Title: Assessment Methods of Architectural Heritage: A Summary on Legal Framework, Methodologies, and Practice in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden
As part of the ongoing UREHERIT project, a new report has been released, shedding light on the diverse methods used for assessing architectural heritage in Scandinavia. This report, produced in autumn 2023 by experts from The Royal Danish Academy, Henriette Ejstrup and Ulrik Stylsvig Madsen, provides a comprehensive overview of key assessment tools used in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It is designed to support the restoration and reconstruction of Ukrainian cultural heritage through knowledge exchange between European and Ukrainian architects.
The UREHERIT project, co-funded by Creative Europe (2023-2026), focuses on equipping Ukrainian architects with the knowledge, methods, and strategies necessary for the preservation and rebuilding of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. As part of this initiative, the report aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between European and Ukrainian architectural professionals.
Key Insights from the Report:
The report presents an analysis of four prominent heritage assessment methods:
- Urban Heritage Analysis (DIVE) – Norway
- Cultural Historical Evaluation of Buildings (Kulturhistorisk värdering av bebyggelse) – Sweden
- Survey of Architectural Values in the Environment (SAVE) – Denmark
- Fredningsgennemgangen – Denmark
These methods are explored for their application in assessing architectural heritage and cultural-historical values, highlighting their advantages and limitations. The findings stress the importance of thorough, systematic evaluations for informed decision-making in heritage preservation.
- DIVE focuses on urban planning, providing in-depth cultural-historical and architectural analysis to evaluate cityscapes.
- Kulturhistorisk värdering av bebyggelse examines a broad spectrum of cultural, historical, architectural, and technical layers, offering a holistic view of heritage.
- SAVE is a versatile tool used for screening large numbers of buildings, offering flexibility in municipal management. It serves as a screening mechanism that requires regular re-assessment for updated data on buildings.
- Fredningsgennemgangen complements SAVE by offering a more detailed classification within the same system.
Collaboration and Expertise
The report is the result of close collaboration with Olena Oliynyk, Vice President of the National Union of Architects of Ukraine (NUAU), who contributed valuable insights from a Ukrainian perspective. Olena Oliynyk, a Doctor of Architecture and Professor at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture in Kyiv, has been instrumental in the project’s development.
Special thanks are also extended to Professor Nicolai Bo Andersen from the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts for his constructive dialogues on the assessment tools and methodologies in Scandinavia.
The Importance of Assessment Tools in Heritage Preservation
The report emphasizes that the use of robust assessment tools is crucial for the effective preservation of architectural heritage. The various methods examined provide invaluable frameworks for assessing the significance of heritage sites, allowing for informed decision-making that ensures both sustainability and cultural integrity. As Ukrainian cities and regions rebuild, these methods can serve as models for assessing the value of historical buildings and objects, contributing to long-term cultural and architectural sustainability.
This report is part of the UREHERIT project’s broader objective of supporting Ukrainian architects in navigating the complex process of heritage restoration. By learning from international best practices and sharing knowledge across borders, the project aims to empower Ukrainian professionals to build a resilient, sustainable future for Ukraine’s cultural heritage.
Read full report here.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author (s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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