International Journal of Architectural Research Remah Y. Gharib Archnet-IJAR, Volume 8 - Issue 1 - March 2014 - (108-119) – Section: Original Research Articles Copyright © 2014 Archnet-IJAR, International Journal of Architectural Research 108 SUSTAINABLE ASSESSMENT TOOL OF HISTORIC CENTERS: The Cases of Bath and Cambridge Remah Y. Gharib Assistant Professor of Urban Design Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies Hamad Bin Khalifa University rgharib@qfis.edu.qa Abstract The rise in the interest of urban conservation over the past years has led to search for a more effective decision-making and appropriate assessment. Conservation of historic centers in England aims to achieve important goals with social benefits and increasingly the improving urban qualities. Despite this positive consciousness, some conservation initiatives do not deliver their goals at the right time while others do not maintain their success for longer periods. This striking phenomenon is often due to the lack of sustainable management. The aim of this study is to explore the concept of sustainable management with particular focus on the conservation of historic centers and to introduce an assessment tool to measure the degree of success in conserving historic centers. The study focuses on two English case studies: Bath and Cambridge City Centers; investigating their visions, policies and strategies with relevance to the feedback of local communities and responsible authorities. The study utilizes the assessment tool to clarify the crucial need for an effective management framework based on the relationships of the factors of ‘importance’ and ‘performance.’ Keywords: urban conservation; assessment tool; sustainable management; built heritage. INTRODUCTION Conservation is a contemporary trend committed to sustain the heritage assets, applying economic investments to serve the community and maintain the cultural identity of historic centers. The conservation of historic centers plays an important role in the enhancement of the urban continuity and fabric cohesion. Needless to say, the conservation process produces multi- visions of regeneration; yet, this requires effective and well-regulated management. In addition, the conservation process requires a developmental approach that includes community development and a sensible attitude toward the urban potentials. Kevin Lynch (1972; p.33) stated that, “if change is inevitable, then it should be moderated and controlled so as to prevent violent dislocation and preserve a maximum of continuity with the past.” Based on Fairclough (2001), sustainable development assumes that inherited built heritages cannot stay stagnant, yet they require change to accommodate adaptation and ensure continuation of history. Other scholars even added that, to achieve an energetic public realm, the idea of managing ‘change’ in urban design is essential with the same importance as design (Carmona, et al, 2003; Pickard, 2001). Therefore, there is a crucial need to apply sensible framework of conservation as being the fundamental controlling aspect in the development process, and to decrease any damage that may occur. On the other hand, conservation includes the involvement of the community, policy-makers and implementers; eventually, to reinforce the various outcomes and tangible or intangible deliverables.