Transsylvania Nostra Journal

Based on the experiences gained at an urban planning, historic building conservation, and research office, recalling concrete examples, the article is an overview illustrating the expanding world of built heritage from the individual protection system of the mid-20th century all through the emergence of territorial protection to regional, national, and cross-border protection. From the protection of the building to that of the environment, of the cultural landscape, and of road systems, to training courses and research systems following the expansion of the circle of protection. The 50-year-long process is illustrated by the author through examples collected from personal participation and the presentation of other internationally outstanding examples. The article summarises how over the last 50 years new dimensions and ways have been created in the protection of the built heritage, from the protection of individual buildings through the protection of cross-border landscapes to the heritage protection of road, canal, and border systems. In its extension, theme, research, and educationalaspects, the protection of built heritage has been a constantly expanding world since the middle of the twentieth century.

Keywords: built heritage conservation,territorial heritage, world heritage, preservation