3 Social and Cultural Significance
Every building has some social and cultural significance beyond its historic value, depending on its previous use(s), location, and so on. It may exist simply as a well known landmark in a streetscape or rural setting, or have a wider social significance, such as a place of worship or other community facility.
Generally such significance can be a powerful motivation for interest groups and local communities, which may be predisposed to support alterations or a change of use or if these would enable the building to survive.
The Client
- Be aware of the social significance of a building, and consider how best to capitalise on it without offending local sensibilities.
- Clients can benefit from the cultural significance of a building. "Locating a new business in a well-known landmark will increase its profile and ensure customers can easily find it."On the other hand, alterations that the public perceives to be unsympathetic may provoke local antipathy.