ASPECTS OF THE ARCHITECTURAL AND URBAN HERITAGE FROM DOCUMENTATION AND REGISTERS TO CONSERVATION FOR ADAPTIVE AND MODERN USE At THE HISTORIC CORES Of SALT AND IRBID JORDAN
This paper attempts to present, discuss the outcome of the results' of the main different studies and projects carried out at Salt and at Irbid historic cores and focuses on the executed urban heritage projects' undertaken mainly by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) of Jordan in the last two decades. These projects invested in the reuse of traditional buildings, the refurbishments of urban spaces, traditional buildings facades and street pavements at the urban cores. It discusses their different aspects by starting; to assess the loss and degradation of the cultural heritage assets of the two cities, the fragmentation and lack of connectivity between the modern and historic cores, issues of sustainability of architectural and urban heritage projects; i.e. tourism planning and conservation and reuse projects at the historic cores in relation to cultural, physical factors and development needs. It also addresses the behaviour and characteristics of the urban regeneration process in those two historic cities, starting from their documentation to examining the different aspects of the currently adopted urban practices and policies and their impact on the existing urban heritage, depending on the specific identity of the respective historic cores. Finally, it aims to define the main constraints and challenges for the reuse of the existing heritage fabric including the local community quality of life, while building on sustainable heritage activities accommodating tourism opportunities. This will give, at least, some indications from which we can identify a use or combination of uses, and practical steps needed for successful heritage conservation actions in Jordan, in order to retain the cultural significance of the place.