I letter
ICOMOS
International Council on Monuments and Sites, Paris (Conseil International des Monuments et des sites).s a network of experts that benefits from the interdisciplinary exchange of its members, among which are architects, historians, archaeologists, art historians, geographers, anthropologists, engineers and town planners. Is a professional association that works for the conservation and protection of cultural heritage places around the world. Is composed of its national committees (NCs), to which individuals and institutions apply for membership. In addition to the national committees, ICOMOS has a series of international scientific committees (ISCs), in which experts in a certain field of activity within the context of heritage conservation exchange views and debate. It was founded in 1965 in Warsaw (Poland), its main seat is Paris (France).
ICCROM
International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property. ICCROM is an intergovernmental organisation working in service to its Member States to promote the conservation of all forms of cultural heritage, in every region of the world. It operates in Rome in the spirit of the 2001 UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, which states that “Respect for the diversity of cultures, tolerance, dialogue and cooperation, in a climate of mutual trust and understanding are among the best guarantees of international peace and security.”
Identity
Fact of belonging to the same tangible and intangible values. The properties or the recognition of a certain substance, system, personality or place and the connection between the characteristics attributed to a certain style, place, person, etc. Identity in cultural heritage determines the original existing features and materials of a historic property.
Identification
Ways of presenting the cultural significance of a place. Recognizing the object, place or environment in their cultural significance by the professional criteria in both their individuality and common life, with all the interactions between them.
Infill
Element that is pushed between others. It combines new structures with old ones in order to upgrade or combine a building, area etc; sensitive infilling means doing this without disrupting existing community values and continuity of space.
Intangible cultural heritage
Intangible practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts, and cultural spaces associated with values of communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognized as part of their cultural heritage. This intangible cultural heritage, transmitted from generation to generation, is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history, and provides them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity. Consideration is given solely to such intangible cultural heritage as is compatible with existing international human rights instruments, as well as with the requirements of mutual respect among communities, groups, and individuals, and of sustainable development.
Integrity
In ethical terms it is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of actions. Is also a measure of the wholeness and intactness of the natural and/or cultural heritage and its attributes. Examining the conditions of integrity, therefore requires assessing the extent to which the property: a) includes all elements necessary to express its outstanding universal value; b) is of adequate size to ensure the complete representation of the features and processes which convey the property’s significance; c) suffers from adverse effects of development and/or neglect.
Interpretation
Individual interpretation, presentation of facts. Interpretation are ways of presenting the cultural significance of a place. Interpretation is a means of communicating ideas and feelings which help people enrich their understanding and appreciation of their world and their role within it.
Integrated conservation
Complete set of measures aimed at ensuring the continued existence and enrichment of heritage, its maintenance, restoration, renewal, use and revitalisation.
International heritage site (also World heritage site)
Is a site of cultural heritage of international importance. A site of cultural heritage with importance of several nations and ethnical groups, established by scientific criteria of professional organisations and widely recognized by UNESCO. It is various areas or objects inscribed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage List. The sites are designated as having “outstanding universal value” under the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage. This document was adopted by UNESCO in 1972 and formally took effect in 1975 after having been ratified by twenty countries. It provides a framework for international cooperation in preserving and protecting cultural treasures and natural areas throughout the world.
International style (1927 - 1971)
Became popular in the middle of the 20th century. It was an ornament free, stark form of modernism, characterised by the repetition of units and the extensive use of glass. It is a style that is still in widespread use for tall buildings in cities around the world. It was epitomised by the Twin Towers of New York’s World Trade Centre, Commonwealth building, Illinois Institute of technology campus etc…
Intervention
Any action, other than demolition or destruction, that results in a physical change to an element of a historic place or a building. Least possible intervention in a building, monument or in a site is a minimal intervention and necessity to obtain it for the future.