Search Results (1,622)

As precious cultural heritage, earthen sites are susceptible to various natural factors, leading to diverse forms of degradation. To protect earthen sites, the effects of super absorbent polymers (SAPs) on soil water retention, physical properties, and color compatibility at different concentrations were studied. After applying SAP treatment to an earthen site with different degrees of weathering, we drew the following conclusions. SAP-2 improved soil water retention capacity, increased soil water content, and slowed down the precipitation of soluble salts. At the same time, SAP-2 had the least effect on soil color difference and reduced the development of cracks by filling soil pores and enhancing the cohesion between soil particles, thus giving the earthen sites better weathering resistance. Therefore, the results provide a useful reference for the surface cracking of earthen sites in semi-arid areas and the degradation caused by flaking and block spalling. Full article

The branding of cities through their historical and cultural assets has become a pivotal strategy in urban development and tourism. This study focuses on Erbil Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its potential as a brand for Erbil, a city with a rich historical backdrop and flourishing urban landscape. The study aimed to explore the perceptions of Erbil’s residents regarding the cultural significance of the Citadel and its potential as a city brand. A mixed-method survey questionnaire was conducted, collecting data from around 440 residents through both manual distribution around the Citadel and an online platform. The findings were analyzed using SPSS 23 to provide both descriptive and inferential statistical insights. The findings show that locals are well aware of the Citadel’s significance as a significant historical and cultural symbol of the city. The vast majority of participants acknowledged its unique visual attributes and their representation of the city’s cultural and historical identity. Additionally, the results showed that citizens’ perceptions of the Citadel as a good component of city branding were positively correlated with their level of cultural awareness. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on city branding and heritage sites by providing empirical evidence on the impact of residents’ cultural awareness on their perceptions of heritage sites as city brands. The results highlight how crucial cultural education and community involvement are to maximizing the branding potential of historic locations. Policymakers and urban planners may find the findings of the study useful in utilizing Erbil Citadel’s historical relevance to strengthen Erbil’s brand identity internationally. Full article

Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) is a critical tool in managing cultural heritage, evaluating the impacts of development and construction projects on the visual aspects of heritage values. However, VIA is often constrained by subjectivity, low public participation, and a lack of generalizability. This study aims to develop a methodological framework for a more objective and comprehensive assessment of visual impacts on cultural heritage. The study establishes criteria for indicators based on the value attributes of cultural heritage, develops an assessment indicator system, and integrates visual sensitivity assessment through multi-factor calculations with visual perception assessment using the AHP method and questionnaire surveys. This constructs an assessment framework that combines both objectivity and subjectivity. The Shangri-La Hotel East Building project at the World Heritage site of the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, China, is employed as a case study to empirically demonstrate the framework’s practicality and effectiveness. The results indicate that the Shangri-La East Building significantly impacts the attributes of the West Lake. The conclusion demonstrates that the indicator system, grounded in the attributes of cultural heritage, enhances the framework’s applicability across different contexts. The integrated assessment framework, which includes both a quantitative assessment of visual sensitivity and a public-participation-based assessment of visual perception, is shown to be effective in predicting the visual impacts of proposed projects on heritage values. The study also underscores the importance of Heritage Impact Assessment as a preliminary evaluation. Full article

The tourism development of industrial heritage is an effective way to activate cultural heritage and can provide new solutions for the renewal and protection of industrial heritage. This study focuses on the industrial heritage in Nanjing, aiming to explore its spatial distribution pattern, tourism development strategy, and sustainable development model. This study adopts a combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods. First, relevant information on 93 sites of industrial heritage type historic buildings in Nanjing is collected. Secondly, ArcGIS was used to visualize the evolution of industrial buildings and the spatial distribution of industrial heritage type historic buildings. Finally, the spatial analysis tools of ArcGIS and the accessibility analysis method in space syntax theory are superimposed to comprehensively analyze the spatial distribution pattern and traffic accessibility characteristics of Nanjing’s industrial heritage. The research results propose a specific plan to promote the value transformation of industrial heritage through tourism: based on the spatial distribution characteristics of Nanjing’s industrial heritage along the water system and traffic arteries, a tourist route of “multi-point, two-axis, one-center“ is planned; the tourism development strategy of “point protrusion, linear links, and surface darning“ is implemented; and a sustainable development model under the guidance of low-carbon environmental protection goals is explored. This study provides a reference for the protective development of industrial heritage and the expansion of tourism and opens up a new perspective for the regeneration and planning of other urban heritage. Full article

The purpose of this study is to explore the key roles and functions of institutions or organizations in the process of the spatial activation and industrial transformation of leisure fishing villages and to summarize this operating model. This study takes Xunpu Village, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province as the research object, which is well-known for its recreational fisheries. It mainly uses case study methods and uses on-site surveys and interviews to understand the formation time, spatial distribution, and business type information of the Zanhuawei shops in Xunpu Village. Zanhuawei, which refers to the traditional hairstyle of Xunpu women, was later applied for national intangible cultural heritage status in China. After the outbreak, the spread of Zanhuawei on the Internet inspired a large number of tourists to visit Xunpu Village to experience Zanhuawei. The study found that (1) Zanhuawei industry replaced traditional fishery and became the leading industry type in Xunpu Village. (2) The operating model led by the government and integrating public and private funds has had a stimulating effect on the revitalization of local commercial and residential space, and a large number of idle spaces have been reactivated. (3) The cooperation model between a large number of investors and local fisherwomen has completely changed the economic model of the village. Zanhuawei industry mobilized all official and media resources to promote spatial activation at various scales, including regions, settlements and commercial spaces. Full article

This article is a critical analysis of the conservation of a historic earth building: the Saint Bartholomew’s Church in Nigeria. It presents the conservation actions carried out through the application of conservation principles adapted to local context and contributes to building knowledge regarding building conservation in Africa. The conservation actions consisted of diagnostics, technical interventions and developing guidance for future maintenance of the building. The conservation was carried out between August 2021 and April 2023. A dualistic approach that combines local resources and internationally acceptable conservation practices was employed in the conservation of the church. This approach ensured that the appropriate interventions were carried out on the church building fabric simultaneously with training and knowledge exchange between experts from Nigeria and the UNESCO World Heritage site in Djenne, Bamako, Mali. This article highlights the challenges of conserving earthen architectural conservation in the 21st century and how these challenges can be mitigated through repair and documentation. Full article

Religious tourism is a growing phenomenon that is increasingly intertwined with cultural tourism, particularly in countries like Bulgaria, which possesses a wealthy heritage of religious interest. The Ancient City of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich religious history, provides a unique case study for examining this dynamic. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, including documentary analysis and case study methodology, to investigate the current state of religious tourism in Nessebar. The research revealed the underutilization of Nessebar’s religious sites for tourism purposes, despite their potential value. A complex interplay between mass tourism, cultural preservation, and the decline of traditional religious practices was identified. Full article

The purpose of this study was to investigate temperature and rainfall variations and their effects on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Konso cultural landscape, Ethiopia, using dense merged satellite–gauge-station rainfall data (1981–2020) with a spatial resolution of 4 km-by-4 km and observed maximum and min temperature data (1987–2020), together with qualitative data gathered from cultural leaders, local administrators and religious leaders. The Climate Data tool (CDT) software version 8 was used for rainfall- and temperature-data analysis. The results showed that the north and northeastern regions of Konso had significant increases in rainfall. However, it was highly variable and erratic, resulting in extreme droughts and floods. The study confirmed that there were significant (p < 0.05) increasing trends in the number of days with heavy rainfall, very-heavy rainfall days, and annual total wet-day rainfall (R10 mm, 20 mm, and PRCPTOT). The highest daily minimum temperature, lowest and highest daily maximum-temperature number of warm days and nights, and number of cold days and nights all showed significant rising trends. The increasing trends in rainfall and temperature extremes have resulted in flooding and warming of the study area, respectively. These have led to the destruction of terraces, soil erosion, loss of life and damage of properties, loss of grasses, food insecurity, migration, loss of biodiversity, and commodification of stones. The continuous decline in farmland productivity is affecting the livelihood and traditional ceremonies of the Konso people, which are helpful for the transfer of traditional resource-management knowledge to the next generation. It is therefore necessary to implement local-scale climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in order to safeguard the Konso cultural landscapes as a worldwide cultural asset and to bolster the resilience of smallholder farmers. Full article

Building information modeling (BIM) is the hottest topic of the last decade in the construction sector. BIM is interacting with other technologies toward the realization of digital twins. The integration of laser scanning technology and BIM is progressing. Increasingly, solid, mesh models are being semantically enriched for BIM. A point cloud can provide an excellent source of data for developing a BIM model. The BIM model will be refined not only geometrically but can also be saturated with non-graphical data. The problem is the lack of a clear methodology for compiling such models based on TLS and images. The research and development work between universities and companies has put modern digital solutions into practice. Thus, the purpose of this work was to develop a universal methodology for the acquisition and extraction of data from disconnected sources. In this paper, three BIM models were made based on point clouds derived from laser scanning. The case studies presented confirm the validity of the “scan to BIM approach, especially in the context of historic buildings (HBIMs). The paper posits that the integration of laser scanning, digital photogrammetry and BIM provides value in the preservation of heritage buildings. In the process of the practical work and an in-depth literature study, the ever-present limitations of BIM were identified as research challenges. The paper contributes to the discussion on the use of BIM in the design, construction and operation of buildings, including historic buildings. The acronym HBIM (heritage building information modeling) will increasingly resonate in the academic and practical work of the discipline of conservation and maintenance of historic buildings and cultural heritage sites. Full article

World Heritage Sites (WHS) possess outstanding universal value (OUV) centered on science and aesthetics, and the large scale of tourism has a certain influence on sustainable development, which will have some degree influence on the quality of tourist service and experience. Taking the World Natural Heritage Site Mount Sanqingshan National Park in China as a case, we collected 535 samples of tourists and used structural equation modeling as a methodology to construct a theoretical framework from the perspective of tourists’ perception, including tourism crowding (functional crowding, personal crowding, and social crowding), service quality (interpretation, goods, commuting, accommodation, and catering), tourists’ satisfaction, and OUV attractiveness as intermediary variables. The results were: (1) tourist crowding has a substantial negative influence on satisfaction, and the negative influence on OUV attractiveness is not tenable; (2) service quality has a substantial positive impact on OUV attractiveness and satisfaction; (3) the tourists’ perception of OUV attractiveness has a mediating influence on service quality and satisfaction, but there is no mediating impact on tourism crowding and satisfaction; (4) this paper puts forward the SCA-S (service, crowding, attractiveness, and satisfaction) framework of WHS, and explores impact factors and mechanisms of visitor satisfaction of WHS from different aspects. The relevant research conclusions have some theoretical value and practical significance for the interpretation and display of heritage value, improved service quality, and tourism experience, and they are conducive to protecting WHS. Full article

Traditional Chinese villages, recognized as national heritage sites, are invaluable cultural assets. Since 2012, efforts have focused on their preservation, though issues remain such as prioritizing authenticity over usability and material over cultural elements. This paper adopts the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach, emphasizing the integration of physical heritage with daily life to shift value assessment. The fundamental argument of this paper is that the HUL method can serve as a new tool for preserving the historical heritage and landscape of rural areas, particularly in the context of assessing and formulating preservation frameworks for traditional Chinese villages. Through the case study of Tangfang village’s new conservation plan, the research demonstrates that the value of traditional villages lies in the continuous interaction between daily activities and physical space, including landscape, functional, and spiritual dimensions. The study concludes that a preservation framework based on local residents’ daily lives ensures more effective heritage conservation and landscape preservation by addressing both material and human values. Full article

The Han Dynasty Ruins in Chengcun Village of Wuyishan City, also known as the Ruins of the Imperial City of the Minyue Kingdom, are located on the hilly slope southwest of Chengcun Village, Xingtian Town, Wuyishan City, Fujian Province, China. These are ruins of a Han Dynasty city. Wuyi Mountain’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage Committee declared it a World Heritage Site in 1999. It is also the only imperial city site from the Han Dynasty that has been declared a World Heritage Site in China, and it is the most well-preserved large-scale imperial city site from the Middle Ages on the Pacific Rim. This study used comprehensive archaeological techniques, including archaeological excavation work, site information recording, erosion situation analysis, and geological surveys, to design and implement protective engineering projects in response to existing problems. In this study, the researchers conducted a geological survey of the study area to analyze the topography, rock and soil distribution characteristics, groundwater storage conditions, and geotechnical engineering conditions. At the same time, they explored the preservation status of the site, including the preservation status of the East Gate and the East City Wall, and they analyzed the causes of damage. Finally, the investigation and analysis results guided the design of a site display project, which included safeguarding against collapse and erosion, treating trees and shrubs, and designing the exhibition project for the East Gate. This study provides some practical reference for the excavation and archaeological work of the royal city in the surrounding areas. At the same time, in terms of the technical process of the project, it is also hoped to provide ideas for international ancient city excavation, display, and protection projects. Full article

The preservation of the ancient seawall site is a focal point and challenge in the protection of historical relics along Hangzhou’s Grand Canal in China. This endeavor holds significant historical and contemporary value in uncovering and perpetuating Hangzhou’s cultural heritage. Researchers investigating the Linping section of the seawall site aimed to address soil site deterioration by selecting environmentally friendly alkali-activated slag cementitious materials and applying the response surface method (RSM) to conduct solidification experiments on the seawall soil. Researchers used the results of unconfined compressive strength tests and microscopic electron microscopy analysis, considering the comprehensive performance of soil solidification mechanisms and mechanical properties, to establish a least-squares regression fitting model to optimize the solidification material process parameters. The experimental results indicate that the optimal mass ratio of lime, gypsum, and slag for achieving the best solidification process parameters for the seawall soil, with a 28-day curing period, is 1:1.9:6.2. This ratio was subsequently applied to the restoration and reconstruction of the seawall site, with parts of the restored seawall exhibited in a museum to promote the sustainable conservation of urban cultural heritage. This study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the protection and restoration of soil sites. Full article

Preservation of cultural heritage sites is of paramount importance. The ruins of Carmo Convent in Lisbon stand as a poignant reminder of the city’s rich history, but challenges regarding structural integrity and safety are present in a highly populated and touristic area. In this paper, a comprehensive study of the Carmo Convent is presented, focused on non-destructive testing (NDT), structural health monitoring (SHM) and numerical modelling. Given its state of ruin and historical relevance, the study relied heavily on NDT. Additionally, a metro line passing underneath the convent raised concerns regarding potential hazards from induced vibrations. Thus, metro vibration monitoring (MVM) was implemented to assess the impact of induced vibrations on the structure. One of the challenges was the scarcity of standards specific to historic structures. However, through a combination of finite element method (FEM) and discrete element method (DEM) numerical modelling, valuable insights into the current condition of the structure were obtained. MVM revealed that the maximum velocity induced by metro activities remained within safe limits, indicating minimal impact. These results not only provide crucial information on structural preservation but also empower stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding the implementation of protective measures. Full article

This research explores the impact of urban design performance qualities on pedestrian behavior in a cultural heritage site designated by UNESCO. The study employs a multi-method approach, including a questionnaire survey, empirical observation of pedestrian activities, and empirical axial line and visibility graph analysis using the space syntax technique. The first part of the study involved a questionnaire formatted as a polling sheet to gather expert assessments of spatial performance measures. The second part used a pilot survey to capture the perspectives of end users regarding the study’s objectives and their perceptions of the site. Pedestrian flow was observed using a technique called “gate counts”, with observations recorded as video clips during specific morning and afternoon periods across three pedestrian zones. The study also examined the behavioral patterns of pedestrians, including their movement patterns. Finally, the ArcGIS 10.3.1 software was employed to evaluate the reliability of the results. The main finding of this research is that pedestrian behavior and walkability in the historical areas are significantly influenced by landmark integration, wayfinding behavior, and the socio-economic functions of heritage sites. This study highlights the importance of using cognitive and syntactic analysis, community engagement, and historical preservation to enhance walkability, accessibility, and social interaction in heritage contexts. In addition, it identifies the need for improvements in urban design to address inconsistencies between syntactic maps and actual pedestrian flow, emphasizing the role of imageability and the impact of environmental and aesthetic factors on pedestrian movement. This research provides valuable insights for urban designers and planners, environmental psychologists, architects, and policymakers by highlighting the key elements that make urban spaces walkable, aiming to enhance the quality of public spaces. Full article