Towards the De-secularisation of Heritage

Modern conservation practices, particularly those outlined in the Venice Charter, have inadvertently led to the 'secularisation' of built heritage, prioritizing material preservation over human connection. This shift, rooted in Western secular values, has distanced heritage from people and society. However, recent changes—particularly over the past two decades—signify a paradigm shift toward de-secularisation, focusing on the well-being of both heritage and society. The paper argues that this shift is essential for heritage to remain meaningful and culturally motivating. It explores resistance to change, the dominance of secular conservation philosophy, and provides sources that could sustain this necessary evolution.

Wijesuriya, G. (2017). Towards the De-secularisation of Heritage. Built Heritage, 1(2), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1186/bf03545659