Towards a Comprehensive Framework for Understanding and Documenting Urban Cultural Heritage

Authors

  • Lara A. Awad Alexandria University, Faculty of Engineering, Architectural Engineering Department; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Architecture
  • Khalid Al-Hagla Professor at Alexandria University, Faculty of Engineering, Architectural Engineering Department
  • Dina M. Nassar Associate Professor at Alexandria University, Faculty of Engineering, Architectural Engineering Department
  • Marko Rukavina Associate Professor at University of Zagreb Faculty of Architecture

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31522/p.34.1(71).8

Keywords:

Comprehensive Framework, Documentation, Multi-Dimensional Heritage, Multi-Scalar Heritage, Urban Cultural Heritage

Abstract

This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for understanding urban cultural heritage (UCH). This is done by identifying and categorizing the elements that contribute to its layered significance across multiple dimensions and scales. It conceptualizes UCH not only as a group of historic objects or structures, but as a dynamic cultural entity shaped through continuous historical evolution, social practices, and spatial interactions. Following a qualitative methodology, the study critically analyses the development of UCH definitions in international documents. It maps the tangible and intangible components of heritage—such as physical form, collective memory, and symbolic meaning and investigates the complex interrelationships among them. Special attention is given to the experiential and representational dimensions of historic urban areas, where identity and memory are interwoven with the material environment. The findings underscore the need to recognize these multifaceted layers before undertaking any intervention or documentation process.

Author Biographies

  • Lara A. Awad, Alexandria University, Faculty of Engineering, Architectural Engineering Department; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Architecture

    Lara Awad, MSc, Associate Lecturer and PhD Candidate at Alexandria University, Faculty of Engineering, Architectural Engineering Department. She is specializing in architectural and urban heritage. Her work focuses on the integration of digital tools such as GIS and HBIM for the documentation and management of urban cultural heritage, with a particular interest in community engagement and heritage values.

  • Khalid Al-Hagla, Professor at Alexandria University, Faculty of Engineering, Architectural Engineering Department

    Khalid Al-Hagla, PhD, is a Professor of Landscape Architecture whose work bridges educational policy, higher education, and urban/rural sociology. His research focuses on qualitative social research and the relationship between learning environments and the built landscape.

  • Dina M. Nassar, Associate Professor at Alexandria University, Faculty of Engineering, Architectural Engineering Department

    Dina M. Nassar, PhD, Associate Professor, her research interests focus on four main areas: heritage conservation and adaptive reuse, theories of architecture—particularly modernism and 20th-century schools of thought—local sustainable and vernacular architecture, and landscape architecture. She has experience in these fields through both research and teaching, particularly in heritage conservation, with a focus on industrial heritage and the revitalization of historic areas in Alexandria, such as markets and streets.

  • Marko Rukavina, Associate Professor at University of Zagreb Faculty of Architecture

    Marko Rukavina, PhD, currently works at the Department of Urban Planning, Spatial Planning and Landscape Architecture, University of Zagreb as Associate professor. Marko does research in in the field of urban planning, spatial planning and landscape architecture with an emphasis on issues of integration and enhancement of archaeological heritage through urban and spatial planning methods.

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Published

2026-06-30

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 1(71) (2026)

Section

Preliminary Communication

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Lara A. Awad, Khalid Al-Hagla, Dina M. Nassar, Marko Rukavina

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How to Cite

“Towards a Comprehensive Framework for Understanding and Documenting Urban Cultural Heritage ” (2026) Prostor, 34(1(71). doi:10.31522/p.34.1(71).8.