Mental images of architectural heritage. The representations and the radical envision towards the conflicts and proposals of the historical downtown of the city of Guanajuato [Gto.], Mexico

Abstract

This paper searches to understand the imagery made by the inhabitants to their main conflicts and threats to built heritage, using the methodology of urban imaginaries trying to deal –with the imagination– of how the world functions and how it might work. The assumption is that perception and the proposals of these actors can shed light to the rearrangement of the Historic Center of the city and thus contribute to the conservation of the built heritage, and achieve from their imaginary ideal spaces. The Charter of Zacatecas recommends that land planning should be understood as a set of actions and integrated action programs to improve the quality of life of the population, promote orderly growth and ensure social cohesion; protect, preserve and rescue the property through public awareness and appreciation and active participation by developing surveys and identification of key individuals and opinion leaders to define policies and comprehensive strategies most convenient.