The Historic Urban

Landscape Approach

and some case studies

from the Netherlands

Jakarta, september 2016

Dr van Marrewijk M.Sc.

focal point for World Heritage in the Netherlands
Nomination file of Old Town of
Jakarta for World Heritage List
Boundaries and buffer zone of
Old Town of Jakarta
The Historic Urban
Landscape Approach

and some case studies

from the Netherlands

Jakarta, september 2016

Dr van Marrewijk M.Sc.

focal point for World Heritage in the Netherlands
5
The Netherlands: where we are
6
The Netherlands: who we are
 The Netherlands: what we are
7
The Cultural Heritage Agency

320 fte: archaeologists,

architecture historians,
architects, geographers, art
historians, planners, financial
experts
Work fields: protection national
monuments, archaeological
sites, landscapes and
townscapes; advising;
restoration grants; World
Heritage nominations,
Shared Heritage Programme:
eight countries; workshops and
training; focus on revitalization
historic inner cities and public-
private participation
Content
1. World Heritage Convention,
preservation and the
management of change

2. Three case studies from the

Netherland
Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today and what we
pass on to future generations

Natural and cultural heritage are irreplacable sources of life and inspiration

Some heritage is so important to humanity, that we think of it as being

for everyone forever

Sites that have Outstanding Universal Value are listed as World Heritage
Cultural landscapes
Archaeological sites
Religious sites
Industrial sites
historical cities
UNESCO World Heritage

192 States Parties ratified the World Heritage Convention

165 States have one or more sites on the World Heritage List
1052 WH-sites (814 cultural,203 natural, 35 mixed)
48% EUR&NA, 23% APA, 8% ARB, 9% AFR, 13% LAC
2010 - 2014: 40% of new listings from APA

INDONESIA: 4 natural, 4 cultural

55 sites on World Heritage in Danger list

 World Heritage Convention
1972

962 properties Listed in 2012

+ 240 cities
+ 350 properties in an urban
context
Conservation issues related to
cities
Need for new tools
 World Heritage Convention (1972)

Article 5

To ensure that effective and active measures are taken for the protection,
conservation and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage situated on
its territory, each State Party to this Convention shall endeavor, in so far as
possible, and as appropriate for each country:

to adopt a general policy which aims to give the cultural and natural heritage
a function in the life of the community and to integrate the protection of that
heritage into comprehensive planning programmes;
 World Heritage Management Plan

Each nominated property should have an appropriate

management plan or other documented management system
which must specify how the Outstanding Universal Value of a
property should be preserved, preferably through participatory
means.
The purpose of a management system is to ensure the
effective protection of the nominated property for present and
future generations.
()
 Management Plan

An effective management system depends on the type,

characteristics and needs of the nominated property and its
cultural and natural context. Management systems may vary
according to different cultural perspectives, the resources
available and other factors. They may incorporate traditional
practices, existing urban or regional planning instruments, and
other planning control mechanisms, both formal and informal.
Impact assessments for proposed interventions are essential
for all World Heritage properties.
 Management Plan

In recognizing the diversity mentioned above, common

elements of an effective management system could include:
a thorough shared understanding of the property by all
stakeholders, including the use of participatory planning and
stakeholder consultation process;
a cycle of planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation
and feedback;
 Management Plan

an assessment of the vulnerabilities of the property to social,

economic, and other pressures and changes, as well as the
monitoring of the impacts of trends and proposed interventions;
the development of mechanisms for the involvement and
coordination of the various activities between different partners
and stakeholders;
the allocation of necessary resources;
capacity-building; and
 Management Plan

an accountable, transparent description of how the

management system functions.
Effective management involves a cycle of short, medium and
long-term actions to protect, conserve and present the
nominated property. (etc .)
Since 2000 new issues and challenges:
Growing global change
Unsustainable economic development
After 19th/20th century boom comes
21st century growth cycle
Managing change???

Urban sprawl
Infrastructure (roads, railways, bridges)
Dams, power plants, wind turbines
Tourism and industry
Managing change? Extremes
Conservation issues
Managing Change ?
State of conservation issues
Vienna, Austria

 In 2005 the World Heritage Committee requested the

development of a new standard-setting instrument to
provide updated guidelines to better integrate urban
heritage conservation into strategies of socio-economic
development.
Expert meetings (2006-2010): 8 thematic meetings:
Jerusalem (2006), UNESCO (2006) ; Saint-Petersburg
(2007); Olinda (2007) ; Chandigarh (2007); UNESCO
(2008) ; Stone Town Zanzibar (2009), Rio, Brazil (2009)
Draft text May 2011
Adoption of Recommendation in November 2011
Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape
adopted 10 november 2011
by UNESCOs General Conference

- HUL is a new approach to urban conservation that considers the city as a

layering of historic and contemporary, natural and cultural values
- It is an additional tool to integrate policies and practices of conservation of
the built environment into the wider goals of urban development in respect
of the inherited values and traditions of different cultural contexts;
- It is a soft-law to be implemented by Member States on a voluntary basis;
- It will not replace existing doctrines or conservation approaches.
Definition of HUL

The historic urban landscape approach aims to

preserve the quality of the human environment, enhancing
the productive and sustainable use of urban spaces, while
recognizing their dynamic character, and promoting social
and functional diversity. It integrates the goals of urban
heritage conservation and those of social and economic
development. It is rooted in a balanced and sustainable
relationship between the
urban and natural environment, between
the needs of present and future
generations and the legacy from the past.
Definition of HUL (in my words)

Developments and modernisations do take place in

historic cities and are not always a threat;
Urban heritage and heritage preservation is part of the
urban development;
In planning, economic, social, cultural and environmental
developments should all be taken into account in an
holistic way
HUL also gives tools to integrate contemporary
architecture in the historic fabric of the city
For wise planning, broadening the scale is necessary
Broaden the scale:
Example JOTRC
Restoration of buildings = good

Considering adaptive re-use simultaniously = better

Connecting to the surroundings (neighbouring owners,

inhabitants, adjust infrastructure/parking lots) and revitalize
public space = even more better

Preparing in integrated master plan thats takes social,

cultural, environmental en economic effects into
consideration and sets goals = best,

esp. when effects on higher regional

level are considered as well.
Definition

This definition provides the basis for a comprehensive and

integrated approach for the identification, assessment,
conservation and management of historic urban
landscapes within an overall sustainable development
framework.
The Historic Urban Landscape Approach: why?

Urban heritage constitutes a key

resource in enhancing the livability of
urban areas

It fosters economic development and

social cohesion

Urban heritage is a driver of creativity,

innovation and urban regeneration

Urban heritage is an asset for the

development of cities
The Historic Urban Landscape Approach:how?

Assess the citys resources (human,

cultural/heritage, natural)
Use participatory planning to decide on
conservation aims and actions
Assess the vulnerability of urban heritage to
socio-economic pressures
Integrate heritage values into the wider frame-
work of city development
Prioritize policies and actions for conservation
nd development
Establish appropriate partnerships and
management frameworks (institutionalize!)
Develop mechanisms to coordinate actors
and activities (organize!)
World Heritage conservation versus development:
a dilemma ?
O.G. para 172: new constructions in a WHS
(or its vicinity) should be presented for an
evaluation of its effects on OUV

UNESCO Recommendation on
the Historic Urban Landscape (nov. 2011):
cities are dynamic organisms, destined to
change with society itself
Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape

The UNESCO General Conference recommended that Member

States take the appropriate steps to:

- adapt this new instrument to their specific contexts;

- disseminate it widely across their national territories;

- facilitate implementation through formulation and adoption of

supporting policies;

- monitor its impact on the conservation and

management of historic cities.
Built environment Cultural significance
Urban conservation Landscape approach
Modernity vs Conservation? Continuity
Sustainable development
Culture & Sustainable Development
 Sustainable Development Goals

Culture as part of the Sustainable Development Discussion

17 SDGs adopted 25 September 2015 at the UN General Assembly

Part of 2030 Transforming our world Agenda

SDGs build on the 8 Millennium Goals established at the

Millennium Summit, 2000

Focus on a sustainable approach to the wellbeing of humanity

No explicit culture or heritage goal, but culture is a crosscutting

element
 Culture and Development

Too many well-intended development programmes have

failed because they did not take cultural settings into
account...development has not always focused enough on
people. To mobilize people, we need to understand and
embrace their culture. This means encouraging dialogue,
listening to individual voices, and ensuring that culture and
human rights inform the new course for sustainable
development.
-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
 Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 development goals of the 2030 sustainable development agenda are:

1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere

2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote
sustainable agriculture
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong
learning opportunities for all
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water & sanitation for all
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and
productive employment and decent work for all
9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and
sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
 Sustainable Development Goals

10. Reduce inequality within and among countries

11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for
sustainable development
15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,
sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land
degradation and halt biodiversity loss
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development,
provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive
institutions at all levels
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership
for sustainable development

As of August 2015, there were 169 proposed targets

for these goals and 304 proposed indicators to show
compliance.
 Sustainable Development Goals

Goal No. 11
Making cities and human settlements inclusive,
safe, resilient and sustainable

TARGETS
11.1 By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable
housing and basic services and upgrade slums

11.2 By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and

sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by
expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in
vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older
persons

11.3 By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and

capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable
human settlement planning and management
in all countries
 Sustainable Development Goals

11.4 Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the worlds cultural and
natural heritage

11.5 By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number
of people affected and substantially decrease the direct economic losses
relative to global gross domestic product caused by disasters, including
water-related disasters, with a focus on protecting the poor and people in
vulnerable situations

11.6 By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of

cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and
other waste management

11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible,

green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older
persons and persons with disabilities
 Sustainable Development Goals

11.a Support positive economic, social and environmental links between

urban, sub-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional
development planning

11.b By 2020, substantially increase the number of cities and human

settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans
towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate
change, resilience to disasters, and develop and implement, in line with
the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, holistic
disaster risk management at all levels

11.c Support least developed countries, including through financial and

technical assistance, in building sustainable and resilient buildings utilizing
local materials
Built environment Cultural significance
Urban conservation Landscape approach
Modernity vs Conservation? Continuity
Sustainable development
World Heritage in the Netherlands
 Waddenzee 2009

Wadden Sea 2009

Schokland 1995
Beemster Polder 1999
Mill network of Kinderdijk-Elshout 1997
Ir. D.F. Wouda steam pumping station 1998
Defence Line of Amsterdam 1996
Amsterdam Canal District 2010
Willemstad - Curaao 1997
Rietveld Schrder house 2000
Van Nellefabriek
Rotterdam 2014
Three cases from the Netherlands

CONO cheese factory in Beemster Polder WHS

Re-use of Van Nellefabriek WHS

New hospital for Willemstad WHS

Beemster Polder
Beemster Polder
CONO cheese factory, Beemster
Beemster Polder
Het huidige fabriekscomplex
Het huidige fabriekscomplex
De nieuwe fabriek in 2014
ICOMOS evaluation:

Economic role of milk and cheese production is recognized. This

legitimizes the evolution and modernisation of the production within
the property.
Extension must be proportionate to capacity of the polder.
Positive about gradual process of realisation of the importance of
ensuring architectural quality and controlling visual impact amongst
all stakeholders. Raised awareness of OUV.
The low factory building is fully acceptable in both architectural and
landscape terms. Focus on respecting OUV is fully satisfactory.
ICOMOS expresses reservations about the milk powder tower: its
an improvement, but its economic justification has not been
demonstrated
Conclusions after ICOMOS evaluation:

Development is acceptable, provided:

Plan / design is soundly based and justified

Protection of OUV is guaranteed
Process of planning and decision making is careful and transparant
Plan / design is of high quality
Fitting in the wider setting and visual quality has been given
attention
Van Nellefabriek, Rotterdam
Van Nellefabriek, former coffee, tea and tobacco factory
Re-use of the Van Nellefabriek,
Van Nellefabriek, Rotterdam
Van Nellefabriek, Rotterdam
Van Nellefabriek, Rotterdam
 Decision to inscribe
Van Nellefabriek
The ensemble of buildings was
preserved when the premises
underwent an economic conversion
in the late 1990s. The conditions of
integrity in terms of composition
(location and organization of
territory; functional relationships;
panoramic views; etc.) and in
architectural terms in its various
aspects have been met.
Decision to inscribe
Van Nellefabriek
The restructuring and restoration
of the property (.) have been
carried out with great care, as part
of a model project. The propertys
authenticity has thus been
appropriately preserved (.) and
this is clearly perceptible (.)

The propertys prime purpose is to

accommodate economic activities in
industrial, commercial and service
fields.
Van Nellefabriek, Rotterdam
Curaao: where it is
Curaao
Willemstad
Willemstad
Otrobanda, Willemstad
Otrobanda, Willemstad
Willemstad
Willemstad
Willemstad
Willemstad
Willemstad
Willemstad
Willemstad
Old and new hospital, Willemstad
Willemstad
Willemstad
Willemstad
Willemstad
Old and new hospital, Willemstad
Willemstad
 Operational Guidelines, para 172
The World Heritage Committee
invites the States Parties to the
Convention to inform the Committee
() of their intention to undertake
or authorize in an area protected
under the Convention major
restorations or new constructions
which may affect the Outstanding
Universal Value of the property ()
before making any decisions that
would be difficult to reverse (.).
Initial proposal Curaao government:
 Informative report to UNESCO
Why is new hospital necessary?
Where is it located? In property or
buffer zone? Why there?
What does the plan look like (size,
height, material). What is affected?
Does the plan fit in existing zoning
plan? If not, what is done to make
it fit?
What is the (visual) impact on the
OUV.
What is done to avoid or mitigate
impact? What are positive effects?
What is the planning of decision
making?
 Next:

A Management Plan for the whole World Heritage property (in preparation)


Thank you for

your attention