Hands-On Heritage! Establishing Soft Authority over Heritage through Architectural Experiment: A Case Study from Jordan

A groundbreaking approach to heritage engagement, 'heritage as practice,' challenges traditional preservation paradigms by treating heritage sites as dynamic sources of inspiration and creativity. This study demonstrates that architectural experimentation can empower individuals—particularly students—to develop a 'soft authority' over heritage through instinctual, creative interpretation rather than formal authorization. The research involved architecture students analyzing Umm el-Jimal in Jordan, producing 'creative material' that was further re-created during community engagement exercises. The findings suggest that this shift from authorized to informed, instinctual engagement not only fosters a deeper connection with heritage but also validates authority through continuous creative reinterpretation, offering a novel model for heritage education and participation.

Abu-Khafajah, S., Al Rabady, R., Rababeh, S., & Al-Tammoni, F. A.-R. (2015). Hands-On Heritage! Establishing Soft Authority over Heritage through Architectural Experiment: A Case Study from Jordan. Public Archaeology, 14(3), 191–213. https://doi.org/10.1080/14655187.2016.1191924