Comparison of unofficial recognition and conservation approaches to informal architectural heritage: cases from Hong Kong, China and Iwate Prefecture, Japan

"Informal heritage" refers to spaces in cities that have certain heritage value but cannot be officially recognized as urban or architectural heritage sites. The author has observed the recognition and conservation of informal building heritage driven by architectural scholars (professionals) or communities in some Asian cities; this phenomenon provides a suitable perspective from which to observe the connection between Asian conservation, citizen participation, and urbanism. Western heritage research recently emphasizes the empowerment of communities to manage heritage conservation; however, what is the meaningful community participation in the old building's conservation if adding the professional perspective, especially in the diversified Asian urban context, remains unclear. This study involved participatory observation, interviews, and the analysis of relevant literature for comparison of the recognition and conservation approaches of two typical "informal heritage" cases in Hong Kong (China) and Iwate Prefecture (Japan). This paper discusses the interaction modes among historians, related professionals, and communities and the "heritage process" in these two urban contexts. Additionally, an argument is made that these two cases are consistent with a Western heritage conservation theory, which encourages community empowerment; however, in the Asian urban context, a higher degree of community participation does not necessarily indicate more meaningful participation.