The Importance of Traditional Housing as a Cultural Architectural Heritage, Forming the Landscape and Identity of the City

Daria Małgorzata Bręczewska-Kulesza () and Małgorzata Kaus
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Daria Małgorzata Bręczewska-Kulesza: Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland
Małgorzata Kaus: Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Architecture, Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-28

Abstract: Architectural and cultural heritage play a key role in the sustainability of cities and their historic centres. A significant part of this heritage consists of residential buildings and rows of townhouses that were constructed in accordance with local traditions. These buildings line the streets and squares of cities and historic centres. This study explores the significance of this unique, traditional, uniform development in term of its historical and social-cultural value and its role in identifying the city. Using examples of cities where residential buildings with specific characteristics have been preserved, the study analyses their value in terms of cultural heritage and sustainable development, as well as various revitalisation models that consider local traditions and needs. The impact of multi-tracking and interdisciplinarity on revitalisation outcomes is also considered, with the action models in the selected centres analysed in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. In addition to tangible cultural heritage, the study also considers intangible heritage and its interrelationships. The research revealed the high value of historic residential architecture, which, together with the urban layout, forms an important part of our architectural cultural heritage. It also drew attention to the fact that this aspect of architectural heritage is often neglected. The studies also demonstrated the important role of local authorities, conservation organisations and urban communities, as well as the necessity of well-planned, multi-track, interdisciplinary revitalisation measures. The research enabled the formulation of some general principles to be taken into account in the revitalisation process. However, it was found that each city or town has different building traditions and a different degree of historic architectural preservation, as well as different opportunities. Therefore, it is not possible to create a universal, ready-made programme for historic preservation. Nevertheless, it is important to promote good models, particularly in residential architecture, which is often undervalued and neglected despite its great potential.

Keywords: architectural heritage; cultural heritage; sustainable development; townscape; urban identity; historic housing; townhouse; urban revitalization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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