Revisiting Kathmandu: safeguarding living urban heritage

“Revisiting Kathmandu” is an international symposium on the conservation of living urban heritage. It takes place in the context of a rapidly changing understanding of heritage as a concept that does not only include monuments any more, but complex urban spaces, where people live, work, worship and celebrate festivals. As values and aspirations of society change, urban settlements must adapt and respond to this change.

The symposium will discuss on how to maintain the delicate balance between conserving what represents the intrinsic character and value of the historic city, while, at the same time, allowing for the change that is required for the city to continue to live.

Each day of the symposium, which will be opened in the evening of 25 November 2013, will discuss these issues around one specific theme: authenticity, community, management and disaster risk reduction. Each day’s programme will include a keynote speech, presentations of case studies, group work and discussions. Additionally, there will be various supporting activities and posters presented in the evenings.