This course will help students explore the conservation of cultural and natural heritage sites and buildings by integrating fundamental knowledge of conservation theories and practices. It will help students study and learn spatial conservation planning policies with an understanding of morphological, legal, institutional, financial and governance frameworks underpinning the heritage value. This course aims to:

• Introduce students with the terminology and concepts of conservation planning,
• Develop their understanding on the conservation principles and philosophies and heritage values to protect different types of heritage sites and buildings,
• Evaluate the complex interaction of dimensions (morphological, architectural, legal, administrative, political, social, cultural, economic, environmental, demographic, financial, etc.) that impact on heritage value and urban conservation planning decisions,
• Understand the role of spatial planning and planners in protecting heritage by experiencing the implementation of conservation planning projects,
• Learn and experience how to investigate the multiple conservation dimensions of heritage sites, determine their values, potentials and problems, and develop conservation strategies and policies
• Explore alternative planning approaches, methodologies, and tools used in conserving heritage sites,
• Examine existing heritage sites to critically assess the outcomes of conservation decisions at a variety of planning scales,
• Learn new, innovative, and creative interventions and implementations that can be used as catalysts for conservation planning.