Standard tool for assessing cultural resilience in Greek settlements

Abstract

This paper explores the correlation between resilience and culture, proposing an innovative methodology for assessing the cultural resilience of the residential environment in Greece through a multi-criteria model. Recognizing that every settlement complex is subject to various pressures and/or crises over time, the proposed model seeks to ensure the preservation of cultural identity and its transmission to future generations. The model is based on the two basic components of resilience and culture and can be applied in any geographical and social context. Through the synthesis of quantitative and qualitative criteria, a scientific tool is developed for evaluating the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of residential complexes. The methodological approach includes the initial categorization of cultural assets, to which appropriate indicators related to different types of pressures or crises are applied. The assessment of the current situation allows for the prevention and effective management of future disturbances. The choice of a multi-criteria model stems from the need to address the heterogeneity of indicators (verbal, numerical, temporal, etc.), which until now has prevented the extraction of reliable and comparable conclusions. Therefore, the methodology develops a unified mechanism with common logic criteria and a calibration process, accompanied by a user guide (toolkit) for its universal and uniform application. This approach can contribute significantly to the sustainable development of cities by introducing cultural resilience as a fundamental parameter in contemporary spatial planning.