The ‘Heritage Preservation 2.0’ framework, developed in the ongoing PhD project Revalue (Stijn Cools), is currently being applied in a comprehensive masterplan study for the City of Ghent, in collaboration with its Department of Heritage and Stadsbouwmeester.
This innovative approach expands the understanding of historical heritage beyond traditional confines, incorporating both tangible and intangible aspects with high cultural, historical, artistic, and social value. The framework integrates historical heritage into current societal transitions such as energy and climate adaptation, digital transition, and urbanization. It particularly emphasizes the value of imagination (‘verbeeldingswaarde’) to foster creative interpretations of heritage, linking it to future visions and societal programs. This approach aims to utilize heritage buildings in ways that align with the city’s specific transitions and sustainability goals, granting them contemporary and socially sustainable significance. This includes incorporating standard values like historical, locus, and functional values.

The project involves collaboration with aNNo architecten (Stijn Cools), Maat Ontwerpers, and Orientes. The outcome of the masterplan will provide for further teaching and research opportunities for students of the department of architecture during 2024-2025 with prof. Thomas Coomans (course: heritage design).
°2024 ongoing