Heritage Conservation Research Articles

Legislative Frameworks of Architectural Heritage Conservation Acts: A Comparative Study across Nations

Legislative Frameworks of Architectural Heritage Conservation Acts: A Comparative Study across Nations

Gamma irradiation for Cultural Heritage conservation: Comparison of the side effects on new and old paper

Ionizing radiations, commonly applied as diagnostic tools in Cultural Heritage (CH) field, are also proving effective for eliminating biodeteriogens (insects, fungi, bacteria and molds) responsible for the degradation of CH artifacts and often harmful for restorers, archivists and librarians. The use of ionizing radiations, such as gamma rays, for CH treatments is spreading in many countries. However, some CH operators remain resistant due to insufficient knowledge about the potential physico-chemical modifications (secondary effects) induced by radiation. This work aims to investigate and compare the effects of irradiation parameters (such as absorbed dose and dose rate) on old paper samples and new pure-cellulose paper, chosen as a reference model material. Absorbed doses up to 8 kGy have been used, as these values are commonly agreed upon for the preservation treatment of CH artifacts and are generally effective for biodeteriogens removal. Optimizing irradiation conditions helps to minimize secondary effects (such as oxidation, depolymerization or color changes), thereby increasing the reliability of the process and boosting confidence among CH operators. The secondary effects were analyzed using various physico-chemical characterizations (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, Raman microscopy, viscosimetric and colorimetric analysis) on old and new paper samples. The results indicate varying behaviors, correlated with paper composition, sample age and irradiation parameters, towards gamma radiation. This groundbreaking study not only confirms the efficacy of gamma irradiation treatments but also provides essential data that will aid in the development of optimized best practice protocols and guidelines for non-destructive and minimally destructive methods applied to real case studies and treatments.

Industrial Heritage and Cultural Clusters: More Than a Temporary Affair?

The transformation of industrial heritage buildings into cultural clusters has emerged as a prominent topic of academic research in urban planning, urban studies, heritage conservation, and architecture. Cultural clusters, defined as geographically concentrated cultural activities and organisations, have become a key instrument in urban regeneration, fostering economic growth and cultural development. Despite the benefits that cultural clusters offer in terms of fostering cultural activity, they often prove to be short-lived due to various external factors, including urban regeneration pressures, shifts in policy, and changes in zoning regulations. This thematic issue presents seven case studies that offer insights into the current state of cultural clusters, their transient nature, and the conditions necessary to guarantee their long-term sustainability in industrial heritage sites. The research is particularly relevant in light of the mounting pressure on urban land, where industrial heritage sites are frequently repurposed for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes.

The Archaeology and Cultural Heritage of the Mafia Archipelago, Tanzania: Recommendations for Conservation and Management

ABSTRACT This paper reflects on the status of conservation and management of the cultural heritage of the Mafia archipelago, Tanzania, by examining six sites: the stone town sites of Kisimani Mafia and Kua, Ukunju Cave, Mwamba Ukuta, Chole Island ruins, and Bwejuu Island. These sites constitute a rich archaeological record, extending from ancient time through the medieval to the recent past. Mafia’s rich cultural heritage has attracted multiple phases of archaeological research since the mid-1950s. Despite being well known, the archipelago’s heritage places face serious conservation and management challenges of both natural and anthropogenic origins. Natural challenges include severe wave erosion, while anthropogenic ones include looting and relentless pressure from development projects. We propose specific recommendations for addressing these challenges, underpinning the need to develop sustainable heritage tourism that will stimulate community heritage awareness and promote conservation.

An Empirical Approach to Archaeological Heritage Conservation Through Tourism Planning: A Proposal in the Case of Tyana, Türkiye

ABSTRACT Archaeological heritage is too important and valuable a resource to be left to tourism professionals and/or archaeologists alone. Protecting archaeological heritage sites and transferring them to future generations is not possible only through legal regulations and archaeological studies. They need to be brought into tourism by involving local people in the scope of archaeotourism planning. To address the issue, the ancient city of Tyana was chosen as a model to theorise and design a micro-level archaeotourism plan. The study aims to reveal the significance and characteristics of the city’s archaeological heritage and to understand local people’s attitudes towards archaeotourism through qualitative research. The study revealed that local people are keen to be a part of tourism activities for better service and that the heritage site is an important chance for development. The study then proposes on how local people can contribute to tourism development in the site in line with these results.

Influence of Livelihood Capitals on Landscape Service Cognition and Behavioral Intentions in Rural Heritage Sites

Farmers’ livelihoods are critical for global sustainable development and the conservation and transmission of rural heritage. However, neglecting farmers’ livelihoods increases the risks to living heritage conservation. Therefore, it is essential to explore the impact of livelihood capital on farmers’ landscape services cognition and their behavioral intentions. Based on the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach, this study examines the rural areas of Mulanbei irrigation district, which was recognized as a World Heritage Irrigation Structure in 2014, and uses a structural equation model to investigate the relationships between farmers’ livelihood capital, landscape services cognition and behavioral intentions. The study’s key findings include the following: (1) The levels of human capital (0.541), social capital (0.671), and cultural capital (0.645) are relatively high, while the levels of natural, physical, and financial capital are comparatively low. (2) There are significant differences in landscape service cognition and behavioral intentions among farmers of different livelihood strategies, with diversified livelihood farmers demonstrating the highest levels of both cognition and intentions, while subsidy-dependent farmers show the lowest levels. (3) Natural, cultural and financial capital play a crucial role in influencing farmers’ landscape services cognition and their behavioral intentions. Landscape service cognition mediates the relationship between livelihood capital and behavioral intentions. (4) To increase farmers’ willingness to protect and promote rural heritage, efforts should focus on enhancing natural, physical, and financial capital while fostering cultural capital to promote advocacy.

Implications for Paleontological Heritage Conservation: The Spatial Distribution and Potential Factors Controlling the Location of Fossil Sites of Shandong Province in China

Shandong Province in China is rich in paleontological fossils and has a long history of fossil research. However, research on the distribution characteristics and potential factors of discovered fossil sites in Shandong Province is limited and insufficient, making it difficult to comprehensively plan for the protection and utilization of fossil sites in Shandong Province. The study constructs a basic geographical information system (GIS) database with 133 discovered fossil sites and geological and socio-economic data of Shandong Province and studies fossil sites’ spatial distribution characteristics and the spatial relationship with potential factors at a regional scale. The results are as follows: (1) The fossil sites in Shandong Province are concentrated in the mountainous area of central Shandong and the hilly area of the Shandong Peninsula, with significant uneven distribution characteristics, including two agglomeration areas and seven sub-agglomeration areas. (2) Natural geographical conditions, such as topography, paleogeography, and stratigraphy, play a positive role in the distribution of fossil sites, and there are apparent concentrations in the following areas: at an altitude greater than 100 m; the Lower Paleozoic and Cretaceous sedimentary rocks; and the active areas of paleo-tectonics. (3) A certain degree of negative correlation exists between socio-economic conditions, such as roads and population density, and the number of fossil sites, and a positive correlation exists between disposable personal income and those fossil sites. The operational procedure presented here is a simple, objective, applicable method that can enhance our understanding of the spatial distribution patterns and influencing factors of the discovered fossil sites of Shandong Province and support more effective and appropriate planning for paleontological heritage conservation.

Exploring Culture and Sustainability: Community Participation in Indigenous Tourism in Malaysia

Nowadays, Indigenous tourism contributes to the conservation of cultural heritage and further supports sustainable development for Indigenous communities, which ultimately increases socio-economic well-being. By providing unique cultural experiences, Indigenous tourism gives greater recognition and respect for the culture while also economically benefiting. This paper aims to examine how such dynamics operate in the context of Indigenous tourism from the viewpoint and experiences of Indigenous community members who participated in tourism initiatives. Identifying culture as one of the crucial parameters that determine successful outcomes in this field, this study intends to explore how people participate in sustainable development through tourism and close important gaps using a cultural lens. Numerous databases containing scholarly research, including the Emerald Insights, Science Direct, and Web of Science, have been used in this study. As a response to the ever-growing call for inclusive and respectful tourism, this study aims to contribute valuable insights and geographical relevance to defining policy change, practice modifications, or academic pursuits of Indigenous tourism. The result of this study will fill crucial empirical research gaps in terms of how cultural restoration, tourism management, and community participation can be optimized for sustainable development with nuanced voices that are necessary to drive policy change as well as practice modifications.

Mapping the Evolving Landscape of Library-Related Policies in China: A Topic Modeling Approach

This study aims to investigate the thematic characteristics and evolutionary patterns of library policies in China from 1949 to 2023. Employing the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model, the research analyzed 2,703 Chinese government-issued policies related to libraries during this period, identifying key topics and tracing their developmental trajectories. The study recognized four distinct developmental phases, five major topics, and the underlying connections among feature terms within different topics. It discussed the corresponding topic strengths and evolving trends in each phase. Library policies in China are predominantly centered on five key domains: 1) spatial planning and architectural integration, 2) information management and transparency, 3) legal regulations and supervisory enforcement, 4) heritage preservation and sustainable development, and 5) community inclusion and accessibility. Notably, spatial planning and architectural integration consistently garner substantial attention, highlighting their enduring prominence, while there is relatively less emphasis on community inclusion and accessibility, as well as heritage preservation and sustainable development. The contribution of this study lies in conducting a semantic exploration of the overall transformation in library-related policies in China, validating the effectiveness of the LDA model in identifying topics within policy texts, and expanding the research perspective on library policy evolution.

Mapping the Knowledge Structure of Image Recognition in Cultural Heritage: A Scientometric Analysis Using CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix

The application of image recognition techniques in the realm of cultural heritage represents a significant advancement in preservation and analysis. However, existing scholarship on this topic has largely concentrated on specific methodologies and narrow categories, leaving a notable gap in broader understanding. This study aims to address this deficiency through a thorough bibliometric analysis of the Web of Science (WoS) literature from 1995 to 2024, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches to elucidate the macro-level evolution of the field. Our analysis reveals that the integration of artificial intelligence, particularly deep learning, has significantly enhanced digital documentation, artifact identification, and overall cultural heritage management. Looking forward, it is imperative that research endeavors expand the application of these techniques into multidisciplinary domains, including ecological monitoring and social policy. Additionally, this paper examines non-invasive identification methods for material classification and damage detection, highlighting the role of advanced modeling in optimizing the management of heritage sites. The emergence of keywords such as ‘ecosystem services’, ‘models’, and ‘energy’ in the recent literature underscores a shift toward sustainable practices in cultural heritage conservation. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness between heritage preservation and environmental sciences. The heightened awareness of environmental crises has, in turn, spurred the development of image recognition technologies tailored for cultural heritage applications. Prospective research in this field is anticipated to witness rapid advancements, particularly in real-time monitoring and community engagement, leading to the creation of more holistic tools for heritage conservation.

Disinfection in Archives—A Short Review of the Sustainable Approaches and Green Perspectives of Using Radiation for Mass Disinfection

The conservation of the immense archival heritage of a country like Italy presents scholars with the enormous challenge of finding techniques and procedures that enable rapid and large-scale interventions, especially in cases of biodeterioration. The volume of material to be preserved and often the inadequacy of the storage conditions constitute crucial factors that promote microbial growth on substrates such as paper, leather, and parchment. These materials serve as primary sources of sustenance for fungi and bacteria which can infect the collections, and so it is frequently necessary to adopt chemical mass-disinfection treatments. These treatments are often expensive, polluting, and hazardous to the assets, the operators, and the environment. The use of ionizing radiation can provide an environmentally sustainable alternative to the traditional mass disinfection treatments of library and archive materials, which currently involve chemical agents (such as ethylene oxide) that impact the environment and human health. The use of such chemicals is increasingly subject to stringent restrictions. In this work, we report and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of physical disinfection methods, focusing on the use of radiation for disinfection treatments and their effects.

Design of a Traditional Village Cultural Heritage Preservation and Management System Based on Multi-Agent Networks

Preserving cultural heritage is essential for maintaining cultural diversity and promoting sustainable development. This study investigates the application of multi-agent networks in the protection and management of traditional village cultural heritage, capitalizing on their inherent distributed, collaborative, and adaptable characteristics. By integrating advanced technologies such as big data, data mining, and machine learning, the research meticulously develops a comprehensive system architecture and functional modules aimed at revitalizing traditional village spaces. The findings demonstrate significant enhancements in protection efficiency, while simultaneously fostering cultural inheritance and innovation within village communities. Through these innovative approaches, this study provides valuable insights into the preservation of traditional village cultural heritage and contributes to the broader objectives of cultural diversity conservation.

Exhibiting Colonialism and Nationalism: The Case of Egyptian Museums and Its Cultural Heritage

Abstract: Egypt is one of four ancient civilizations acknowledged by the international community as having a time-honored historical legacy and a profound cultural heritage. However, from the 19th century onward, Egypt's cultural development trajectory underwent a significant shift due to the influence of Western colonial powers. Subsequently, with the uninterrupted progression of the nationalist movement, the trajectory of Egyptian history and culture, in addition to the conservation and investigation of cultural heritage, underwent yet another transformation. Museums, as crucial instruments for the conservation and exhibition of cultural heritage, have played a pivotal role in the history of Egyptian cultural research, bearing witness to the transformation in the preponderance of Egyptian historical narratives. This paper examines how historical narratives and cultural developments in Egypt were shaped under the influence of colonialism, with a particular focus on the profound impact of Orientalist theories and practices on the construction of museums about the study of historical and cultural heritage. In the post-colonial period, Egyptian museums have served as conduits for disseminating the country's rich cultural heritage and as instruments for enhancing Egyptian national identity. These institutions have played a pivotal role in the formation of national identity and the "decolonization" of the country's cultural heritage, largely due to their irreplaceable cultural space and their capacity to adapt to changing needs. As Egyptian museums have evolved, they have played a significant role in shaping national identity and contributing to the processes of decolonization and de-Westernization. Furthermore, they symbolize the prospective trajectory of Egyptian national identity within the context of globalization and the emergence of a more interconnected world.

Balancing Globalization and Heritage Conservation in Gulf Cities: Case Studies from Doha and Jeddah

Balancing Globalization and Heritage Conservation in Gulf Cities: Case Studies from Doha and Jeddah

Exploring the spatiotemporal trends and influencing factors of human settlement suitability in Hunan province traditional villages

The conservation and sustainable development of traditional villages have raised global attention in the context of rapid urbanization and modernization. Taking 703 traditional villages in Hunan Province as an example, this study first constructed a Traditional Village Human Settlement Suitability (TVHSS) evaluation system based on the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model. Then, the entropy weighting method was used to assess the spatiotemporal evolution of TVHSS from 2005 to 2020, while the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model was employed to analyze the influencing factors. The results indicate that the overall TVHSS score increased from 0.521 to 0.776 from 2005 to 2020, with a spatial distribution characterized by lower suitability in the northwest and higher suitability in the southeast. During this period, the pressure subsystem experienced an increase, peaking at 0.058 in 2015 before declining to 0.055 in 2020. Meanwhile, the state subsystem remained relatively stable, with scores slightly decreasing from 0.040 in 2005 to 0.033 in 2020. In contrast, the response subsystem showed a continuous upward trend, rising from 0.430 in 2005 to 0.688 in 2020. The distance to educational institutions, degree of relief, distance to water, and distance on intangible cultural heritage sites have the highest effects on TVHSS. These findings provide a scientific basis for the conservation and sustainable development of traditional villages and offer a replicable analytical framework for similar contexts globally. By addressing the complex interactions between environmental, social, and economic factors, this study contributes to the global discourse on rural sustainability, offering insights that can inform policy-making and guide the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of modernization pressures.

Syncopation Struggles: Decoding Rhythmic Challenges in Ghanaian Arts Music

This study explored the vital role of rhythm in Ghanaian arts and music, focusing on its significance for cultural preservation and education amid globalization challenges. Using a qualitative methodology grounded in Ethnomusicology, the research examined how traditional rhythms are taught and interpreted, with particular emphasis on the role of choir directors. The findings indicate that current interpretive methods may not adequately preserve the authenticity of these rhythms, affecting educational and cultural transmission. The study recommends developing more precise interpretation techniques and an interdisciplinary approach in music education to improve the understanding and preservation of the cultural heritage of Ghana. This research contributes to scholarship by highlighting the cognitive and social dynamics in music education and stressing the urgency of safeguarding cultural authenticity in traditional Ghanaian music practices. Its implications extend beyond academic circles, influencing pedagogical practices in music education worldwide. Keywords: Ethnomusicology of Ghanaian Arts Music, Rhythm Interpretation, Cultural Heritage Preservation, Music Education, Cognitive Processes in Music

A Unified Virtual Model for Real-Time Visualization and Diagnosis in Architectural Heritage Conservation

The aim of this paper is to propose a workflow for the real-time visualization of virtual environments that supports diagnostic tasks in heritage buildings. The approach integrates data from terrestrial laser scanning (3D point clouds and meshes), along with panoramic and thermal images, into a unified virtual model. Additionally, the methodology incorporates several post-processing stages designed to enhance the user experience in visualizing both the building and its associated damage. The methodology was tested on the Medieval Templar Church of Vera Cruz in Segovia, utilizing a combination of visible and infrared data, along with manually prepared damage maps. The project results demonstrate that the use of a hybrid digital model—combining 3D point clouds, polygonal meshes, and panoramic images—is highly effective for real-time rendering, providing detailed visualization while maintaining adaptability for mobile devices with limited computational power.

From exotic Orient to city with heritage: heritagisation in the tourism history of Hong Kong

ABSTRACT This article provides an historical analysis of the Hong Kong Tourist Association's (HKTA) marketing strategy, focusing on the post-World War II period. It explores how, from the 1980s, HKTA promoted heritage tours in an effort to extend tourist stays, changing perceptions of Hong Kong as a tourist destination in the process. Initially, Hong Kong relied heavily on its portrayal as an exotic Oriental site to appeal to Western tourists. From the 1950s to the 1970s, HKTA shifted its strategy, combining a broad Oriental appeal with more a specific emphasis on Chinese culture. Architecture, customs, handicrafts, and folk traditions were highlighted. This approach succeeded in enticing foreign tourists to experience ancient Chinese culture in a safe and comfortable environment during the Cold War. From the 1970s onwards, Hong Kong tourism undertook a growing emphasis on heritage preservation. During the 1980s and 1990s, the preservation of cultural heritage by HKTA, the Colonial Government, and the business sector contributed to Hong Kong's successful rebranding as an ideal tourist destination. The article argues that tourism development in post-war, pre-handover Hong Kong not only influenced the discourse and evolution of cultural heritage but also reciprocally influenced the heritagisation of Hong Kong.

The significance of public space in assessing architectural heritage

This study examines the relationship between public spaces surrounding heritage buildings in Arequipa, Peru, and social perceptions of these structures. Focusing on buildings recognized as significant architectural landmarks by the magazine “El arquitecto Peruano” founded by Belaunde Terry. The research reveals a weak correlation between the quality of the surrounding public space and the society’s appreciation of the architectural edifice. However, certain buildings stand out in public esteem, notably Plaza de Armas, Convento de Santa Catalina, Iglesia de la Compañía, Templo de Yanahuara, Iglesia de San Agustín, and Iglesia de Cayma, primarily due to their Ba-roque-mestizo architectural style. The text emphasizes the pivotal role of public spaces in the evaluation of architectural heritage. This research sheds light on the complex interplay between architectural heritage, public spaces, and social perception, offering valuable insights for urban planning and heritage preservation initiatives.

Sustainable Tourism Development in Jeddah: Protecting Cultural Heritage While Promoting Travel Destination

For a long time, tourism in Saudi Arabia has been predominantly religious and business-related. In 2019, the kingdom opened its door to tourism for the first time. It produced a significant change in the tourism industry. This research explores the balance between heritage conservation and tourism development, focusing on social, environmental, and economic aspects. The methodology is based on qualitative analysis through 15 in-depth interviews and on-field observations, with Historic Jeddah as a case study. The results confirm that tourism has profoundly changed the city of Jeddah, facilitating new opportunities and presenting new challenges. So, the new aspects that emerge, such as heritage value, economic growth, overtourism, and the travel experience, impose a new management strategy for upcoming opportunities and also challenges. These aspects highlight the management and the authenticity of the place but also provide evidence of the high costs and scarcity of services. Sustainability seems to be the framework that can guarantee an equilibrium in the development process, reducing the impact on the cultural heritage. The originality of this research is to provide a view on this tension between heritage conservation and tourism development from the perspective of an emerging travel destination.