This book is an exploration of architectural and urban heritage through interdisciplinary and intercultural approaches assessing the impact of historical, social, economic and political constraints on the development of heritage and its sustainability. It aims to illuminate the present stakes of heritage conservation, management and maintenance in a globalised world.

Combining thorough examinations of historic cities through the tangible parameters of their built heritage (including urban fabric, housing design, construction systems, materials and techniques for thermal comfort) and the intangible characteristics of their local communities (such as identities, cultures, religions, values, ways of life and customs), this book provides a comprehensive exploration of case studies in selected cities in Egypt, France, India, Iran, Jordan, Morocco, Syria and Tunisia.

With its interest not only in urban but architectural, socio-cultural and environmental parameters, including political constraints, economic difficulties and climatic objectives, it is an indispensable resource for scholars and researchers in a variety of disciplines, including architecture, civil engineering, urban planning, sociology and philosophical anthropology.