Computing heritage values: a case for Georgia and Malta

Abstract

Value criteria and dimensions of heritage are two aspects on which the heritage value is calculated. The Heritage Value Calculation is effectively a computation whereby the heritage value for given site is established. This method was applied to two seminal contemporary architectural case studies, namely, the Palace of Rituals (Georgia) and the Manikata Church (Malta). The heritage value computed for each provides insight into their essential features whilst allowing a comparison of the sites – Georgia and Malta are spiritually linked through the same religious faith. Although the Palace of Rituals scored slightly higher in the dimensions of materiality, function, and spirit and memory, the Manikata Church obtained considerably higher scores for design, location and context, and traditions and techniques, thus ending up with a higher overall final heritage value score.