Dr. habil. PD Heike Oevermann (Germany)

Deputy Director at the Georg-Simmel-Zentrum, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

• Which site do you associate your first World Heritage memories with?

The site I associate my first World Heritage memories with is the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen. The works swimming pool by the artists Dirk Paschke and Daniel Milohnic next to the cokery plant consisting of two overseas containers that were cut apart and then welded together makes an iconic image.

• How did your professional journey in the heritage sector begin?

My professional journey started in the field of architecture with a focus on architectural history, heritage conservation and protection as well as re-use versus demolishing issues. In World Heritage Studies, I had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge.

• In your opinion, what are currently the biggest challenges in the heritage sector?

I think there are three challenges: mitigation and adaptation to climate change, the fair involvement of communities, and the protectiion of sites in their manifold dimensions.

• Which skills do you think will be important in the future for the heritage sector?

The most important skills in my opinion will be knowledge, innovation as well as communicative and integrative skills, respectively.

• Which advice would you like to give to young heritage professionals?

Take your time to get a full understanding of heritage.

Heike Oevermann