What are the Values of Significance in Modern Heritage? : A comparative between the traditional and modern variables

In common notion and general understanding, heritage is often considered synonymous to something historic or traditional and being invaluable and irreplaceable in nature. Certain antiquated definitions pass an element to be of heritage status simply if it is more than a century old. Upgrading this, some sites today are considered to be of international importance through their inherent outstanding nature that covers a larger spectrum of values, but of which its historicity is a factor. Thus, if the time frame is given adequate importance then the question that arises is that: if an object, structure or site belongs to the modern era (especially Late Modern era – 19th century onwards), can it not still be significant enough to be considered exceptionally valuable? If the answer is yes, then an even larger question arises – What are the values of significance of this Modern Heritage?

Heritage or historic sites are often associated with the bygone eras of significant or important events that shaped human societies. The significance of heritage is usually measured by exceptional technological advancements, architectural achievements and creative artistic ensembles in the past, contributed by credible planners, craftsmen and artisans of the time; irrespective of the craft or the artisan’s lineage existing today. The broader definition of heritage today encompasses the physical entity, its immediate environment, the associated community and most importantly, their relationship with each other. Applying this meaning to modern entities, it is interesting to investigate the evolution of this relationship and how relevant the traditional variables can be in today’s societies. 

Identifying the existing values of significance, of a tangible form or an intangible association in a specific environment, is the most commonly used method to tag one as Heritage. There are various variables using which the characteristic values are measured and the significance understood. These in-built values are the essence of our understanding of traditional heritage and they have been further explored to understand their relevance in identifying tangible modern heritage:

Adding to the value of authenticity, the primary value of traditional heritage is its historicity, which is absent in modern entities and so cannot be used as one of the determinants. Related to this, is the associative value which stands for a link to a known historical figure, fable or tale, geographical form or significant incident. This factor for modern units translates well into being associated with a recognised designer or artist, significant impact or cause of an altering event or environmental factors. The value which is most crucial in both traditional and modern heritage is the architectural value. Grand innovative creations, use of advanced technology for core structural systems, use of new and renewable materials and inspired forms that reflect the culture of a place and evolved knowledge systems, all hold great significance and are the most important variable in recognising modern heritage. The value that compliments this is the artistic value which is also a valid determinant. Like older heritage structures, modern entities can also hold social and cultural values for being centres of society’s interaction that celebrate humanity’s culture and core values. They may also be associated with modern festivals, fairs and celebrations that are an integral part of community life.    

Thus, modern heritage can include works of evolved art practices including paintings or sculptures, contemporary forms of performing arts, evolved cultural practices reflecting heterogeneity of modern societies, sustainable planning of cities with designed interactive community spaces and most important, innovative infrastructure and architectural marvels.

Apart from these, other common values that traditional and modern heritage can share are a response to climate and topography, mirroring community’s beliefs and aspirations and being sustainable in nature. All significant marvels, irrespective of being old or new, have a quality of creating a ‘wow’ feeling in our hearts and that is their most important value and significance in our lives. Nevertheless, the modern heritage is a celebration of evolved traditional systems, bearing evidence to humanity’s continuous significant achievements, irrespective of the time we belong to. Alas, the answer to the question of which being more valuable is that both the traditional and modern are prized in their own ways.