Preserving the Past, Defining the Future: The Influence of Heritage on Social Identity

Abstract

This research article redefines urban heritage as a dynamic, negotiable social process rather than a static collection of artifacts. Against the backdrop of rapid urbanization and globalization, the study posits that preserving the past grounds social identity and defines the future. The theoretical framework traces the evolution of heritage concepts from the 19th-century Authorized Heritage Discourse (AHD) to contemporary understandings of intangible cultural processes. It explores the tension between history and memory, analysing how 'places of memory' cultivate belonging. Furthermore, the paper delves into the debate on authenticity, contrasting materialist interpretations with expressive, performative dimensions. These insights are applied to a longitudinal analysis of São Paulo, Brazil, mapping its transformation into a fragmented megalopolis. The study culminates in a case study of the Museum of Art of São Paulo (MASP), designed by Lina Bo Bardi. The analysis highlights how MASP’s free span serves as a vibrant stage for civic engagement and cultural exchange. By demonstrating the link between the built environment's materiality and intangible practices, the article concludes that heritage critically shapes urban resilience and social cohesion.