SOCIAL HERITAGE AS LEVERAGE: Recognising the Social Dimension of Heritage in Sustainable Urban Development

Abstract

In 2015, numerous countries committed to supporting the United Nations' Agenda 2030, which aims to address global challenges such as urban growth and climate change through the Sustainable Cities and Communities goal (SDG11). During this time, experts in heritage and urban development began emphasizing the significant role that cultural heritage plays in sustainable urban development. However, the urban planning field recognizes that the three pillars of sustainability – economic, environmental, and social – are not always equally considered, with the social dimension often overlooked in urban (re)development processes. This thesis argues that a similar issue is occurring with the social aspect of cultural heritage. As cities inevitably evolve, it is the responsibility of urban developers to ensure the well-being of citizens, including their sense of connection to both their current and future environments. This thesis introduces the concept of social heritage, which refers to citizens' socio-intangible relationship with the built environment and its heritage, as a significant aspect to consider in (re)development processes. Social heritage can act as a bridge between the familiar and unfamiliar while also reinforcing citizens' rightful position in urban development. To investigate this theory, the thesis examines the public preservation debate surrounding the swimming facility Valhallabadet in central Gothenburg as a case study, utilizing content analysis and interviews to present insight into stakeholders' roles and perspectives on social heritage in (re)development processes. In conclusion, by prioritizing the social aspects of cultural heritage, researchers and developers can gain a better understanding of how the built environment affects the people who inhabit and use it, contributing to the creation of sustainable and inclusive urban spaces.