Toward the production of future heritage structures: Considering durability in building performance and sustainability – A philosophical and historical overview

Modern society values historic structures but makes no effort to build future heritage. Moreover, present construction, based on reinforced concrete and steel, lacks the durability of earlier eras. A focus on initial cost, the lack of long-term financing, and government policies have decimated the skilled trades, while unemployment in developed countries remains high. A renewed focus on sustainability would utilize materials more effectively to enhance the durability of modern construction, and would therefore justify greater use of skilled trades, thereby contributing to the reduction in unemployment and general well-being of society. The production of future heritage requires synergies that may imply changes in economy, public policy, and philosophy.