“Sustainable Development Based on Valorizing the Historic Urban Fabric,” Paper by Dr. Mona Serageldin, 9th World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, 2007

Abstract

This report was authored and presented by Dr. Mona Serageldin to the 9th World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia in June 2007.

The report posits that cities must preserve their identities in the midst of change in order to integrate their cultural heritage and their economic development strategy, and outlines 10 steps towards accomplishing this objective.

Excerpt

[Excerpt: Mona Serageldin, “Sustainable Development,” 1 – Background, page 1]

“From ancient oracles to medieval pilgrimages to modern tourist attractions, cities flourished capitalizing on their cultural and natural heritage long before national governments understood its potential as a driver of national economic development. Development is a multifaceted concept integrating economic, social, institutional and cultural dimensions. It deals with the present and strives to shape the future. It entails change spurred by visions and a sense of purpose but it also embodies varying degrees of continuity that define identity and shared values.”
……

“Today culture is recognized as an important dimension of development, but viewpoints differ widely regarding the role that the legacy of the past should play in shaping the future and the role economic considerations should play in determining the use of the heritage. Two key economic trends pose serious challenges to heritage preservation:

1. The economic restructuring brought about by globalization and the massive population movements it has generated are increasing the ethnic and cultural diversity of cities and contributing to generating urban dynamics of growing complexity;

2. The rapid pace of technological innovation is generating a constant onslaught of new messages and images displaying symbols and lifestyles associated with status and achievement that tend to devalorize the old. Simultaneously, the propagation of unfiltered information is fostering the perpetuation or revival of distinctive cultural values, beliefs and customs. Ethnically diverse subgroups among a population can cluster and operate in separate patterns of activity within the same urban space.

“Astute political and civic leaders view these trends with apprehension and try to overcome fragmentation by promoting interactions that enhance shared values across cultures and counter narrow views that create exclusion.”

Project Year:	2007
Project Type:	Research Paper
Geographic Regions:	Kazan, Russia (Conference Location)
Reports:	Sustainable Development Based on Valorizing the Historic Urban Fabric: (Mona Serageldin, June 2007)
Authors:	^{Mona Serageldin}
Sponsors:	^{The Getty Conservation Institute}
Categories:	Historic Districts

ID:	2007_06_001

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Design Studio 1981: “Housing Design in Islamic Cultures” in Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, Seminar Curriculum

“Economy of Historic Preservation” in Erbil, Kurdistan, Report for Strengthening Urban & Regional Planning (SURP), UN-HABITAT, 2014

“Comprehensive Plan for Makkah, Madinah and Mashaer,” Urban Development Strategy for Ancient Holy Sites in Saudi Arabia, 2009

“Sustainable Development Based on Valorizing the Historic Urban Fabric,” Paper by Dr. Mona Serageldin, 9th World Congress of the Organization of World Heritage Cities in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia, 2007

“Integrated Area Management Action Plan,” Urban Management Plan for the Ancient Walled City Icheri Sheher, Baku, Azerbaijan, 2006

“Revitalization of Kars Historic Center” & “Strategies for Sustainable Development,” Technical Assistance and Capacity-Building for Kars, Turkey, 2004-2008

“Cooperation and Capacity Building for Promoting Cultural, Natural and Built Heritage in Transylvania,” Technical Assistance Report for Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara and Târgu Mureș, Romania, 2004

“Continuity and Change” by Dr. Mona Serageldin, Topic Paper for 48th World Congress, International Federation for Housing and Planning (IFHP), 2004

“Historic Center of Mexico City” Diagnostic Summary, Technical Assistance for Mexico City, Mexico, 2003

“Master Plan for the Revitalization of the Older Urban Fabric,” Preservation in the Old City of Al Qusair, Egypt, 2000

“St. Petersburg Center City Rehabilitation Project,” Urban Planning Network for St. Petersburg, Russia, 2000

“Preserving the Historic Urban Fabric in a Context of Fast Paced Change,” Research Essay by Dr. Mona Serageldin, 1998

“Lublin Local Initiatives Program” & “Lublin Old Town Rehabilitation Project,” Technical Assistance for Urban Upgrading in Lublin, Poland, 1994-2000

“Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Revitalization and Rehabilitation of the Historic District,” Technical Assistance for the City of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 1994

“Upgrading and Conservation of the Walled City of Lahore,” Regional Report on the Preservation of Historic Lahore, Pakistan, 1988

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April 2006December 2023

“Integrated Area Management Action Plan,” Urban Management Plan for the Ancient Walled City Icheri Sheher, Baku, Azerbaijan, 2006

Abstract

Between 2006 and 2007, I2UD developed a comprehensive urban management plan to safeguard the Walled City of Icheri Sheher in Baku, Azerbaijan, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Icheri Sheher, the Walled City, is the oldest inhabited part of Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

The project was accomplished in association with Alstrup & Avnby Architects of Denmark, and supported by The World Bank. The action plan positioned Icheri Sheher in light of the new State Department of the Historic and Architectural Reserve Icheri Sheher (SDHARIS), created on 10 February 2005 by Presidential Order No 629. The safeguard and development strategy provided:

▪ An institutional and operational framework for the new Administration, SDHARIS

▪ Design guidelines and development regulations to preserve the World Heritage site while allowing private sector viability in the Historic Centre of Baku;

▪ Strategic interventions to remedy current weaknesses and develop tourism potential;

▪ Creation of a citizen participation component to involve stakeholders in the decision making process.

Documents include an executive summary report, Volumes 1-4 of project documentation, and a presentation on Baku’s urban fabric. For more information, see UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention: “Walled City of Baku with the Shirvanshah’s Palace and Maiden Tower.”

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Project Year:	2006
Project Type:	Comprehensive Plan
Geographic Regions:	Icherisheher, Baku, Azerbaijan
Reports:	Integrated Area Management Action Plan of Icheri Sheher: (Executive Summary) Integrated Area Management Action Plan of Icheri Sheher, Volume 1 (Recommendations, March 2007) Integrated Area Management Action Plan of Icheri Sheher, Volume 2 (SWOT Report, October 2006) Integrated Area Management Action Plan of Icheri Sheher, Volume 3 (Background Material, March 2007) Integrated Area Management Action Plan of Icheri Sheher: Volume 4 (Technical Guidelines, March 2007) Integrated Area Management Action Plan of Icheri Sheher: Baku (Presentation)
Authors:	^{François Vigier; Mona Serageldin; Samir Abdulac; Freddy Avnby; Tue Avnby; John Driscoll; Cahid Gadirli; Kamil Ibrahimov; Andrey Ivanov; Paulius Kulikauskas; Christa Lee-Chuvala; Ilham Polukhov; Rimas Steponaitis; Agshin Yunussov}
Sponsors:	^{World Bank}
Categories:	Historic Districts

ID:	2006_04_001

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September 2004December 2023

“Cooperation and Capacity Building for Promoting Cultural, Natural and Built Heritage in Transylvania,” Technical Assistance Report for Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara and Târgu Mureș, Romania, 2004

Abstract

CUDS prepared the report “Cooperation and Capacity Building for Promoting Cultural, Natural and Built Heritage in Transylvania” in 2004 – as a background paper for the capacity-building of local officials in Romania.

The study addressed current development challenges in Romanian regions referred to as Saxon Villages of Transylvania: Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara, and Târgu Mureș. The project addressed efforts to protect cultural and natural heritage, outlining issues, and provided recommendations for future programs. The CUDS team sought to locate areas of cooperation among communes and the Saxon Villages of Transylvania. The CUDS team reviewed opportunities for capacity-building activities that could support a long-term heritage management approach for the city of Sighisoara.

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Project Year:	2004
Project Type:	Technical Assistance
Geographic Regions:	^{Brașov, Sibiu, Sighișoara, and Târgu Mureș, Romania}
Reports:	Cooperation and Capacity Building, Transylvania: (Report, September 2004)
Authors:	^{John Driscoll; Liviu Ianasi; Andrei Luncan;}
Sponsors:	^{GAIA‐Heritage}
Categories:	Historic Districts

ID:	2004_09_001

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December 2002January 2024

Seminar on “Protecting Cultural and Natural Heritage in the Western Hemisphere: Lessons from the Past, Looking to the Future,” World Cultural Heritage Convention 30th Anniversary, Conference Materials, 2002

Abstract

The CUDS seminar “Protecting Heritage of Western Hemisphere” was organized as part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the World Cultural Heritage Convention, held at Harvard University in December 2002.

The seminar brought together international policy makers, public officials, practitioners, and academics involved in the protection and management of national and cultural heritage sites.

Documents include a substantial list of conference materials, including lecture presentations by guest speakers, memos, conference addresses by participant transcripts of individual panel contributions and a conference booklet containing a schedule and list of participants.

Excerpt

[Excerpt: CUDS Internal Memo, Francois Vigier, June 2002, p. 1]

“Open to the general public, the Seminar [was] attended by senior officials of UNESCO, the World Heritage Center, The World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Organization of American States and bring together policy makers, public officials, practitioners and academics involved in the protection and management of natural, archeological and urban cultural heritage sites in the Western Hemisphere.

“Key participants include[d] international organizations and foundations, bilateral and international development agencies and representatives of the major institutions and foundations active in promoting the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage in multiple regions:

Ecuador — Peru National Park — Colombia — Venezuela — Upper Amazon (Peru and Brazil) — Cuna language regions (Central Panama) — Galapagos Islands

“The objective of the Seminar [was] to review past and present experiences. An open discussion of the economic, social and managerial issues in the designation, conservation and use of cultural sites [addressed]:

▪ Disseminate cutting-edge approaches;
▪ Allow an exchange of successful practices; and
▪ Help the participants address emerging challenges in the preservation of the natural and manmade cultural heritage.”

Project Year:	2002
Project Type:	Conference
Geographic Regions:	^{Cambridge, Massachusetts, US (Seminar Location) / United States (Everglades National Park, Florida and Annapolis, Maryland) / Galápagos Islands, Ecuador / Peru / Colombia / Venezuela / Brazil (Cairuçu Environmental Protection Area, Paraty and Guarujá, São Paulo) / Panama / Valparaíso, Chile}
Reports:	Protecting Cultural Heritage: Seminar Overview Protecting Cultural Heritage: CUDS Internal Memo (June 2002) Protecting Cultural Heritage: Institutional Bios Protecting Cultural Heritage: Introduction of Ismail Serageldin Protecting Cultural Heritage: Welcome Remarks by Peter Rowe Protecting Cultural Heritage: Introduction of Conservation and Development Panel Protecting Cultural Heritage: Francesco di Castri Web Talk Protecting Cultural Heritage: Introduction of Balancing Multiple Interests Panel Protecting Cultural Heritage: Col May, Everglades Remarks Protecting Cultural Heritage: Serra do Guararu and Cairucu Project Overview Protecting Cultural Heritage: Melissa Kimble Venice Statement (November 2002) Protecting Cultural Heritage: Mayor Ellen Moyer Annapolis Summary Protecting Cultural Heritage: Valparaiso, Chile Overview Protecting Cultural Heritage: Mounir Bouchenaki UNESCO Address (December 2002) Protecting Cultural Heritage: Ismail Serageldin, Conference Summation (December 2002) Protecting Cultural Heritage: (Conference Program Booklet)
Authors:	^{Francesco Bandarin; Mounir Bouchenaki; Orestes del Castillo; Francesco di Castri; Belia Contreras; Maureen Finnerty; Silvana Giaimo; Pamela W. Hawkes; Maria-Valeria Junho Pena; Roberto L. Klabin; Vincent J. Lujan; Claudio C. Maretti;Colonel James G. May; David Maybury-Lewis; William Moss; Bernie Perley; Eduardo Rojas; Peter Rowe; Ismail Serageldin; Bradford H. Sewell; Anthony Stocks; François Vigier;}
Sponsors:	^{Center for Urban Development Studies at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design; United States Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (US/ICOMOS); UNESCO World Heritage Centre}
Categories:	Evaluations and Assessments;

ID:	2002_12_001

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November 2002January 2024

“Monitoring Processes of Change in Historic Centers: A Case Study of Fes, Morocco,” Case Study Paper for UNESCO World Heritage Center and the International Centre for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), 2002

Abstract

A case study presented to the UNESCO World Heritage Center and the International Centre for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) by Dr. Mona Serageldin in November 2002.

Serageldin’s report assessed the rehabilitation strategy for the Medina of Fez based on a spatial analysis and social and economic indicators, and outlines the considerations involved in implementing the strategy and a geographic monitoring system.

Excerpt

[Excerpt: Abstract, p. 3]

ABSTRACT
“Historic centers encompass monumental buildings and landmarks embedded within a rich urban fabric of utilitarian buildings. Property owners and residents are constantly altering these buildings to adapt them to new needs and lifestyles. Their interventions trigger interlinked processes of transformation that lead either to preservation or to deterioration. Rehabilitation strategies must reconcile the plurality of views, interests, mandates and missions adds layers of complexity to the already challenging task of coping with the impact of disinvestments, misuse, abuse and neglect eroding the quality of life in historic centers.”

“The strategy developed for the first phase of the rehabilitation of the Medina of Fez required a thorough understanding of the dynamics at work in the Medina and of the institutional and financial blockages that prevented reinvestment and fostered the continued deterioration of residential buildings. This assessment was based on a spatial analysis of the key physical, social and economic indicators for the area, including property transactions and building permits for new construction and improvements.”

“The institutionalization and periodic updating of a monitoring system recording the key indicators used in the preparation of the project and linking these databases to the ADER-FEZ GIS has been recommended, but not yet implemented. With a good monitoring system in place and closer collaboration between the tax Department and the Municipality the tax yield from the Medina would be enhanced and the interest of the authorities in the historic core as a viable economic entity [would be] rekindled.”

—

“At the Center for Urban Development Studies, we have developed an approach to revitalization and rehabilitation that recognizes the plurality of stakeholders in historic centers. We accept the evaluation of cultural significance given to different components of the historic urban fabric by specialized agencies. Our role is to assist local government in devising strategies ensuring coherence, inclusion and impact. Our approach to action plans focuses on valorization of the urban fabric based on the dynamics of change in the site as a living component of a larger urban agglomeration.”

Project Year:	2002
Project Type:	^{Paper for Workshop on Monitoring the World Heritage, Vicenza, Italy}
Geographic Regions:	Fes, Morocco
Reports:	Monitoring Processes of Change in Historic Centers: Fes, Morocco (November 2002)
Authors:	^{Mona Serageldin}
Sponsors:	^{UNESCO World Heritage Center; International Centre for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)}
Categories:	Education;

ID:	2002_11_001

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January 1994December 2023

“Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Revitalization and Rehabilitation of the Historic District,” Technical Assistance for the City of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, 1994

Abstract

In 1994, the Unit for Housing and Urbanization implemented an urban revitalization strategy for the rehabilitation of the historic urban fabric in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Through the Technical Assistance project the Unit aimed to assist local government authorities to adopt improvement strategies. The Unit worked with local public officials, practitioners, and Mahalla leaders to establish an institutional framework for local revitalization and rehabilitation initiatives within the city’s Ghur Emir historic district. Documents include the Full Report, “Institutional Framework to Foster Revitalization and Local Rehabilitation Initiatives” as well as Color Maps and Color Photographs.

Excerpt

[Excerpt, Full Report, August 1994]

“This report presents the findings of a mission to Samarkand undertaken by Mona Serageldin adjunct professor of Urban Planning and Associate Director of the Unit for Housing and Urbanization at Harvard University Graduate School of Design in June 15-22, 1996. The Mission was sponsored by the Aga Khan Trust of Culture, Historic Cities Support Program, for the purpose of assisting the government authorities in Samarkand and the AKTC in establishing an institutional framework to foster revitalization and local rehabilitation initiatives in the city’s Historic District. The support received from Dr. Stephano Bianca, Director of the Historic Cities Support Program, Mr. Nemetjon Sadiqov, AKTC representative in Samarkand and their staff contributed to the successful completion of the mission.”

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Project Year:	1994
Project Type:	Local Rehabilitation Initiative and Technical Assistance
Geographic Regions:	Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Reports:	City of Samarkand: Full Report (August 1996) City of Samarkand: (Color Maps) City of Samarkand: (Color Photographs)
Authors:	^{Mona Serageldin; Boguslaw Trondowski; Sameh Wahba; Anna Zietek}
Sponsors:	^{Aga Khan Trust for Culture Historic Cities Programme, Geneva, Switzerland}
Categories:	Historic Districts

ID:	1994_00_003

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July 1991January 2024

ITP 1991: “Development Strategies for Urban Regeneration of Old Urban Fabric,” Case Studies and Seminar Curriculum, International Training Programs, 1991

Abstract

The 1991 ITP addressed strategies of re-manipulating old urban fabric, including plans to restructure central zones, recapture the development potential of strategically located parcels, and preserve valued urban and architectural heritage.

Case Studies address a range of old urban zones needing restructure: Redeveloping obsolete and dilapidated zones (London Docklands); Reshaping deteriorating central zones (Boston’s Waterfront); Halting the degradation of the physical environment (The Hafsia district in Tunis, Tunisia); and Preserving the distinctive character of historical areas (The Vieux Carré in New Orleans).

Documents represent curriculum components from the 1991 ITP, including case studies, project summaries, newspaper and journal articles, and module overviews. Some materials may be replicated in other years of the ITP programs.

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Project Year:	1991
Project Type:	ITP; Education
Geographic Regions:	^{Waterfront, Boston, USA / London Docklands, UK / Hafsia, Tunis, Tunisia / Vieux Carré, New Orleans, USA / Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany / Maarouf, Cairo, Egypt / Walled City of Lahore, Pakistan / Ij Waterfront, Amsterdam, Netherlands}
Reports:	ITP 1991: Module IV Development Strategies for Urban Regeneration ITP 1991: Case 1 The Docklands, London ITP 1991: Case 2 Waterfront Area, Boston ITP 1991: Case 4 The Vieux Carre, New Orleans ITP 1991: (Group Exercise)
Authors:	^{François Vigier; Mr Victor Karen; Barry Shaw;}
Sponsors:	^{Unit for Housing and Urbanization of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design}
Categories:	International Training Program; Education;

ID:	1991_07_001

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A History of ITP and IEP Seminars

The International Training Programs (ITP) began in 1982, as 2-4 week long summer seminars held by the Unit for Housing and Urbanization (Harvard University) in Cambridge, MA. ITP curriculums were designed to strengthen the decision-making skills of senior professionals in public and private agencies responsible for urban development.

The I2UD Digital Library holds curriculum materials for ITPs from 1988, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1997 and 1998:

The tradition of ITPs continued after 2000, when CUDS (a re-organization of the Unit) continued training seminars as “International Education Programs” (IEP) from 2000-2004:

Programs included inter-linked modules, lectures, case studies, interactive computer simulation models, site visits to urban projects, discussion groups and networking with professional counterparts from international metropolitan regions. Sessions had a modular format and structured team teaching, taught by a team of senior faculty and guest lecturers. Programs ended with a synthesis presented through a project evaluation exercise. Participants used case projects to examine strategies from the viewpoint of both public and private partners — to assess the feasibility and potential impacts of policies and projects on the community and the city. Presentations by guest speakers representing U.S. and international agencies, NGOs, and community groups were also integrated within the pedagogic framework of each module.

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Galleries 6-7 – Egypt: Cairo and Helwan, 1986, 1990