Full Description
Mega-events have long been used by cities as a strategy to secure global recognition and attract future economic investment. However, while cultural mega-events like the European Capital of Culture have become increasingly popular, cities have begun questioning the traditional model of other events such as the Olympic Games with many candidate cities cancelling bids in recent years. This approach to planning and developing cities through mega-events introduces a broad range of physical effects and nuanced institutional changes for cities, particularly for the more sensitive heritage areas of cities. This book explores these issues by first examining the dynamics of cities' attempts to reduce overall costs and increase the sustainability of these large events by further embedding them within the existing fabric of the city and second by studying in depth the impact on the heritage of host cities. This book investigates three World Heritage Cities: Genoa, Liverpool and Istanbul, each of which have hosted the European Capital of Culture and introduced a variety of opportunities and risks for their heritage. The book highlights the potential benefits and challenges of integrating event and heritage planning to provide lessons that can help future historic cities and heritage decision makers better prepare for such events.
Contents
1. Introduction: Mega-events and the city 2. The rise of cultural mega-events and shifting mega-event trends 3. Defining cultural mega-events and the mega-event process 4. The potential synergy between built heritage and mega-events 5. Genoa European Capital of Culture 2004: A cultural mega-event embedded within a strategic vision for heritage development 6. Liverpool European Capital of Culture 2008: A cultural mega-event within a strategic regeneration overlooking heritage 7. Istanbul European Capital of Culture 2010: Competing visions for heritage in a cultural mega-event 8. Key issues emerging from the overlap of heritage and mega-events 9. Conclusions: Considerations for future historic cities hosting mega-events Index
