岡崎研究室
2025/03/27
Lecture/ Vilnius Tech
On March 27, 2025, Rumi Okazaki delivered a lecture on the Heritage Ecosystem at the Faculty of Architecture, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University.
Title:
Future of Heritage Through the Lens of Heritage Ecosystem, Case of Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites
Outline:
Heritage conservation in the 21st century faces evolving challenges that require a holistic and interconnected approach. The concept of the heritage ecosystem, as outlined in the Gunma Declaration (2025), provides a framework for understanding heritage as a dynamic network of tangible and intangible assets, human and non-human actors, and cultural, social, environmental, and economic values. This lecture explores the case of the Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites in Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that played a pivotal role in the global silk industry.
Through the heritage ecosystem approach, the lecture examines how this industrial heritage can be sustained by reinforcing its connections with local communities, traditional knowledge, and emerging technologies. It highlights strategies for integrating conservation with innovation, ensuring that heritage sites remain relevant and resilient in a rapidly changing world. By contextualizing Tomioka Silk Mill within broader heritage networks, the discussion aims to illustrate how the heritage ecosystem approach can shape the future of heritage, fostering sustainability, authenticity, and community engagement.
Gunma Declaration (2025)
https://www.heritage-ecosystem.com/html/en/download/Gunma-Declaration-en.pdf