations that could improve performance.Originality/value - This research provides original data on environmental performance arising from new forms of energy improvements being implemented to meet building standards and carbon reduction targets in a common building typology.

High Performance Preservation: Research and Funding

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - Purpose – To highlight the complexities of grant writing to fund sustainable upgrades to historic properties. Highlighted are the complexities of melding grant solicitations, identifying potential partners, defining project scope, securing matching funds, identifying institutional barriers, and the importance of collecting actual building performance dataDesign/methodology/approach - Design/methodology/approach – A case study was used to document the development of a new framework to use when considering historical preservation, energy efficiency and research oportunities when making upgrades to National Historic Landmarks.Findings - Findings – The framework identified three elements to consider: balancing historic preservation and efficiency, expanding the literature and research oportunities, and seeking hydrid funding sources for projects. The importance of funding to conduct field research is discussed relating to the development of measurable outcomes.Research limitations/implications - Research Implications – The ability to conduct long term field based research is dependent on funding. Policy and funding decisions in the future would be enhanced by applied research with measurable outcomes.Practical implications - Practical Implications – Grant sponsors need to broaden the scope of historical preservation grants to include energy improvement research. Capacity building in the area of field based measurement will ensure that grant funds meet stated expectations while increasing historic building performance.Originality/value - Originality/value – This paper provides information to preservationists, builders, homeowners, grant sponsors, and policy makers to improve the outcomes of monies spent on historical preservation. Each area is addressed in a proposed framework.

Preference information and experimental heritage conservation auctions

Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This paper intended to investigate the cost effectiveness of the existing conservation grant disbursement mechanism in George Town, Penang. It reported the effect of disclosure of conservation preferences by the conservation agency on the conservation cost.Design/methodology/approach - It reported a test bed laboratory experiment in which house owners competed in a sealed bid auction to obtain conservation subsidies/grants. In one treatment, owners knew the preference of or priority given by the regulator to certain types of conservation efforts, whereas in the second treatment, the regulator concealed this priority. Findings - The results showed that owners tailored their applications to the given priority rather than to the true conservation costs in the preference known treatment group. Although the selected conservation works did not differ significantly between the two treatments, owners misrepresented their true conservation costs. Research limitations/implications - Given the lack of consensus of the tool to measure ex post conservation value, the study relies on conservation efforts/works to disburse subsidy/grant. Allocative efficiency cab be enhanced if this information is available. In short term, holding the priority information may be useful given the budgetary constraint. In the long run, if the intention is to encourage public awareness of the importance of heritage conservation, revealing this information can help to match the house owners' conservation effort to those of Government.Practical implications - In the policy design, the trade off between revealing and not revealing the information should be recognized. In the current practice, based on the interview with one of the evaluation committee members, revealing the information encourages house owners to inflate their true cost when applying for grant. The study highlights the shortcoming and offers an alternative method to overcome this acverse selection problem.Originality/value - Drawing from the problems of asymmetry information between house owners and conservation agency, the study provided evidence in support of the idea that disbursement of conservation fund was based on the conservation efforts/inputs. In terms of costs, not disclosing the preferences information could encourage competition and reduced conservation costs.

EDITORIAL: Road Map for Application of the HUL Approach in China

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Ron Van Oers, Ana Pereira Roders) — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

Abstract

Purpose - This article is an editorial to JCHMSD’s Volume 3, Issue 1 and its selection of papers.Design/methodology/approach - The article builds upon a previous editorial on the implementation of the new UNESCO Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL). It discusses a research and training programme under development by the World Heritage Institute of Training and Research in Asia and the Pacific (WHITRAP) and Tongji University’s Advanced Research Institute for Architecture and Urban Planning, in Shanghai, China, to help determining a strategy for the application of the HUL approach in China.Findings - The HUL approach facilitates a structuring and priority setting of competing needs and demands for the integration of urban development and heritage management processes, which is perhaps most pressing in the current Chinese context of rapid and large-scale urbanization. However, its precise meaning, and therefore its merit, is still poorly understood in China due to confusing conceptual foundations and interpretations, primarily related to the terminology of ‘cultural landscape’.Originality/value - This research paper outlines a series of pertinent issues and questions as part of a critical path –a ‘Road Map’– for the application of the HUL approach, as promoted by UNESCO, in China and it outlines key areas for further research, in particular as concerns the development of a toolkit.