The where and how of cultural heritage: Heritage and Locus as the focus of research by design

The module focuses on the concept of the cultural landscape as a subject of research-by-design. Its primary objective is twofold: firstly, to familiarize students with the concepts and analytic tools of locus, landscape, continuum, and network, in relation to site, diagram, and program within architectural research; and secondly, to cultivate the capacity to apply these tools effectively in selected case studies. Moreover, the module aims to demonstrate the importance of analysing both the tangible and intangible dimensions of cultural landscapes and the historic buildings they encompass, as well as the often-conflicting values embedded within them. Finally, it seeks to develop students’ ability to employ in situ research methodologies and contemporary instruments relevant to research-by-design approaches. The module examines the natural and human-made environment of the cultural landscape, focusing on the concepts of locality (locus) and its associated cultural background, understood as two central notions for heritage management. The module material focuses on the concepts and analytical tools of place, landscape, continuum, and network, in relation to the site, diagram, and program within architectural research. These concepts and tools are explored and applied through a targeted selection of case studies. Subsequently, the module shifts its focus to the transition from the landscape-scale to the building-scale, examining their interrelation and developing methodologies for analysing and evaluating their respective dimensions. Finally, methodologies for the management of in situ research on built works, along with contemporary tools for research-by-design, are elaborated and applied as part of the module exercise. Students are encouraged to develop a personal approach of expression through their own selection of media that articulate the language of space.