Can architectural conservation be mainstream?

Heritage is recognised today as a sector of international strategic importance and the conservation of historic buildings becomes, internationally, an increasingly common and shared activity for architects and other professionals. There is however a lack of understanding between the general public of what conservation and restoration is, as well as a shortfall between theoretical and philosophical developments concerning the contempor ary concept of built cultural heritage and the current professional practices, and even research methodologies. This paper reflects on this observation and proposes a model for the integration of traditional knowledge and contemporary technologies and for a more effective communication with the wider public.