For an intercultural approach to knowledge of cultural heritage

Cultural heritage is a tangible proof of every local culture: we cannot limit ourselves to recognizing the existence of a multiplicity of cultures, without offering opportunities for encounters and exchanges, for crossings and contaminations with ours. Knowing the heritage of other cultures does not mean using our point of view as an interpretative key. In the field of Emerging Countries, what are the problems and boundaries of responsibility for conservation? Is it possible to know the existing heritage, improve urban quality and living conditions and, at the same time, maintain its unique identity? The implementation of the process of knowledge and care of heritage is not only a disciplinary activity but has to be defined through social participation, environmental and economic sustainability. The concept of interculturality allows us to build a respectful and responsible dialogue capable of defining new cultural horizons and improving the existing heritage. Starting from these premises, it may be useful to indicate the essential phases of the knowledge project, not through an aseptic list, but to try to define them in depth, declining them based on the specificity of the heritage to be investigated and its context (cultural, environmental, constructive ...).