Heritage and aesthetic displeasure: the value of aesthetic discomfort exemplified through three case studies
Kulturerbe und ästhetisches Missfallen: der Wert des ästhetischen Unbehagens, veranschaulicht durch drei Fallstudien
- The World Heritage List, created in 1972 by the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World's Cultural and Natural Heritage, exhibits few cultural sites younger than
the signing of the convention, as well as everyday structures which comprise the contemporary urban life.
This idea of heritage as something related to the ancient not only is manifested in the international sphere but has also permeated national views, weakening awareness for discreet heritage, which compete with designs from famous architects or monumental structures, giving the impression that grandeur and looks are highly coveted. This does not only discard relevant events of the mid-late 20th century attached to smaller constructions that had impacts on different cultures, but also integral components of urban fabric. Furthermore, these approaches towards heritage relevance resonate within the local populations, who, taking as examples how heritage is treated and approached in an international context, tend to overlook structures that are consideredThe World Heritage List, created in 1972 by the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World's Cultural and Natural Heritage, exhibits few cultural sites younger than
the signing of the convention, as well as everyday structures which comprise the contemporary urban life.
This idea of heritage as something related to the ancient not only is manifested in the international sphere but has also permeated national views, weakening awareness for discreet heritage, which compete with designs from famous architects or monumental structures, giving the impression that grandeur and looks are highly coveted. This does not only discard relevant events of the mid-late 20th century attached to smaller constructions that had impacts on different cultures, but also integral components of urban fabric. Furthermore, these approaches towards heritage relevance resonate within the local populations, who, taking as examples how heritage is treated and approached in an international context, tend to overlook structures that are considered aesthetically displeasing because they do not adhere to this traditional scheme seen in the heritage field.
From here extends the idea of analyzing case studies that fall within overlooked heritage from a new angle: one of valuating aesthetic displeasure. The thesis will focus
on individual and serial constructions of the 20th century commonly seen as displeasing due to their typologies and styles but also due to their formal characteristics,
redirecting the attention from those considered aesthetically pleasing and grandiose towards otherwise ignored built heritage. Additionally, it will address the perceptions of such structures in the context of the international heritage and conservation spheres, to present how these structures are currently not fully appreciated within the traditional idea of heritage due to their looks and commonality. This approach does in fact overlook, and even relegate, those buildings that do not fit into the preconceived idea of aesthetics, denying the opportunity to explore and find their potential for heritage value.…