Education Concerning Historical Cities As An Example Of An Original Curriculum Taught To Students Of The Architecture And Spatial Management Courses

This article discusses the need for social education—in this case, concerning students of the architecture and spatial management courses—on the matter of the protection of historical cities. In response to this need, the author of the article has formulated two original curricula covering this scope. They are taught at the Cracow University of Technology. The first, as a seminar, is addressed to students of the architecture course and has been named “Protection of historical cities”. The second is taught as a spatial management course in the form of design classes and has been named “Legal and social conditions in the protection of the cultural landscape”. The need to educate students of architecture and spatial management on the matter of the protection of the cultural landscape of historical cities is necessary due to the potential threat to cultural heritage that is posed by new development projects. Future architects and planners must understand the need to protect historical assets and the value of historical urban layouts and precious works of architecture. Only then will they be able to properly, correctly and responsibly practice their future profession which will include, among other things, the verification of and participation (to a varying degree) in the process of carrying out architectural and urban design projects, often in a historical environment. It should be noted that the protection of cultural heritage, including historical cities, is an important aspect of the functioning of every society, as cultural heritage is an essential factor of the life and conduct of every person. It constitutes the material and spiritual legacy of past generations, as well as the legacy of our time.