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- New
- Research Article
- 10.55186/25880209_2025_9_6_21
- Jan 13, 2026
- INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL
- Aleksey Malyshev + 1 more
The article examines systemic constraints that impede the effective integration of the region’s religious and confessional heritage into processes of socio-economic and cultural development. The relevance of the study stems from the growing emphasis on domestic tourism as a key priority of national policy, as well as from the unique confessional diversity of the Penza Region, where Orthodoxy, Islam, Old Belief, Catholicism, and Lutheranism have coexisted for centuries. Despite the presence of 199 officially registered cultural heritage sites—predominantly of religious character—their potential remains largely underutilized, necessitating the identification and analysis of persistent institutional and financial barriers. The research is based on an interdisciplinary approach that combines methods from economic geography, sociology, religious studies, and regional economics. Primary data sources include official documents—particularly the Penza Region’s State Program “Development of Culture and Tourism in the Penza Region”—as well as the Wikimedia platform’s database on cultural heritage. The study identifies three key institutional and financial barriers. First, there is a clear prioritization of formal procedures—such as the delineation of protected zones and technical inspections—over activities aimed at restoration, functional adaptation, and promotion of heritage sites. Second, since 2023, subsidies to non-governmental organizations for the reconstruction of the historical appearance of cultural heritage sites have been entirely discontinued—a particularly critical issue for rural areas, where NGOs serve as the main initiators of monument preservation. Third, there is no coherent strategy for integrating cultural heritage into tourism products: ethno-confessional routes have not been developed, digital interpretation of sites is lacking, and religious organizations remain minimally involved. Furthermore, the analysis reveals a significant gap between the declared objectives of the state program—such as increasing tourist numbers and tourism revenues—and the actual allocation of budgetary funds, which are predominantly directed toward administrative and managerial functions rather than practical development.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.64753/jcasc.v11i1.4187
- Jan 12, 2026
- Journal of Cultural Analysis and Social Change
- Mukhriddin Kilichov + 4 more
Study analyzes the potential for extending the length of stay of tourists by optimizing tourism routes based on architectural heritage sites located in the Historic Center of Bukhara. Using GIS technologies (QGIS 3.40), the spatial distribution of 92 cultural heritage sites was examined and analyses such as K-means clustering, Shortest Path, and Service Area were conducted. For each cluster, optimal one-day walking routes were developed and the total walking distance and duration were calculated. Moreover, based on real statistical data from 2020-2024, the number of foreign tourist arrivals to Bukhara from 2025 to 2030 was forecasted using the ARIMA(0,0,0) model. The model results indicate that over 21.8 million tourists are expected to visit during this period. If the average length of stay is extended from 3 to 4 days, a further USD 83.33 in revenue may be generated per tourist. This could result in approximately USD 1.694 billion in additional income by 2030. The findings of the study serve as a foundation for strategic planning in developing sustainable cultural tourism in Bukhara, optimizing service infrastructure, efficiently managing tourist flows and ensuring the rational use of heritage sites. Outcomes also bring into line with the broader frameworks of circular tourism and the transition toward a circular society, where heritage resources are reused, community benefits are maximized, sustainability principles are reinforced.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.3390/heritage9010018
- Jan 8, 2026
- Heritage
- Francesca Romana D’Ambrosio Alfano + 8 more
Radon exposure poses a significant health risk in underground cultural heritage sites, where limited ventilation and prolonged visitor presence can lead to high radon exposures. While previous studies have concentrated on monitoring and mitigation strategies, few have developed a comprehensive approach that ensures both safe and sustainable site use. This research introduces an innovative methodology that integrates periodic/seasonal radon risk assessment with risk-informed access management based on periodic monitoring and time tracking. This approach is based on: (i) periodic monitoring to obtain representative concentrations; (ii) the calculation of permissible stay durations using a dose-based framework; (iii) implementation via access registration (badges) and procedural measures; and (iv) the application of mitigation measures when concentrations exceed limits (otherwise, the dose is evaluated in accordance with the applicable reference levels). This strategy was implemented and validated at the Roman Theatre in Herculaneum, a unique case study characterised by complex architectural constraints (as the theatre is completely underground) and high cultural significance. Results from years of monitoring, along with ongoing campaigns, demonstrate that this methodology not only reduces radon-related health risks but also enhances visitor experience. This integrated framework provides a replicable model for balancing conservation, safety, and accessibility in underground heritage sites.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.30892/gtg.634spl32-1647
- Dec 31, 2025
- Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites
- Supharerk O-In
This research aimed to collect data on cultural heritage sites to analyze the spatial distribution of tangible cultural heritage in the old town of Takua Pa, Phang Nga Province, Thailand. The study seeks to establish a foundational database for assessing the spatial potential of these sites and for planning sustainable tourism development in the future. This study used a qualitative research methodology integrated with field surveys and applied geographic information systems (GIS) technology to map cultural heritage sites. The GIS mapping revealed the spatial relationships between heritage sites and their surrounding contexts, as well as their connections to other heritage sites in the area. The research framework used the theories of human settlement, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism, with in-depth interviews with local key informants to gather comprehensive insights through the Heritage Cycle concept. The results of the study revealed that the old town of Takua Pa has a variety of tangible cultural heritage sites with historical significance, including religious sites, shrines, temples, traditional community architecture, and landscapes shaped by traditional ways of life. These elements have resulted in some cultural heritage sites with high potential to be developed into unique cultural tourism destinations. However, many sites have not been promoted or developed systematically enough, resulting in a lack of connection with existing tourist routes and a lack of potential to effectively accommodate tourists. This study therefore leads to the proposal of appropriate promo tion strategies to plan sustainable tourism that covers environmental, social and economic dimensions and to actively involve the community in preserving and promoting local heritage. These efforts are necessary for the old town of Takua Pa to become a valuable and sustainable cultural tourism destination in the long term.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.30892/gtg.62435-1601
- Dec 31, 2025
- Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites
- Dunja Demirović Bajrami + 4 more
The study investigates how digital interpretation tools impact visitor experiences at cultural heritage sites in Serbia, focusing on satisfaction, emotional and cognitive engagement, educational outcomes, and ease of use. In response to evolving visitor expectations and the growing integration of digital technologies in tourism, this research addresses gaps related to demographic variations and lesser-known heritage sites in Southeast Europe. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining a quantitative survey (N=150) with qualitative interviews (30 participants) across three culturally significant sites— Belgrade Fortress, Felix Romuliana, and Mokra Gora. These sites were selected for their cultural prominence and differing levels of technological integration, allowing for a nuanced exploration of visitor interactions with digital tools. Results reveal that digital tools, such as augmented reality, virtual reconstructions, and interactive apps, enhance learning, foster emotional connection, and increase visitor satisfaction, particularly among younger and first-time visitors. However, older adults and those with limited digital literacy reported usability challenges, highlighting the need for inclusive design and multilingual options. Regression analysis confirmed that emotional engagement and immersive storytelling strongly predict satisfaction. The study also demonstrates that digital tools facilitate experiential learning, enabling visitors to internalize historical narratives more deeply than through traditional methods. Qualitative findings emphasize the role of personal, narrative-driven content in shaping memorable and meaningful site experiences. By providing a holistic, multi-dimensional evaluation, this research advances the discourse on digital heritage tourism, emphasizing the importance of adaptive, demographically sensitive, and culturally contextualized digital strategies. The study offers practical recommendations for site managers and designers, advocating for inclusive, emotionally engaging, and locally grounded digital experiences that cater to diverse visitor profiles.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.32420/2306-3548/2025.98-99.20
- Dec 31, 2025
- Українське Релігієзнавство
- Ольга Феліксівна Гольд + 1 more
The heritage preserved in Ukrainian cities, fragments of historic cult buildings, have their own cultural characteristics and integrity. Historic buildings in Ukrainian cities form an aesthetic and comfortable socio-cultural environment. The connection with architectural traditions and style, the borrowing of stone architectural cult decorations with the characteristic architecture of the city, the overall scale and nature of the division create harmony in the architectural ensemble and have an emotional and aesthetic impact. This allows Ukrainian architecture to make a special contribution to global diversity – the multiculturalism of the environment. Ukrainian cult architectural heritage, which belongs to the world's art treasures, is a model of protection and preservation that is relevant and requires a deep contemporary scientific understanding. The preservation of historical cultural heritage sites is one of the most problematic areas of activity in the fields of culture, construction, anthropology, politics and philosophy. This is especially true for monuments of religious architecture, which are being destroyed as a result of wars, conflicts, natural and man-made phenomena. Our hypothesis is that it is necessary to develop a modern algorithm and mechanism for the restoration and rehabilitation of material and spiritual heritage, based on the principles of scientific and comprehensive cooperation after its destruction and massive damage. The issue of restoring or changing the architectural ensemble of the city, restoring its original style, and using new methods and technological capabilities in construction requires the involvement of specialists in the fields of religious studies, architecture, construction, art, law, and state building. Therefore, in the context of a full-scale invasion, we consider it necessary today to develop an algorithm for preserving cultural heritage in the modern world, as well as to identify a mechanism for developing an architectural philosophy for the protection of religious and cultural objects. This is despite the fact that there are no academic, systematic, generalised and documented studies by contemporary philosophers, religious scholars and architects.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.30892/gtg.634spl25-1640
- Dec 31, 2025
- Geojournal of Tourism and Geosites
- Aidana Beketova + 5 more
The present article provides an interdisciplinary assessment of cultural heritage preservation in resource-rich territories, focusing on Kazakhstan's Aktobe Region as an emblematic case of the tensions and synergies between natural resource exploitation and heritage conservation. Despite the fact that Kazakhstan is home to over 25,000 registered cultural heritage sites, the protection of these sites is constrained by industrial pressures, insufficient institutional capacity, limited community engagement, and fragmented regulatory mechanisms. These challenges are particularly pronounced in regions with high concentrations of mining, oil, and gas activities. In such areas, technogenic transformations, landscape degradation, and environmental stressors have a detrimental effect on the integrity of archaeological, architectural, and museological assets. The study employs a systematic qualitative review based on PRISMA 2009/2020 guidelines. A total of 85 peer-reviewed sources published between 2000 and 2025 across heritage studies, geography, sustainability science, and environmental governance have been synthesised. A comparative analysis of international contexts demonstrates that developed countries are increasingly integrating adaptive reuse, heritage impact assessments, climate-risk adaptation, and participatory governance into heritage management systems. In contrast, post-Soviet states, including Kazakhstan, continue to encounter structural impediments such as legislative inconsistency, inadequate funding, and ineffective coordination between heritage authorities and extractive industries. The findings indicate that cultural heritage can function as a strategic catalyst for sustainable territorial development when integrated within governance models that combine legal protection, ESG-aligned corporate responsibility, community-based stewardship, and spatial planning. In the context of territories with abundant natural resources, achieving a balance between economic growth and heritage conservation is not merely a preservation task; rather, it is an essential prerequisite for ensuring long-term socio-ecological resilience and the formation of regional identity.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.31548/zemleustriy2025.04.010
- Dec 30, 2025
- Zemleustrìj kadastr ì monìtorìng zemelʹ
- A Koshel + 3 more
The article substantiates the integrated use of LiDAR technologies, geographic information systems (GIS) and crowdsourcing approaches for identifying, recording and monitoring historical and cultural heritage sites within local communities. It is emphasised that in the context of military action, urbanisation pressure and territorial transformations, cultural heritage is considered an important resource for sustainable development in accordance with UNESCO approaches and the World Heritage Sustainable Development Policy (2015).It is shown that modern LiDAR systems, including sensors built into smartphones, provide dense point clouds and three-dimensional models of objects with sufficient accuracy to solve a significant part of the tasks of documentation and operational monitoring, although they are inferior to high-precision ground and airborne laser scanners. Particular attention is paid to the hypothesis regarding the possibility of creating 3D models of cultural heritage objects using common smartphone models with built-in LiDAR sensors and assessing the accuracy of measurements of such models.To test the approach, a field scan of the local hydrological natural monument "Natural Spring" within the Shpanivska territorial community of the Rivne region was performed using a smartphone with a LiDAR module. Processing point clouds in Polycam, AutoCAD, PIX4D, 3ds Max, and Blender software made it possible to build a 3D model of the structure and estimate the relative error in measuring linear dimensions. For a reference section 210 cm long, the relative measurement error was 2.04%, which is consistent with the results of international studies on the accuracy of mobile LiDAR sensors, which demonstrate millimetre-centimetre accuracy for small objects and centimetre-decimetre errors in complex environments.The technical limitations of mobile LiDAR (limited scanning range, reduction in density and accuracy with distance, sensitivity to surface properties, influence of the operator's scanning trajectory, need for control measurements) were analysed and the prospects for their application for mass crowdsourced data collection on heritage objects were demonstrated. Based on an analysis of geocrowdsourcing experience, it is argued that the combination of the prevalence of smartphones, mobile LiDAR sensors and web GIS creates the conditions for the formation of distributed information systems for recording, monitoring and preliminary assessment of the condition of monuments at the level of local communities, provided that data standardisation and quality control procedures are implemented.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.32659/tsj.v11i1.437
- Dec 30, 2025
- Tourism Scientific Journal
- Fahrais Zahrudy + 4 more
The study examines how digital content influences the perception and satisfaction of tourists visiting Indonesian cultural heritage sites. As social media has become pervasive, young travelers now go to historic sites guided by four main sources of online interaction, namely user-generated content (UGC), firm-generated content (FGC), word-of-mouth (WOM), and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM). The study employed an exploratory sequential mixed-method approach, beginning with qualitative interviews to explore tourists’ digital experiences, followed by a quantitative survey of 160 respondents who had previously visited heritage destinations in Indonesia. Findings indicate that UGC has the greatest impact on destination image, followed by WOM, FGC, and eWOM. Destination image, in turn, mediates the relationship between digital content and tourist satisfaction. Both findings combined support the importance of digital narratives and social validation in managing expectations and enhancing the tourist experience. The paper offers practical implications for destination marketers and tourism managers to develop content strategies aligned with contemporary online tourist behavior. Overall, a nuanced understanding of the interplay between digital content and visitor perception is essential for creating more experience-driven and sustainable approaches to heritage tourism in the digital era.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1080/10941665.2025.2608950
- Dec 27, 2025
- Asia Pacific Journal of Tourism Research
- Na Zhang + 1 more
ABSTRACT The deterioration of cultural heritage sites presents a critical sustainability challenge. Digital content plays a central role in shaping tourists’ perceptions, yet little is known about how content from various sources influences responsible visitor behavior. This study introduces the concept of “UGC & GGC influenced heritage destination personality” and separately examines their differential impacts on tourist psychology and behavior. Using the cognitive-affective-conative (CAC) model, this study examines how perceived destination personality affects self-congruity, psychological ownership, self-efficacy, and ultimately encourages responsible heritage behavior. Combining Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) of 488 respondents, results show that UGC strongly enhances self-congruity, while cultural intelligence moderates the link between personality and self-congruity. fsQCA identifies three key pathways to responsible behavior: two UGC-centered, identity-driven paths, another GGC-centered approach, in which high psychological ownership and self-efficacy compensate for the weaker self-concept matching.
- Research Article
- 10.25073/2588-1116/vnupam.4579
- Dec 24, 2025
- VNU Journal of Science: Policy and Management Studies
- Nguyen Van Kim
Abstract: In the current context of development, the position of a nation as well as its cultural and brand values have increasingly become vital resources and driving forces in national development strategies. The strength of cultural resources and humanistic values is recognized as a key pillar for the country’s progress. As the capital of the first independent Vietnamese state in the 10th century, Hoa Lư once served as a space for extensive inter-Asian cultural exchanges and interactions. In 2014, the Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site under three criteria: Cultural (criterion v), Natural Beauty (criterion vii), and Geology–Geomorphology (criterion viii). It is the first mixed heritage site in Southeast Asia. Alongside its natural heritage, Hoa Lư – Ninh Bình also possesses a wealth of tangible, intangible, and documentary cultural heritages. This article focuses on analyzing the geo-political and geo-cultural position of Hoa Lư – Ninh Bình, its spatial distribution, distinctive features, and outstanding values. It also proposes several solutions to enhance the brand value of various heritage forms, as well as strategies for their sustainable utilization and promotion, approached from an intercultural perspective and in alignment with the vision of a shared natural and cultural heritage of humanity. Keywords: Hoa Lư – Ninh Bình; cultural heritage; values; brand value.
- Research Article
- 10.22378/kio.2025.4.99-128
- Dec 23, 2025
- Crimean Historical Review
- Alexander Yu Manaev + 2 more
The suburb of Salachik is one of the most important sacred sites of Muslim culture in Crimea. The monuments located here reflect not only the religious traditions of Islam on the peninsula, but also the evolution of such a political entity as the Crimean Khanate. At the same time, the state protects the preserved buildings – the durbe of Haji Giray and the Zindzhirli madrasah – as cultural heritage sites, without taking into account the value of the historical landscape surrounding them, as well as the preserved archaeological complexes from the Ottoman period. In 2023, archaeological surveys were conducted in the Salachik area to determine the boundaries of the cultural layer of the Salachik settlement and to register it as an identified archaeological heritage site.
- Research Article
- 10.35595/2414-9179-2025-3-31-689-704
- Dec 22, 2025
- InterCarto InterGIS
- Olga Markova + 1 more
The Moscow metropolis is home to a significant number of natural and cultural heritage sites: a specially protected natural area of federal significance “Losiny Ostrov”, 145 specially protected green areas home to 573 species of protected animals, plants, and fungi, and numerous cultural heritage sites, divided into tangible (more than 3 000) and intangible. Currently, there is no single database or unified information system that would contain a variety of information about these objects and would allow for their analysis, classification, assessment, and management of their protection. These issues can be resolved with the help of an atlas information system (AIS), which is an organized and ordered repository of diverse information, the most important information in which are maps that allow working with geographic information at different scale levels. Such an AIS should be multimedia (MAIS) and contain a large amount of publicly available cartographic and non-cartographic information. The article examines the various types of information on natural and cultural heritage and indicates the main sources of this information. The information structure of the atlas information system is generalized. The goals and objectives of creating an atlas information system of Moscow’s natural and cultural heritage are considered. One of the important goals of the creation of the AIS is considered—the identification of valuable cultural landscapes for the purpose of their possible protection, which is a very important area of activity for the capital’s metropolis, the urban development and economic situation in which is changing very quickly.
- Research Article
- 10.3390/app16010112
- Dec 22, 2025
- Applied Sciences
- Andrea Bergomi + 9 more
Ensuring good air quality in indoor environments of historical and artistic significance is essential not only for protecting valuable artworks but also for safeguarding human health. While many studies in this field tend to focus on the preservation of cultural heritage, fewer have addressed the impact on visitors and worshippers. Yet, places such as museums, galleries, churches, and other religious sites attract large numbers of people, making indoor air quality a key factor for their well-being. This study focused on evaluating air quality within the Santuario della Beata Vergine dei Miracoli in Saronno, Italy, a religious site that welcomes large numbers of visitors and worshippers each year. A detailed analysis of particulate matter was conducted, including chemical characterization by ICP-MS for metals, ion chromatography for water-soluble ions, and thermal–optical analysis for the carbonaceous fraction, as well as assessments of size distribution and radiometric properties. The results indicated overall good air quality conditions: concentrations of heavy metals were below levels of concern (<35 ng m−3), and gross alpha, beta, and 137Cs activity concentrations remained below the minimum detectable thresholds. Hence, no significant health risks were identified.
- Research Article
- 10.35595/2414-9179-2025-3-31-595-610
- Dec 22, 2025
- InterCarto InterGIS
- Tatiana Sukmanova + 1 more
The article examines the possibilities of applying SLAM scanning technology (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) for the protection and monitoring of natural and cultural heritage. The study is based on the use of the mobile 3D LiDAR scanner LiGrip H300, which enables the creation of highly accurate spatial models of objects with a precision of ±1 cm and a data collection speed of up to 640 000 points per second. Field research was conducted on two key sites: the ecological trail “Korolevsky Bor” in the Curonian Spit National Park (Kaliningrad Region) and the memorial complex “Command Post of the 43rd Army” in the village of Kholmogorovka. The authors identified significant advantages of SLAM technologies over traditional surveying methods, such as tacheometric surveying. The application of SLAM significantly reduced time expenditures—the average processing time for one object was 1.5 h compared to several days using traditional methods. Increased data detail is another major advantage of this technology. Based on the collected data, digital terrain and relief models were developed with an absolute accuracy of 3–5 cm, along with orthophoto plans with a resolution of 20 mm/pixel. Special attention was paid to integrating point clouds into geographic information systems (GIS). Limitations of standard GIS tools when working with high-density spatial data were identified, necessitating the adaptation of existing software solutions. Approaches for improving software to efficiently process large volumes of laser data directly within the GIS environment were proposed. The study results demonstrate the promise of SLAM technologies not only for monitoring dynamic processes in natural complexes but also for planning restoration work on regional cultural and historical heritage sites. The use of SLAM enhances the speed and accuracy of data collection, which is particularly important for areas with limited access or challenging survey conditions.
- Research Article
- 10.3390/buildings16010035
- Dec 21, 2025
- Buildings
- Tianlin Liu + 4 more
The Songliao River Basin, as a core area of multicultural integration in Northeast China, still lacks systematic research on the spatial distribution of religious sites and their influencing factors. This study integrates spatial pattern analysis methods (kernel density, standard deviation ellipse, imbalance index) and spatial econometric models (spatial error model, geographically weighted regression model) to explore the spatial distribution characteristics of 1288 religious sites in the basin and the influencing mechanisms of natural, socio-economic, and cultural factors. Results: (1) Religious sites in the basin show a clustered distribution of “higher density in the south than the north, one main cluster and two sub-cores”, with a northeast–southwest trend and poor balance at the prefectural-city scale. (2) Cultural factors are the core driver; cultural memory and social capital in traditional villages promote the agglomeration of religious sites and shape the “one village, multiple temples” pattern. Intangible Cultural Heritage, Major Historical and Cultural Sites Protected at the National Level, and religious sites form a tripartite symbiotic spatial relationship of “cultural practice—spatial carrier—institutional identity”; natural factors lay the basic pattern of spatial distribution. (3) Policy factors have a significant impact: A-rated Tourist Attractions and Performing Arts Venues show a positive effect, while museums exhibit spatial inhibition due to functional competition. (4) Economic, Population, and Transportation factors had no statistically significant effects, indicating that their spatial distribution is driven primarily by endogenous cultural mechanisms rather than external economic drivers. This study fills the gap in research on the spatial distribution of religious sites in Northeast China. By integrating multiple methods, a quantitative demonstration of the coupling mechanism of multiple factors was conducted, providing scientific support for religious cultural heritage protection policies and sustainable development strategies amid rapid urbanization.
- Research Article
- 10.26689/jera.v9i6.13187
- Dec 16, 2025
- Journal of Electronic Research and Application
- Yueying Huang + 3 more
In recent years, the state has vigorously promoted the construction of cultural heritage-themed tourism routes. Policies such as the Notice on the Construction of China Cultural Heritage-Themed Tourism Routes and the Dongpo Journey-China Cultural Heritage-Themed Tourism Route Master Plan have been successively issued, encouraging the creation of cultural-tourism integration projects that primarily feature immovable cultural relics and combine specific themes. However, current digital tours at cultural heritage sites often suffer from fragmented cultural knowledge transmission, a lack of personalized user experience, and insufficient contextual learning effects. To address these issues, this study takes the “Dongpo Travel” digital tour mini-program as a case study to explore the design of a thematic tourism route digital tour platform that integrates ontology and user profiling. The platform achieves structured transmission of Dongpo cultural knowledge by constructing historical relic tour maps, improving cultural tourism route services, setting up post-tour incentive mechanisms, and developing contextual learning modules. This meets the personalized travel needs of different users and helps tourists deepen their cultural learning during visits. Practice shows that the platform can operate stably at the Su Causeway in the West Lake Scenic Area, covering approximately 27 Dongpo cultural sites and serving over 500 people daily. It not only promotes the revitalization and inheritance of Dongpo cultural heritage but also provides a replicable solution for the digital transformation of the cultural tourism industry. Additionally, it effectively enhances the efficiency of contextual learning at cultural heritage sites and offers a reference for the construction of similar thematic tourism route digital tour platforms.
- Research Article
- 10.36868/ijcs.2025.04.02
- Dec 15, 2025
- International Journal of Conservation Science
- Atef Shiyab + 1 more
The Roman plaster used in the Umm Qais water tunnel, located in the ancient city of Gadara (modern-day Jordan), represents a significant example of Roman engineering and material science. This study investigates the composition, application techniques, and durability of Roman plaster through advanced analytical methods, including Portable Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Petrography, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The analysis reveals that the plaster primarily consists of lime (calcite) and sand (quartz), with additives such as volcanic ash and natural dyes, reflecting the Romans' sophisticated understanding of composite materials. The plaster's layered application and homogeneous mixing techniques underscore the Romans' emphasis on both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. The findings highlight the plaster's resilience over centuries, attributed to its high lime content and the inclusion of local materials like basalt. This research not only enhances our understanding of Roman construction practices but also provides valuable insights for the conservation and restoration of historical structures. The study underscores the importance of using compatible materials in modern preservation efforts to maintain the authenticity and longevity of cultural heritage sites.
- Research Article
- 10.36922/jcau025290057
- Dec 12, 2025
- Journal of Chinese Architecture and Urbanism
- Hongru Ge + 2 more
The iconic opera stages in the rural areas of China are cultural heritage sites; however, the majority of them are being ruined by the fast urbanization process, a lack of resources, and knowledge on how to preserve them. This study examines the cultural dimensions of the adaptive reuse of historic opera stages in rural China, the challenges encountered during restoration, and their influence on surrounding communities. Five case studies were conducted, and a total of 400 survey questionnaires were collected from the selected opera stage sites. The findings revealed a mean score of 4.5 for the perceived importance of preserving opera stages, indicating a significant cultural impact. The standard deviations (0.6&ndash;0.9) were narrow, showing consistent perceptions of cultural preference among communities. Key barriers reported by interview participants included financial limitations (20/25), structural degradation (18/25), and difficulty in balancing modern use with cultural integrity (15/25). Field observations confirmed these issues; for instance, the Qianlong Theater required extensive restoration due to poor structural conditions. At the same time, adaptive reuse promoted economic growth in the participating areas, with tourism increasing by 20&ndash;50 percent. The most notable boost occurred in the Qianlong Theater (50%), while 90 percent of respondents from the Taizhou Theater reported a positive economic impact. Cultural revitalization also played a crucial role, with 10&ndash;20 cultural events held annually at each site as part of community engagement. In summary, adaptive reuse represents a sustainable strategy for preserving rural cultural heritage in China, fostering local economic growth and cultural tourism. However, financial and structural challenges must be addressed to ensure long-term preservation of these buildings.
- Research Article
- 10.30853/mns20250232
- Dec 11, 2025
- Манускрипт
- Olga Yurievna Blatova
Based on the collected material, historically valuable architectural objects were identified that have lost their authentic appearance following reconstruction and restoration work involving various dominant elements (added floors, annexed volumes, and forms). The purpose of this study is to identification cultural heritage sites after reconstruction work that has changed the historical appearance of buildings and demonstrates the destruction of the unique morphology of cultural monuments through additions and extensions, which is a pressing issue. The study was conducted using the following architectural objects: a late 19th-century residential building at 4A Bolshaya Kazachya St., Saratov; the House of Johann Langelit-tie, Svetlanskaya and Kitayskaya St., Vladivostok; and the Delovoy Dvor Hotel, 6 Gazetny Lane, Omsk, all objects showing clear signs of losing their original, authorial image. An overview of several buildings dis-torted as a result of modernization is presented, and their characteristics are defined. The newly created structure clearly demonstrates the superiority of the new volume over the “old” in its appearance, visually representing signs of “parasitism” in architecture. The article attempts to characterize this emerging phe-nomenon and formulate definitions (“architectural parasitism”, “parasite” in architecture, “parasite ob-ject”) that reflect the essence of the phenomenon. The author, for the first time, attempts to define the cur-rent state of the architectural environment under the influence of “parasitization”, which constitutes the author’s contribution and scientific novelty. As a result of the work, a new concept in the scientific field, “architectural parasitism,” has been formulated, and a thesis has been proposed about creating a new con-cept in the living environment of architectural space.