The UNESCO World Heritage City Edinburgh
I just had the chance to visit Edinburgh.
Purpose of the trip was to visit a conferenc of the OWHC (Organisation of World Heritage Cities): Inspiring Cities: Organisation of World Heritage Cities North West Region Conference
The conference was very interesting, because modern architecture in World Heritage Cities always seem to provoke a lot of discussion.
Edinburgh was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.
The World Heritage Centre justifies the inscription:
Edinburgh has been the Scottish capital since the 15th century. It has two distinct areas: the Old Town, dominated by a medieval fortress; and the neoclassical New Town, whose development from the 18th century onwards had a far-reaching influence on European urban planning. The harmonious juxtaposition of these two contrasting historic areas, each with many important buildings, is what gives the city its unique character.
reference:http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/728
The ICOMOS advisory body evaluation report states:
(...)The particular nature of Edinburgh’s duality is unusual: on the one hand, on a high ridge is the ancient
Old Town, while in contrast, and Set apart on a fresh site, is the 18th century New TOWI. The former iS on a
SPeCtaCular site, the skyline PUnChedth rough by the castle, the soaring neo-Gothic spire of Highland Tolbooth St
John’s and the robust, nationally symbolic, Imperial crown spire of St Giles, a feast of ancient architecture looking
down on the New Town, which in contrast is a calm sea of ordered classicism, the whole framed and articulated
by neo-classical buildings of world-class distinction.(...)reference:http://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/728.pdf
What i really liked in Edinburgh is the cautious use of modern architecture to develop the city.
More information on Edinburgh can be found here:
Edinburgh World Heritage Trust
City of Edinburgh
View on Edinburgh New Town photo: Matthias Ripp June 06
Edinburgh castle photo: Matthias Ripp June 06
New Town in Edinburgh photo: Matthias Ripp June 06
Inside Old Town of Edinburgh photo: Matthias Ripp June 06
View on Edinburgh New Town at night photo: Matthias Ripp June 06
1 SaffronSaris wrote on 14.06.2006:
The UNESCO World Heritage list appears to be getting crowded, what with more countries becoming increasingly nationalistic and wanting to list, in addition to architectural structures, their cultural heritage. Of course it is heartening that more countries are recognizing the importance of their heritage, but I feel that some sites perhaps does not warrant the tag of "world heritage" yet. They would be more of "local heritage" as the rest of the world may not feel as much emotions to these unfamiliar structures and customs.
A city that has only modern architecture standing on its land is a city cut off from its physical memories and this threatens to alienate the citizens.
Nevertheless, I applaud Edinburg's caution in overdeveloping the city with modern architecture.
2 Matthias Ripp from Bamberg, Germany wrote on 14.06.2006:
>does not warrant the tag of "world heritage" yet<
Well i think the most crucial issue talking of World Heritage is the term outstanding universal value. Every WHS must have these values. But how to define them in an objective manner? There is a big discussion going on at the moment on that issue. But one part of the World Heritage Idea is to share the heritage. And as rising tourism numbers are showing: Many people are very interested in learning about >these unfamiliar structures and customs<.
Talking of modern architecture: There are several examples of modern architecture on the list, like Le Havre in France. How do you differ beetween architectural structures and cultural heritage?
3 Bolin from Uk wrote on 25.06.2007:
With the rapid tourism development in World Heritage sites in recent years, the conflicts between tourism-oriented exploitation and heritage conservation become intensified. it is commonly accepted that the growing tourism demand has enabled better incomes, which generate enormous economic benefits. However, this growth may have damaged the heritage resources, fade cultural authenticity and other adverse effects.
What are your views on the impact of tourism development in World Heritage Sites? According to you, what need to be done for World Heritage Sites to have a sustainable future?
take part in my survey on World Heritage Sites
http://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=728015
4 hyangsun Park from Daejeon wrote on 16.05.2008:
Once i would like to go there, i will be visited yellaw land.
there are a lot of novel background home land. And botanical garden...
5 janet from Edinburgh, Uk wrote on 28.07.2008:
Come and stay in Edinburgh and see what this World Heritage Site looks like. You can stay in traditional properties right in the old town. See www.edinburgh-flats.com
6 Namirimu Enid Carol from Uganda ,Kampala wrote on 19.08.2008:
Hullo Sir/Madam,
I greet you in the Name of The Almighty LORD.
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Thank you and hope to hear from you soon for more information.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU?
Yours Faithfully,
Namirimu Enid Carol.
NAMIRIMU ENID CAROL