Exploring visual integrity in World Cultural Heritage Site inscriptions

The concept of 'visual integrity' in UNESCO World Heritage Site inscriptions perpetuates a homogenizing lens, despite its absence from official guidelines. This study reveals that the application of integrity in site evaluations is historically tied to normative aesthetics, which prioritize uniformity and unity. Analyzing two sites—Mbanza Kongo (Angola) and Writing-on-Stone (Canada)—the research demonstrates how this approach visualizes heritage through a narrow, standardized perspective, often at odds with its cultural diversity. The findings highlight the need for a more inclusive interpretation of integrity to better reflect the dynamic nature of World Heritage Sites.

Stackmann, S. (2026). Exploring visual integrity in World Cultural Heritage Site inscriptions. International Journal of Cultural Property, 33. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0940739126100411