Second-Order Preservation

More about the book

Challenging traditional preservation policies in the U.S., the book advocates for a critical reassessment of how historic value is determined. Erica Avrami introduces the concept of second-order preservation, emphasizing the need for a broader perspective that includes social justice, equitable land-use, and environmental sustainability. By critiquing established frameworks, she highlights systemic exclusion and policy tensions. The work calls for reforms in preservation practices to better serve diverse communities, linking theory with actionable urban policy agendas focused on climate and justice.