The Formation and Preservation of Urban Heritage Through Urban Landscape Transformation: A Case Study of Pittsburgh

Éva Lovra () and Elif Sarihan
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Éva Lovra: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Debrecen, Ótemető Str. 2–4, 4028 Debrecen, Hungary
Elif Sarihan: Geoscience Doctoral School, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Sqr. 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary

Land, 2024, vol. 13, issue 11, 1-28

Abstract: This study examines the potential of urban landscape transformation to generate and develop new heritage and the role of heritage urbanism in an industrial city. It explores whether the changeover of urban heritage districts in Pittsburgh (PA, USA) can give rise to a novel type of urban heritage. Pittsburgh experienced urban development primarily driven by the presence and accessibility of natural resources, rather than favorable geographical conditions: topography characterized by rugged hills, rock formations, rivers, and stream valleys. The integration of the American-style grid within this unique natural environment resulted in intriguing juxtapositions. Consequently, elements such as bridges, viaducts, stairs, tunnels, and historical inclines gained paramount importance in shaping the urban fabric. The city’s remaining preserved or transformed urban heritage is protected through historic districts designated by the Department of City Planning, which enforces specific planning and design guidelines. The study employs a multi-faceted approach combining the concepts of historic stratification (urban palimpsest), integrated urban morphology, space syntax (integration analysis), and heritage urbanism. During the personally conducted long-term fieldwork, the selected case studies described herein (historic districts, university campus, and traditional neighborhood) proved to be the most suitable for demonstrating urban heritage formation through urban landscape transformation.

Keywords: urban heritage; Pittsburgh; integrated urban morphology method; urban palimpsest; space syntax; heritage urbanism approach; historic districts (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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