Alivia Rosy Walidonna, Bambang Soemardiono, I Gusti Ngurah Antaryama
This study presents a comparative analysis of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Melaka and George Town: Historic City of the Straits of Malacca in Malaysia and the Historic City of Vigan in the Philippines, exploring how they preserve architectural heritage in urban settings. The research assesses the interplay of physical and non-physical features to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the sites. The analysis highlights the importance of both physical features-such as structural integrity, design and materials-and non-physical features-including management, community and cultural-in urban heritage conservation. The outcomes of conservation efforts vary due to the unique historical, cultural and socio-political fabric of each site. Vigan's conservation focuses on Spanish colonial architecture and traditional skills, while George Town leverages its multicultural heritage through community collaboration and diverse influences. Key findings highlight the need for carefully crafted policies, effective resource allocation and inclusive stakeholder collaboration for successful heritage conservation. The research supports context-sensitive approaches to reconcile conservation with contemporary use, thereby promoting heritage longevity. Overall, the study identifies Vigan and George Town as models for integrating heritage conservation with sustainable urban living, emphasizing historical integrity alongside vibrant culture. It recommends further analysis of the long-term impact of conservation activities on the socio-economic environment and innovative conservation methods for World Heritage sites. © 2026, Construction Research Institute of Malaysia. All rights reserved.
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Architecture, Faculty of Civil, Planning and Geo-Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Indonesia
