Intangible Heritage and Design in Historic Contexts
Author(s): Johnathan Djabarouti
This research examines how intangible cultural heritage (ICH) informs historic environment policy and practice within Historic England’s remit. Undertaken through an AHRC Innovation Scholars secondment (2023-25), it explores how lived experience, community memory, and cultural practices shape the significance of historic places and how these intangible dimensions can be recognised within design, conservation, and broader decision-making. Evidence was gathered through internal focus groups with Historic England staff across a range of departments and roles, three detailed case studies – Bootham Crescent, York; Heritage Building Skills Programme; and Kirkham High Street Heritage Action Zone – and a wider analysis of policy, research, and documentary sources. Findings identified five ‘Cultural Mechanisms’ – materials, spaces, practices, narratives, and experiences – that describe how people create and sustain meaning through place. From these, the study developed two sets of interconnected guidance: eight ‘Designer Principles’ for architects and conservation practitioners; and eight ‘Decision-Maker Priorities’ for funders, policymakers, and asset owners. Together they provide a shared framework and practical tools for integrating ICH within heritage processes, supporting Historic England’s ambition to sustain the historic environment as a living cultural process grounded in the relationship between people, practice, and place. This research is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, Grant Number AH/X005240/1.
- Report Number:
- 83/2025
- Series:
- Research Report
- Pages:
- 120
- Keywords:
- Community Wellbeing Intangible Heritage Living Heritage Communal Value Collective Memory Building Skills
