We have mentioned before that architecture and public space design are essential parts of a city’s identity, as it can say a lot about what a city has been through, where it is now, and where it is heading. Architecture also has a deep impact on the life of those who inhabit a certain place, and the buildings and cityscapes we see around us can also influence our mood. However, architectural heritage tends to be forgotten or at least left aside by authorities, regardless of how important it is for every city around the world. As a result, both private and public architecture and public design companies need to change their perception and make sure architectural heritage remains their top priority.
To begin with, we must remember that the architectural body is great stimulation for our brain. According to experts from the recently created field of neuroaesthetics, an area from neuroscience, whenever we are exposed to beauty in art and design, our brains react in a way that makes us feel happier. Actually, scientists can track brain activity that strongly supports this theory.
As we have mentioned before, the buildings we can find in a city, especially old or historical buildings, work as a link to our past. When we care about preserving our architectural heritage, we are saving the stories of those who lived in those buildings, and we honor the memory of what they represent. Without a link to the past, we will eventually forget about those who came before us.
It is important to remember that historical buildings not only represent the history of a city but that they play a significant role in a city’s cultural and economic well-being. There are many old buildings that have been preserved and repurposed, working as start-up incubators, galleries, libraries, and cultural spaces for citizens to enjoy. This fosters cultural and economic activity by attracting innovation and education at the same time.
Preserving historical buildings comes with another great benefit, as they help boost property values of any surrounding real estate. Even when some might see this as an example of gentrification, we should keep in mind that, when properly planned, and when the interests of the inhabitants of a neighborhood are a priority, this kind of architectural development benefits everybody involved.
Lastly, something that tends to be ignored regarding architectural heritage preservation is that this is pretty labor-intensive. This means that, by pursuing preservation projects, cities and local authorities foster the creation of more jobs. These jobs, by the way, will be taken by members of the local community, which means that everybody benefits from this kind of projects, and not only building owners, as it is commonly believed.
