Heritage is often seen as something we inherit—historic buildings, cultural traditions, or ancient landmarks that recount stories of the past. However, what if heritage is more than just relics encased in glass or monuments frozen in time? What if it's a living, evolving entity shaped by our emotions, memories, and interactions with the spaces around us? This idea, explored in Australian Archaeologist Laurajane Smith’s concept of Emotional Heritage, urges us to look beyond mere preservation. It invites us to see heritage as a vibrant thread connecting past, present, and future in a deeply personal way. Let’s delve into how our emotional ties to places and traditions influence our experience of heritage today.
Australian Archaeologist Laurajane Smith discusses the concept of emotional heritage in her book
Why Heritage Matters: Memories, Emotions, and Legacy
Heritage transcends the mere preservation of ancient structures or cultural practices; it intertwines memories and emotions that link us to our past and inform our present. Memories breathe life into history, while emotions add depth, making heritage resonate personally.
The true value of heritage lies in maintaining these emotional connections. A building gains significance not only through its architectural design but through the human stories tied to it—the lives lived, the work done, and the gatherings held within its walls.
When Architecture Transforms into Heritage
What differentiates a place from a space? It’s the stories that imbue a space with resonance, transforming it from a mere location into a keeper of memories. Strolling through an old neighborhood reveals more than weathered structures; each building is a repository of human experience, from daily routines to moments of joy and sorrow. These shared memories forge connections between past generations and the present, making the space a bridge across time.
Architecture as Revolution: The Silk Qrayeh Story
Architecture is never an isolated endeavor; it is a complex equation influenced by various life parameters. The stronger these parameters, the more vibrant the architecture becomes. This is not just about time; it’s also about revolution. A powerful example of revolutionary architecture is the Silk Compound in Qrayeh, Lebanon, one of the first developments where women emerged as a significant workforce during a pivotal economic transformation—truly a revolution in itself.
When we examine the structural aspects of this architectural entity, we might question its uniqueness. However, uniqueness is not solely about the structure; it encompasses the stories and experiences this building has witnessed. This project urges us to recognize architecture as a force that shapes society and challenges existing norms. It invites us to see architecture not just as a physical space, but as a catalyst for change and a reflection of human experiences.
The ruins of the Silk Compound in Qrayeh, Lebanon, today.
Preserving the Heart of a Community: Semkaniyeh’s Emotional Heritage
In 2023, the "Heritage in Lebanon: Projects Documentary" initiative was launched as a pilot project, aiming to conserve Lebanon's rich heritage. Spearheaded by architecture students at the Lebanese University's Faculty of Fine Arts and Architecture, this project, under the guidance of Conservation Architect Dr. Zaher Ghossaini, and following the ICCROM international methodology, holds many stories of cultural legacies. One such story is found in Semkaniyeh, Lebanon.
The rich heritage of projects in Lebanon is captured in the book: Heritage in Lebanon Projects Documentary
In Mount Lebanon Chouf district, the town of Semkaniyeh provides a strong example of emotional heritage. At the center of the town stands the Palace of Mahmoud Pacha Harmouch, which has served as a historical and community symbol. Beyond being a mere landmark, it embodies the identity of its inhabitants.
Palace of Mahmoud Pacha Harmouch in Mount Lebanon: a timeless monument steeped in history.
In a set of photographs taken 79 years apart—one in 1942 and the other in 2021—a grandmother and her granddaughter stand in front of the palace, marking the passage of time. Though the palace has changed, the emotional connection between the generations remains intact. These photos show how emotional heritage ties people to a place not just through its tangible state, but through belonging to the intangible ones. This connection between the people and the space is what sustains a community’s sense of identity.
Beyond the Human: Nature’s Role in Emotional Heritage
When we think about heritage, we often focus on human-made elements—buildings, traditions, and cultural artifacts. However, nature plays a vital role in shaping our emotional connections to a place. In an old village or town, the trees, greenery, and landscape are just as integral to its emotional heritage as the architecture itself.
The natural world interacts with human spaces, creating a balance that defines the emotional landscape of a location. Whether it’s an ancient olive tree that has stood for generations or a garden filled with cherished family memories, these natural elements contribute to a sense of life and continuity. This perspective highlights the interconnectedness of human and natural systems. Heritage sites often function as ecosystems, shaped over time by both human activity and natural forces. Acknowledging this balance is essential for effective preservation efforts.
The Conflict and the Choice: Balancing Human and Nature
In heritage preservation, tensions often arise between maintaining buildings and protecting the natural elements surrounding them. For instance, renovating an old structure might necessitate the removal of trees or plants that have integrated into the landscape over time. Conversely, allowing nature to overtake a building can lead to its eventual decay.
Finding a balance between these competing needs is crucial. We shouldn't view our choices in absolutes; instead, we should seek solutions that honor both the human and natural facets of heritage.
Project: Anthropologie Dos Lagos, WORKac.
The story of an orange tree evokes feelings of joy. “You tell stories, not everyone might know the story, but there is a feeling of joy or warmth.”
In one of our WiE Connect podcast series, we interviewed Lebanese architect Amale Andraos, co-founder of the acclaimed firm WORKac and former Dean of Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, and discussed her approach in designing the Anthropologie Dos Lagos store.
The Dos Lagos store serves as a prototype for a new design strategy for the brand, seamlessly integrating public space and fostering connections between indoor and outdoor environments. Perimeter display walls optimize floor space and introduce elements of “real nature”—a garden of native cacti at the center—and “second nature”—a shoppable hill adorned with green carpeting and astroturf. These “no-shopping” zones reflect the brand’s commitment to nature while offering respite from the artificiality of typical shopping center landscapes.
Anthropologie Dos Lagos retail store, located in California, USA, and designed by WORKac (photo: © Courtesy of WORKac)
Anthropologie Dos Lagos retail store, located in California, USA, and designed by WORKac (photo: © Courtesy of WORKac)
We also asked Amale Andraos about the concept of emotional heritage and its significance in architecture. She emphasizes the fluid nature of children's emotions, noting how they effortlessly shift from one feeling to another. This insight inspired her design for the Anthropologie project, where she sought to create moments of surprise and connection. Central to the store is a courtyard featuring an orange tree, a tribute to the site’s history where orange trees once flourished. This intentional choice not only connects the past to the present but also evokes feelings of joy and light for visitors. Amale highlights that the aim was to invite emotions rooted in joy, generosity, and a sense of community, ultimately transforming the shopping experience into one that resonates on a deeper, more personal level.
"With Anthropologie project we wanted to create a moment of surprise. You walk in, there's a courtyard in the middle of the store with an orange tree, relating to the orange tree that used to be there. You tell stories, not everyone might know the story, but there is a feeling of joy or warmth." Amale Andraos
Emotional Heritage: A Call to Action
The concept of Emotional Heritage invites us to rethink our approach to conservation, preservation, and restoration. It goes beyond simply keeping buildings intact or maintaining cultural traditions; it emphasizes the importance of the emotional connections people have with these spaces and practices. These connections are what truly imbue heritage with meaning.
As we navigate through places that evoke personal or collective memories, we become part of an ongoing narrative. These locations are not just relics of the past; they are vibrant elements of our present, shaped by the emotions, memories, and experiences of those who came before us. It is our duty to safeguard this emotional heritage for future generations, ensuring that the stories and connections that give a place its significance continue to thrive.
At the 2023 Venice Architecture Biennale, Spanish architectural studio Flores & Prats presented their installation titled “Emotional Heritage,” which highlighted the studio's profound sensitivity to the historical layers present in every site, even those that may not be immediately visible. By transforming existing structures into emotionally resonant spaces, they captured the essence of a place in a remarkable way.
Their work invites us to reflect on several key ideas:
1. Drawing with Time: The importance of observing and learning from existing buildings.
2. The Value of Use: Heritage encompasses not just monetary worth, but also the significance of time and collective experience.
3. The Open Condition of the Ruin: The transformative potential inherent in abandoned structures.
4. The Right to Inherit: Each generation has a responsibility to adapt the past for the present.
Ultimately, we must remember that heritage is not merely about preservation; it is about actively engaging with and living within the memories that shape our identities.
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