Heritage Conservation- an introduction

I. What is “heritage”?

- A property that descends to an heir

- Tangible or intangible

- Categorized into 4 different levels

                - Personal/family

                - Local (to all Hong Kong people)

                - National

                - World

 

II. Significances of a heritage

Historic Significance

- Associated with famous people, important events, places and themes

- Reflected the ordinary way of life of people in the past

Aesthetic Significance

- Unique craftsmanship, style, technical excellence, beauty, demonstration of skill, quality of design

Social significance

- People have strong affection for it

- Contributes to the community’s identity and social cohesion

 

III. Types of tangible heritage in Hong Kong

1. Declared monuments

- Its presence is protected by law

- If demolished, would have serious consequences

 

 

2. Proposed monuments

- Grade 1

                - Every effort should be made to preserve if possible

- Grade 2

                - Efforts should be made to selectively preserve

- Grade 3

                - Alternative means could be considered if preservation is not possible

*Basis for judgment

- Historic significance

- Aesthetic significance

- Social significance

- Local interest

- Authenticity

- Rarity/ Uniqueness