Analysis of shift in aspects of Cultural Sustainability in built environment

Abstract

The relevance of sustainability is reflected a lot in today's scenario. Due to this, Sustainability has become a multi-faceted concept, which not only focuses on energy conservation but also respect to culture. Cultural sustainability involves preservation and conservation of various built cultural archetypes which already exist, with a concern of continuity of the culture and beliefs of an area. It is a debatable topic, whether cultural sustainability can be considered as fourth pillar of sustainability (Environment, Social and Economic being the other three). Even though it is mostly accepted, the extent of implementation of the same in the present scenario is questionable. An area without its history or culture loses its uniqueness and identification, for which cultural sustainability is very important in an area. This research paper is an attempt to explore the contribution of culture as possible fourth dimension of sustainability and an integral part of environmental, economic, social dimensions of sustainable development. This article also aims to understand the various aspects contributing to cultural sustainability and briefs upon the need for the same.