Heritage Impact Assessment, beyond an Assessment Tool: A comparative analysis of urban development impact on visual integrity in four UNESCO World Heritage Properties

A comparative analysis reveals significant differences in how urban development pressures affect the visual integrity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, highlighting the critical role of Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) in mitigating these impacts. The study examines four properties—Meidan Emam (Esfahan, Iran), Cologne Cathedral (Cologne, Germany), Golestan Palace (Tehran, Iran), and the Historic Centre of Vienna—to demonstrate how HIA can preemptively identify threats and resolve conflicts between conservation needs and urban development. It underscores the necessity for multi-sectoral cooperation and capacity-building in HIA to ensure sustainable heritage management. The research compares cases where similar threats were addressed differently, emphasizing the importance of proactive assessment tools in safeguarding cultural heritage values.

Ashrafi, B., Kloos, M., & Neugebauer, C. (2021). Heritage Impact Assessment, beyond an Assessment Tool: A comparative analysis of urban development impact on visual integrity in four UNESCO World Heritage Properties. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 47, 199–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.culher.2020.08.002