Our Place: A Cross Cultural Approach to Heritage Conservation

The remarkable increase in migration across the world is one of the effects of globalisation. Its by-product is the materialisation of Cross Culture People (Pollock & Van Reken, 1999, p. 6). Research has revealed that in the process of migration, Cross Culture People may struggle to form a strong sense of identity and belonging as a result of experiencing a number of cultures throughout their lives.

Research has shown that, the heritage architecture of the host nation can act as a setting to help ground Cross Culture People in their new surroundings and form a collective identity. This thesis will explore such opportunity and as a result will ultimately propose a new building typology for heritage architecture.

The outcome of this thesis is a two-part design framework: The first part considers a careful site selection that helps select the right heritage building for the programme. The second, a design tactic framework which focuses on cultural wellbeing through cultural vitality and vibrancy. The design tactics emerging from this research develops solutions such as using unique public places that are adaptable, personal and evokes a transcultural narrative.

The framework is tested and developed to include theories such as Third Place and Biophilic Design and implemented towards a final design of a ‘mixed used’ public building. The final iteration reveals the need to consider the intangible aspects of heritage that help construct cross cultural identity and enhances a sense of belonging.