Preserving Cultural Heritage in Realizing Sustainable Cities and Settlements

Faculty of Literature

Art and Design

July 29, 2024

Public Engagement 

SDG 11

At the 6th ICA DECS 2024 conference themed “Creative Synergy between Technology and Tradition in Design and Education,” participants were invited to reflect on the important role of cultural heritage preservation in creating inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and settlements, emphasizing the need to maintain cultural heritage as an essential element that enriches the identity of cities and communities. In this context, Dr. Muchammad Bayu Tejo Sampurno from Sultan Idris University of Education, Malaysia, explained how modern technology can be utilized to document and promote existing cultural traditions.

According to him, technology is not only a tool to facilitate modern life, but also serves as a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that valuable cultural values ​​and heritage are not lost in the flow of development. A sustainable city is a city that values ​​and preserves its cultural identity. Cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, reflects the history and values ​​that shape the unique character of a community.

Through proper documentation and promotion efforts, local traditions and cultures can continue to live and thrive amidst changing times, making significant contributions to social welfare and environmental sustainability. The conference highlighted that cultural preservation is not just about preserving ancient buildings or artifacts, but also about maintaining social and environmental sustainability in urban planning. By integrating modern technology and local traditions, we can build cities that are not only economically advanced but also culturally and socially strong, creating more meaningful living spaces for future generations.