The ethics of conservation: some dilemmas in cultural built heritage projects in England

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to offer a contribution to the development of conservation scheme management by examining some of the ethical dilemmas that are commonly encountered in conservation projects.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is a detailed and critical review of existing literature and recent policy direction.

Findings

A practitioner's response to the various dilemmas will not only need to be conditioned by the codes of conduct of the various professional institutions but also through the explicit recognition of the very different set of ethical dilemmas that are encountered in conservation projects.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the broader appreciation of the ethical dilemmas that may be encountered in contemporary conservation practice. The paper can inform conservation consultants, administrators, specialist trades, educators and the non‐specialist reader.

Citation

Mansfield, J.R. (2008), "The ethics of conservation: some dilemmas in cultural built heritage projects in England", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 270-281. https://doi.org/10.1108/09699980810867424