‘Post-colonialism & the Reinterpretation of the Industrial Heritage’: The XVth International TICCIH Congress 2012 in Taiwan

For the first time in Asia!

The next international congress of The International Committee for Conservation of the Industrial Heritage’ – TICCIH – will be in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, in November 2012. TICCIH congresses are only held every three years. But they are the biggest international meetings of enthusiasts, professionals, students and everyone interested in the heritage of industry and the culture of industrialized societies. It also provides an excellent opportunity to understand why, when the Portuguese first saw Taiwan, they exclaimed formosa (“beautiful island”).

This is a marvelous milestone for the first TICCIH Congress to be held in Asia. The central theme is ‘Post-colonialism & the Reinterpretation of Industrial Heritage’. It aims to investigate the connections between historical, political, racial, environmental, economic, technical, and social issues of industrial heritage in our modern world. We will explore especially the industrial heritage in relation to post-colonialism - to see the industrial heritage from various points of view, and to seek solutions to the massive industrial impact on the landscape in the present day. The congress in Taiwan will draw the world’s attention to Asia and highlight the special differences of this region from the rest of the world.

Colonization affected the development of many industries, in both the colonized and colonizing territories, and changed urban and rural landscapes all over the world. It is clearly visible in surviving industrial sites, in landscapes formed over centuries by industrial activities and in technical infrastructure. However, for the new generation, post-colonialism has provided a different interpretation and ideas about industrial heritage. So for this, the first TICCIH congress in Asia, we would like to explore the relationship between industrial heritage and post-colonialism - to see the industrial heritage of others from various points of view and to seek the solution to the massive industrial impact on the landscape in the present day.

The geographical character of Taiwan forms the base of the diverse ecological character of this island. With mountains over 3,000 m, plains and tropical seashores, Taiwan is rich in plantation, geographical landscape, and mines. Its industrial development is founded on diverse farming and mining resources, on technologies brought in by different stages of political powers, and it is a great place to demonstrate the influence of post-colonialism.

The Taiwan congress fits with ICOMOS’ aim to widen the geographical and thematic scope of world heritage expressed in its report ‘The World Heritage List – filling the gaps, an action plan for the future’. In the west, ‘regeneration through heritage’ has a long development, yet in Asia it is a relatively new concept for urban and regional development.

The congress will include keynote speeches by major international experts, paper presentations, poster sessions and meetings for the specialist sections, as well as TICCIH’s General Assembly and elections for the Board. The meeting will include an exhibition of Industrial Tourism, there will be tours of local historic industrial sites and optional three-day post-conference excursion. Social activities will be arranged as a cultural platform to introduce Chinese art, culture and delicacies. We look forward to seeing you in November.

Come to join us. For information on how to register on-line, travelling to Taiwan and where to stay, other activities in the area, please visit the congress website: http://www.arch.cycu.edu.tw/TICCIH%20Congress%202012/index.html

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Email: ticcih2012taiwan@yahoo.com