1. The Architectural Heritage: A Market Under Construction.
- Author
-
Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches sur les Qualifications, Marseilles (France)., Kalck, Paul, and Pillemont, Jacques
- Abstract
From preservation of historical monuments to repair of existing buildings, architectural heritage seems to be a market with a future for France's building industry. The public's enthusiasm, along with greater appreciation of the "value" of cultural goods and their integration into a framework of economic development offer a favorable context for rapid expansion of the architectural heritage market. Despite this fact, architectural heritage has yet to become the focus of strategies permitting elaboration of a real supply policy. The designation "heritage architect" currently covers the following professional groups: (1) "head architects for historical monuments" (the elite body of architects entrusted with rehabilitation of France's historical monuments); (2) architects working solely in private agencies; and (3) civil servants with project management responsibilities limited to the historical monuments' upkeep. These different players are too dispersed to formulate an economic response to the increasing demand for their services. Exchanges among the three groups about historical approaches must be encouraged, the competencies needed for the field must be better identified, and the training needed to develop the specialized skills required for historical preservation must be developed and provided. Companies and training bodies have important roles to play in building and structuring the architectural heritage market and in providing the training required to develop a qualified workforce. (MN)
- Published
- 2002