Heritage values assessment as a gateway to integrating modern architectural heritage conservation into land use planning: a systematic literature review

Introduction Conservation of modern architectural heritage is pivotal for maintaining continuity in architectural history. Yet modern architecture, despite its significance, remains undervalued and vulnerable to pressures arising from urban development challenges. Recognizing the importance of heritage values, this study reviews selected literature to examine how architectural heritage conservation can be integrated systematically into land use planning.Materials and methods The study adopted PRISMA guidelines for a systematic literature review. It selected 17 key documents for systematic analysis after screening and eligibility assessment. However, a total of 66 records were used as references. Although the research largely focused on institutional literature, review articles and relevant books were also taken into account.Results The study conceptualizes the integration of heritage conservation into the land use planning framework as a sequential process, with heritage values assessment positioning as the entry point. The analysis suggests that systematic integration of heritage significance into land use policies, development plans, and zoning regulations can lay the foundation for architectural heritage conservation in the face of mounting urban challenges. However, effective implementation of these planning instruments depends on governance arrangements, stakeholder engagement, and continuous monitoring. The study acknowledges that the findings are limited to evidence synthesized from literature and require empirical validation.Conclusions A heritage values assessment provides an important basis for incorporating modern architectural heritage conservation into land use planning. The review demonstrates the need for stronger methodological integration between heritage values assessment and planning practice, and identifies this as a priority for future research.