A historic quarter left to decay is a missed opportunity twice over: a piece of identity fading, and an economic asset going unused. This training course from the Arab British Fellowship Training Academy is for anyone who wants to learn how to turn urban heritage sites into resources that are both economically productive and genuinely attractive.

Traditional architecture offers an integrated picture of good design solutions shaped by local climate, social conditions and the natural environment, along with design choices that respect a community’s customs and traditions. Urban heritage is one of the most fundamental symbols of human development throughout history, reflecting the capabilities people reached in adapting to their surrounding environment. Heritage means passing civilisation from one generation to the next — not limited to language, literature or thought, but extending to every material and emotional element of a society, including philosophy, religion, science, art and urbanism. Urbanism stands out among these elements because, unlike the others, it still physically exists today in every country, which is exactly what makes it possible to convert it into productive, attractive economic resources.

Course Objectives

• Understand what urban heritage is and why it matters.
• Recognise the value of turning urban heritage into economic resources.
• Manage economic projects built around urban heritage sites.
• Build the know-how to revive heritage sites and raise community awareness of them.
• Lead groups focused on heritage revival initiatives.
• Understand the economic, social and cultural weight architectural heritage carries.
• Build cooperation between official bodies, local communities and decision-makers around shared development policies.

Who Should Attend

• Managers and owners of economic establishments.
• Staff working in tourism departments.
• Professionals involved in developing urban heritage.
• Anyone participating in urban heritage development projects.

Module 1: Defining Urban Heritage and Its Value

• What urban heritage is and why it matters
• Its economic, cultural and social importance

Module 2: From Heritage to Economic Resource

• How to convert urban heritage sites into productive economic resources
• Real heritage-based projects and how they are run

Module 3: Protection and Awareness

• Systems and approaches for protecting urban heritage
• Initiatives aimed at building public awareness of heritage sites

Module 4: Partnerships for Sustainable Development

• Building cooperation between official bodies, local communities and decision-makers
• Shared policies for the long-term development of heritage sites

A mini Master’s track on this subject is available through the Academy. The course is delivered across several countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Malaysia, Turkey, a number of European countries, the United States and Australia, through group, individual, field and classroom formats, with a certificate awarded upon completion.