Abstract
Cultural sustainability raises numerous issues for architects, who are challenged to find solutions for preserving and enhancing architectural heritage, the natural setting, and cultural identity. An important issue in maintaining cultural identity is the relationship between new developments and architectural heritage, which should preserve meanings transmitted over time, by generations. On the one hand, this requires respect for the traditions and the existing built environment. On the other hand, new developments should address the needs and values of modern society and find ways to connect the heritage to modern life. Architectural heritage has an as-yet untapped potential for integrating the cultural and social dimensions of sustainability. Based on case studies, this article analyses three ways in which the cultural and social values of historical heritage can be preserved, enhanced, and enriched by new architectural developments.