MESOC Serapeum | Where culture meets AI

Id		127
Author		Kalergis, D.,
Title		The role of architecture in culture-led urban regeneration strategies
Reference		Kalergis, D. (2008). The role of architecture in culture-led urban regeneration strategies. In Malikova, L. and Sirak, M. (eds.). Regional and Urban Regeneration in European Peripheries: What Role for Culture?, p.21-34. Institute of Public Policy: Bratislava
Link to article		https://www.academia.edu/1991637/THE_ROLE_OF_ARCHITECTURE_IN_CULTURE-LED_URBAN_REGENERATION_STRATEGIES?auto=download&email_work_card=download-paper
Abstract		Culture is a central theme in most urban regeneration strategies. In spite of its quite complex and somewhat abstract nature, it certainly is a catalyst of economic and social potentials. The cultural industry, meaning the market of production, promotion and consumption of culture and its products, is usually regarded as the most promising mechanism of urban development. It is intentionally supported by distinct production of urban space, offering a ‘great panorama’ that exalts the experience and behaviour of participants; namely consumers. Unlike traditional practices, where harmonization of content, function and architectural style were crucial, contemporary and innovative architectural practices are concentrated on values of impressiveness, distinctiveness and surprise of form. This economic driven role of culture drifts an architectural current of an unusual spatial experience and symbolism, setting off new design challenges and spatial experimentations, as well as it raises concerns. This paper emphasizes this growing importance and contribution of architectural symbolism to the development of local identity, local economy and place promotion.

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The communication objectives of the Programme were to improve the image and the branding of the city. .
In terms of increased visibility, one can see the Programme as an opportunity for (re) inventing the tourism industry for both the city and the county, too. .
These factors, together with professional marketing efforts, create the positive image of the city - the desired impact. .
The increased attention paid to culture as a public policy tool is a relatively new phenomenon. .
Thus, it plays a significant role in the process and policy-making of urban planning. .
By this way, this study intends to support effective usage of measurement and evaluation techniques in urban planning process. .
These elements illustrate my opinion, sustaining that cultural heritage is an important avenue of investigations in cultural regeneration. .
Culturally catalyzed transformations are even more viable, if they are founded on a rich cultural tradition of the place. .
At the same time, the cultural factors sustain and stimulate an increase of the cultural tourism. .
Moreover, another distinct characteristic of culture that contributes mostly to urban regeneration is the capacity of identity-building. .
The presence of multiculturalism coupled with the emerging identity crisis, generates much of the opportunities for culture-led urban regeneration. .
This aspect of spatial control of culture can be supported by a set of architectural themes (by developing urban areas around a specific theme), as a mechanism of regenerating local identity, by creating new images and visions -perceived or real- of the public realm. .
4. The impact of architecture: the value to culture-led urban regeneration A distinct element of culture-led urban regeneration strategies is the degree of dependence upon aesthetics. .
Furthermore, support for culture is believed to be important for the development of creativity and innovation in professional life. .
By translating it into a specifically cultural policy-making, stimulating cultural events are related both to the tradition of the area, and with their transforming potential (town and neighborhood renewal, social inclusion and community cohesion, etc.). .
As attended in the literature review section, in culture-led urban regeneration schemes, especially the ones within ECOC programme which focuses mainly on cultural implications and benefits, assessment of the impact of culture on urban regeneration gains particular importance. .
Among these the impact areas concerning the cultural system within case study area; cultural access and participation; image, identity and sense of place; and philosophy and management of the project process are considered to be of high expectation whereas the impact areas of physical infrastructure and sustainability, and economic impacts and processes are also expected to be regarded. .
Social Regeneration Promotion of cultural access and participation should involve meeting cultural expectations of residents; providing public participation in the regeneration process; providing opportunity for public to involve in culture and arts activities; increasing involvement and activity of volunteering groups through cultural activities; stimulating creativity of individuals through cultural activities; supporting educational development of children; strengthening contact between generations; supporting quality of life of unhealthy people; representing different cultural identities clearly; corresponding need of enjoyment. .
This effect of visibility is also raising public awareness of cultural, community and social concern, improving the general perception of the multicultural local (and European) community, and the appreciation of art and culture beyond the range of the cultural system and cultural elite per se. .
In cultural exposure the cultural regeneration implies both the individual and the larger social level. .
It may also have a psychological effect within the city, building selfconfidence and civic pride among the population and even boosting optimism among investors. .
In such a climate, cultural events in Europe are experienced as a means of improving the city image, quality of life and the sense of pride and belonging. .
In considering enhancement of image, identity and sense of place, Istanbul should become a pioneering city of Turkey/Europe by improving image and reputation towards the city; improving local sense of belonging for the area; improving sense of pride due to local traditions and cultures; demonstrating a positive change in the image of local government; improving cultural activities as a tool for understanding different political perspectives; positively affecting the psychology of individuals through cultural activities. .
This quality of lighting, can improve the peoples perceptions and attitudes towards the feeling of security. .
Urban planning Since architecture is not just about the appearance of the built environment, it introduces an aesthetic approach towards social, economic, cultural and environmental objectives. .
Even so, the contribution of quality architectural design, to the local economy, as an added value, acts as a positive externality of culture-led urban regeneration. .
This can involve the promotion of arts-based events and attractions along with encouraging the development of high quality housing and retail, and the attraction of professional businesses to the area. .
This can indirectly promote its economic competitiveness by increasing its position in the quality-life indexes of international investment rankings. .
Cultural life creates business growth. .
Cultural life has to flourish if the region is going to succeed as a business magnet. .
Tourism is favoured as an instrument of economic policy because of its potential as a catalyst for wider economic changes. .
Tourism-based initiatives can transform derelict physical landscapes, lead to improved infrastructure (particularly in the area of transport) and foster better service provision for the local community, possibly leading to a higher confidence level both among the local residents and the whole area, which itself might attract new investment in the locality. .
An improved infrastructure (most urgently needed in Pecs) should enhance not only the cultural image of the city but also its business image - as a place in which to invest, work and live, and this may, in turn, generate outside investment for the long-term economic health of the city. .
This merging of aspects and qualities of the urban realm is boosting the urban economy as it offers a new stream of -cultural- consumers. .
As a result of the enthusiasm and evaluation of the symbolic economys positive contribution to urban regeneration, cities are emphasising more and more on the visual qualities of their symbols (whatever they might be), invested deeply in cultural context. .
As the supply culture and the symbolic assets are seen like new opportunities to increase the consumer perception and, indeed, the value of the goods. .
The more and the better cultural experiences a region can offer, the more attractive the region is for new establishments. .
In particular, European cities are increasingly using culture-led urban regeneration to improve their image, stimulate urban development and attract visitors and investment. .
The cultural activity is interpreted here as a key factor because it is a catalyst and not necessarily because it solely determines the well-being of the area, both socially and economically. .
In particular investments in cultural tourism not only allow the city to be more competitive as regards to attracting tourist flows, but above all, in case of cultural events with national and international echo, offer a unique chance to communicate, and re-launch if necessary, the citys image (identity). .
THE ROLE OF ARCHITECTURE IN CULTURE-LED URBAN REGENERATION STRATEGIES 1. Introduction The phenomenon of regenerating the urban landscape is widely experienced and practiced, mainly for social and economic revitalization. .
This can be better understood considering the economic opportunities that culture provide to urban regeneration (and not only), through the appropriation of the symbolic economy. .
Physical regeneration of historical areas and the creation of commercial and cultural attractions are seen as a component of wider economic regeneration. .
3. Culture-led regeneration, regional identity and the North East Culture-led regeneration can be understood as the use of cultural projects to revitalise economically depressed cities and regions. .
My interpretation unfolds terms of intersections of various aspects creating increased visibility of the city, with a handful of social and economic positive consequences, where cultural regeneration is the catalyst. .
It has, however, been considered, at least by the general public - as a sure means of generating local economic development and of fostering regeneration. .
The investment in infrastructure ought to have a more lasting effect - whether spending is on improving or renovating the city in general or on specific, culture-related buildings. .
The recognition of the economic and importance in decision-making preferences, rising from the management of a products image, encouraged product design to engage marketing strategies to increase customers demand. .
The region needs to make itself more attractive to new businesses and highly skilled professionals and workers. .
The total impact, of course, depends upon several factors - the scale of the industry in the given location, the absolute number of visitors attracted, the income generated in the wider area, the number of jobs created and the physical transformation of the locality. .
Even in the medium-term, of course, tourism should generate jobs, profit, tax revenues and the like - and also vital, private investment. .
In addition to the attempts to involve the population, efforts are also needed to involve local business - both to assure positive cooperation from the sector and also to underpin the necessary fund-raising. .
Economic Regeneration Economic impacts and processes need to be delivered by providing support for new job creation and employment; increasing land and property values; sourcing funding for social projects. .
This specialization provides a vehicle for ideas and creative innovative thinking, to generate added value to compete in a post-industrial arena. .
Besides, they could be also helpful for the subsequent creation of a local development strategy based on the exploitation of culture with long term prospective impacts on it. .
It is also necessary to work out some punctual strategies to increase the value of local talent and local cultural entrepreneurs and to attract new external resources and talents. .
The concept involved new forms of tourism - religious, scientific and cultural - which could make better use of the local and regional conditions. .
The cultural industry, meaning the market of production, promotion and consumption of culture and its products, is usually regarded as the most promising mechanism of urban development. .
It is at this scale that culture and tourism are better related, both becoming wide and transversal instruments of the global urban competition, means through which the cities redesign their own image, gaining more interest not only for the tourist flows, but possibly most of all for attracting international financial and human resources13. .
It also refers to the emerging architectural and cultural symbolism and the effects they may have upon issues of local identity, economy and promotion. .
3. The business of culture: a theme for urban regeneration At first, employing culture as a theme provides urban regeneration objectives with an effective promotional concept highly acceptable. .
Consequently, the dynamism of urban economy is increasingly dependant upon the performance of the cultural and entertainment industry. .
6. Conclusion Cultural tourism is seen as a significant resource in many urban areas. .
Perhaps the most crucial task would be active participation in developing tourism concepts for the entire region and representing the tourism-related economic sector on regional and county tourism bodies in cooperation with other economic and tourism partners. .
A city of culture - a city of cultures was the slogan of the Programme, an extremely appropriate one, when we consider that the town is famous for its multicultural and multi-language character. .
Nonetheless, this restructuring, created new opportunities for cities with the capacity to adapt to the changing environment, but also led others to economic decline. .
Its largely a case of projects and works scattered on the urban and sub-urban territory with the purpose of spreading the image of a transformed city, both in its settlement fabric and in its functional offer, lovely to visit and perfect to settle. .
Additionally, a very important aspect of place identity is the quality and nature of the present built heritage. .
Since built heritage represents spatially a historical past, it provides a foundation for local identity. .
Thus, every urban regeneration scheme considers built heritage as a distinctive feature of a places identity and development. .
In addition, as culture is increasingly becoming a theme of urban generation, manages more effectively to embody the qualities and value of architecture, within the objectives of a scheme. .
Acknowledgement of the traditions and history of the region and a continual active involvement of local people is essential if socio-economic rejuvenation through cultural regeneration is to be a success. .
Further cultural strategies have seen increased funding directed towards existing arts and science based institutions such as Newcastles Laing Art Gallery, the educational charity Centre for Life which promotes public engagement in science and The Gate leisure and retail complex. .
Only through carefully planned, longterm strategy with a precise focus, can the expected spill-over effect through tourism be maximised for the benefit of the local and regional economy. .
Such innovative, not charitable, and efficient dimension of those projects works, using the logic of this method, and helps the growth and the success of organizations that are the expression of the no-profit sector. .
These various parameters are cultural factors. .
The first one, attaining to the economic-productive sphere, consists of a sort of convergence of the urban economy and the culture dominions, so that the sectors producing goods and services with a high cultural and symbolic content are more competitive (from entertainment to personal education, to achievement of a social status); culture itself is moreover intended as a marketable good in its different expressions (performing arts, media, entertainment). .
Specifically the great metropolitan areas are the core of this renewed role of the cultural tourism, which is always more a mass phenomenon although constituted by specific elements, and are building a more complex relation with the creativity sector, a true instrument of revival for the cities identity image. .
The main reason lied in the specific character of the local cultural element. .
Cultural localism leads to cultural regeneration, too. .
From a conceptual perspective it has been stressed as the use of culture in order to renew a citys economic growth can lead to significant forms of social and spatial distortions; and this is true both if the strategy would be targeted to developing its commercial aspect, investing in products with a high symbolic content (entertainment, communication, self-promotion, but also fashion and interior design), and if culture is employed as an instrument to increase the entertainment and experience opportunities, thus getting more competitive on the global scale by acting through the tourism shop window. .
In order to restore these conditions, urban regeneration practices involving culture component, which aim to improve quality of life including economic, social and physical needs are required to be assessed and measured. .
In the case of Sibiu, one should as well consider the rich cultural heritage of the area, nurturing not only local solutions for local problems, but also a creative localism for local and national matters. .
All these effects can also be combined through, for example, a long-term policy of urban regeneration through culture. .
By this way longitudinal impact assessment studies provide support for monitoring the progression of impacts and legacies in the long term to release optimum benefits of urban regeneration schemes. .
4. Conclusion and further directions for research Cultural regeneration increases national and international visibility, hence improving the communication among the cultural and economic interests and the cultural and economic opportunities. .
This paper emphasizes this growing importance and contribution of architectural symbolism to the development of local identity, local economy and place promotion..
There is, for sure, a positive correlation between growth in employment and tourism and beneficial implications for the state budget (a correlation seen more as an intersection of factors that are mutually reinforced by one another and not one-way determined by the other ones cultural action). .
The increasing interest for culture as the engine of local economic development finds its antecedents in certain experiments in urban and regional planning, such as the urban regeneration plans carried out by the Great London Council, based on a strategic vision focused upon building cultural infrastructures and activities (DCMS, 1999). .
The pieces of evidence I presented above, underline the role of cultural regeneration as a catalyzing factor for the improvement of the economic, social, environmental, political and financial situation of a community. .
Being one of them, culture is increasingly seen as a useful catalyst for urban regeneration while cultural policies in Europe are considered as a tool to influence and shape urban policy and strategies, which lead to prosperous reflections reviewed and followed throughout the world. .
So far, measurement of cultures impact for successful culture-led urban regeneration projects has been evidenced to be a necessity. .
This creative localism constituted a support for public action as some sort of cultural regeneration avant-la-lettre. .
This is relevant given the emphasis placed on the role of libraries as a focal point, and a glue for community life, and on their explicitly increasing role in cultural regeneration.56 The effect of increased visibility57 is perhaps the most important achievement of this Programme. .
Such a forum enabled participants to debate and discuss a variety of ideas on the key issues in a flexible and open manner. .
This remark of the architectural symbolic quality represents the link between culture-led regeneration and architecture. .

ARTICLE - CANDIDATE TRANSITION VARIABLES

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