Title Disturbing values: historic thematic framework as a tool to deal with the soviet architectural legacy /
Authors Petrulis, Vaidas ; Doğan, Huriye Armağan ; Bliūdžius, Raimondas
DOI 10.3390/buildings13020424
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Is Part of Buildings.. Basel : MDPI. 2023, vol. 13, iss. 2, art. no. 424, p. 1-15.. ISSN 2075-5309
Keywords [eng] built heritage ; dissonant heritage ; postcolonial heritage ; cultural reference ; Soviet architectural legacy ; thematic framework
Abstract [eng] The value of cultural heritage is a constantly evolving and debated issue in heritage theory. While primarily the focus was on tangible qualities, intangible values gained more importance in the twenty-first century. However, in some cases, it can be complicated to evaluate the intangible values of specific artefacts with politically disturbing associations, such as Soviet architecture in a post-Soviet context. Based on a Lithuanian case study, the paper contributes to the debate on the value of Soviet architecture, focusing not on individual buildings but on broader themes. By using framework analysis as a conceptual background, the article analyzes the legacy of the Soviet past not as physical objects but as cultural references. Interpreting “cultural references” as containers of social and cultural meanings that are much broader than just the embodiment of the ideological system, the paper suggests that dissonance should not lead to the uncompromising delisting and probably the destruction of the built heritage of troublesome past. Although the article focuses on the evaluation of Soviet architecture in a post-Soviet context, the conceptual approach can contribute to the broader debate on postcolonial heritage globally.
Published Basel : MDPI
Type Journal article
Language English
Publication date 2023
CC license CC license description