Engaging community in historic preservation: Insights from Florence

Abstract

The article examines the Boundary Spaces: Reading the Historic Urban Landscape through Intermediate Spaces project as a model for integrating participatory methodologies into World Heritage management. Focusing on Santo Spirito, a key attribute of the Historic Centre of Florence World Heritage site, the study explores the community engagement techniques aimed at raising heritage awareness and exploring the competing value systems associated to heritage by different groups. The findings highlight the necessity of participatory decision-making in reconciling sacred and secular uses, offering insights into sustainable governance strategies for complex urban heritage contexts.