Innovation and architectural experience in focus: unveiling their multiple dimensions in cultural heritage

The second edition of the “Architecture Experience” conference, themed “Innovation within Heritage,” explores the intricate relationship between experience and innovation in the context of architectural heritage. This keynote reflects on how experience, interpreted as knowledge, fosters innovation by drawing lessons from historical precedents, pattern recognition, and past failures, exemplified through case studies such as adaptive reuse projects, dissonant heritage, and restoration practices. However, experience can also constrain creativity, reinforcing traditional norms and risk aversion. By balancing experience with fresh perspectives, innovation becomes a dynamic process that sustains heritage conservation while addressing contemporary challenges. Key themes include authenticity, adaptive reuse, community participation, and cultural sustainability, emphasizing the role of interdisciplinary dialogue and collaborative efforts. The conference fosters a deeper understanding of how experience and innovation intersect, offering a platform to envision new strategies for preserving cultural heritage while ensuring its relevance for the future.