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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Cultural exposition of architectural heritage

The 1907 Hague Regulations addressed the protection ICOMOS (2006) expands on the concept of
of historical structures during warfare (Blake, 2000). interpretation as a process involving various activities
Since the 1950s, UNESCO and other intergovernmental based on the principles formulated by Tilden. These
organizations have elaborated a corpus of conventions and activities aim to raise public awareness and deepen cultural
legal frameworks for the protection of cultural heritage. and historical knowledge concerning the objects. They
include print and electronic publications, public lectures,
3.2. Heritage interpretation
on-site exhibitions, educational initiatives, preliminary
Heritage interpretation is a complex domain that seeks to interpreting, community service and training, research,
explain and communicate the significance of natural and and evaluation (ICOMOS, 2006).
cultural heritage sites, enhancing their significance and Building on the knowledge outlined above, Staiff (2014)
relevance for the users. Freeman Tilden, a pioneer in this
area, articulated six principles of interpretation (Figure 2) has elaborated on the sociocultural perspective of heritage
interpretation. He has argued that interpretation is not
that remain commonly used to guide the implementation confined to functional definitions and practical application
of this practice (Tilden, 2008). These principles emphasize
usability and the concept of engaging visitors’ thoughts, manuals. According to Staiff, interpretation draws together
with the art and monuments’ goal of leaving people with various meanings and understandings, encompassing
something to reflect on (Hammitt, 1981). art, language, and science. Similarly, Nowacki (2021)
supports this view, positing that heritage interpretation is
First, Tilden’s “Relate” principle states that interpretation an educational process designed to impart knowledge and
needs to link it to the familiar experiences of the target elicit both emotional and rational responses from visitors.
consumer group. The second principle, “Reveal,” asserts that The primary purpose is to raise public consciousness
interpretations should go beyond the mere representation regarding heritage and to educate communities on the
of facts, instead addressing deeper meanings and importance of preserving it (Nowacki, 2021).
uncovering the true value of the heritage. The “Provoke”
principle emphasizes that the purpose of interpretation is Uzzell (1996) has presented a different perspective,
not merely to convey information but to engage the people, advocating for a more theoretical approach to heritage
making them stop and think. Tilden’s “Address the Whole interpretation. In this case, he claims that most research
Person” principle suggests that interpretation must appeal in this area has focused on short-term evaluation studies,
to both the rational and emotional, as well as spiritual, which offer limited insight. Uzzell (1996) suggests that
needs of the audience, offering a more comprehensive interpreters could benefit from incorporating theories and
approach. The “Present a Whole” principle advises that research from the social sciences to better understand and
instead of focusing on separate facts, interpretation should manage the contribution of interpretation to the public.
provide a holistic view of the heritage. Finally, “Tailor to
the Audience” emphasizes the importance of considering 3.3. Cultural and traditional Chinese architecture
the interests, knowledge, and experiences of different The ancient people’s reverence for the sky had an enormous
audience segments (Tilden, 2008). impact on the formation of Chinese culture and gave rise

Figure 2. Tilden’s principles of heritage interpretation

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 4 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.4189