For heritage sites to have a future, they must be present in people's lives

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On the argument that conervation of old buildings can retain their relevance, there is the rebuttal that it is not only about the preservation of their facade, but their integration into our daily lives that is going to make them relevant. Hence, real conservation is confined not only to the facade but also the the use of the building, how it fits into not just the landscape but also the lives of the people living there.....Otherwise, we will end up with massive 'white elephants'  that are only 'for show' or worse, having the facade retained while the interior is used for something totally at odds with original use of the building (think how the old ACS building at Amoy Street is today a night club!)

the general public often takes a very utilitarian approach in appreciating heritage sites - if it is useful and relevant to their lives, they are more likely to evaluate it as important, and vice versa.

unlike architects, historians or heritage interest groups, the general public often lacks expert and specialised knowledge about specific heritage sites....their basis of evaluation was simply based on the superficial attributes (such as the looks or the usefulness) of the sites, given their limited knowledge about them.

repurposing of the Boat Quay shophouses and Chijmes to their current use as dining and leisure spots can be considered as an effective strategy to preserve the relevance of these heritage areas to the lives of people today.


Qns:
1. Only modern architecture and modern art have a place in today’s world. How far is this true of your society? (Cam. 2011)

2.  Assess the view that traditional buildings have no future in your society. (Cam. 2016)