Implementing the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) Approach: Learning from Interventions in Swiss Heritage Sites


World Heritage Site: La Chaux-de-Fonds / Le Locle, Watchmaking Town Planning

Publication Year: 2026

Publication Type: Article

Publication Identifier: WHE23F8E4CDE1

Summary

A study of Swiss heritage sites reveals that the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach is effectively integrated into local urban management practices, particularly through early involvement of stakeholders and adaptive design solutions. Analysis of 10 case reports highlights the prevalence of HUL-aligned interventions, especially in Steps 2 (participation), 4 (integration into planning frameworks), and 6 (partnerships). Swiss institutional conditions, such as legal protections for heritage sites and participatory mechanisms, play a crucial role in shaping these outcomes. The findings suggest that while the HUL approach is not universally applicable, its principles can emerge within specific governance contexts, offering insights for broader transferability.

Citation

Eudave, R. R., & Hersperger, A. M. (2026). Implementing the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) Approach: Learning from Interventions in Swiss Heritage Sites. The Historic Environment: Policy & Practice, 17(2), 363–388. https://doi.org/10.1080/17567505.2026.2651675

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