Globalization, UNESCO, urban morphology and local responses

Abstract

This paper reflects on some of the basic statements by international bodies such as UNESCO and UN-HABITAT concerning the protection, conservation and restoration of historical urban centres. These statements are seen as a challenge to the community of urban morphologists of various backgrounds. The paper pleads for a stronger involvement of academic research and urban planning in the political decision-making processes at local, regional and transnational levels. It concludes with suggestions about how to achieve a stronger visibility of urban morphology in theory and practice and how to improve the network embracing urban morphologists in the broadest sense and policy makers at various scales from local to global.