This article presents a more human, dynamic, and holistic perspective
of cultural heritage, closely referring to the currently observed changes
in its conceptual development. It argues that the conceptual focus of
cultural heritage has shifted alongside three interrelated and
complementary directions: 1) from monuments to people; 2) from objects to
functions; and thus 3) from preservation per se to purposeful
preservation, sustainable use, and development. The reappearing and alive
functional heritage is discussed as opposed to the
objectified, glass-covered, and frozen heritage of the
past by referring to both practical and theoretical heritage domains.
Conclusions are drawn in favor of an adequate reexamination and
readaptation of the conceptual framework of cultural heritage, based on
accepting its new functional socioeconomic dimension and integrating
multiple perspectives from a variety of academic fields.ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: I would like to thank Alexander Bauer and an
anonymous reviewer for their valuable comments on this
article.