Heritage Projects Research Articles

Study on the Protection and Transmission of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Dimen Village: An Analysis Based on Field Surveys and Ecomuseum Daily Records

This study explores the current state of protection and transmission of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in Dimen Village, Liping County, Guizhou Province. Through an analysis of field surveys and records from the Dimen ecomuseum, we found that although certain cultural heritage items receive high recognition from the government, their activity levels and transmission within the village do not directly correlate with this recognition. Cultural heritage projects closely related to daily life and easy to participate in, such as embroidery, traditional handmade paper, and the Dong Grand Song, are more thriving than those that receive national policy support or have commercial demand. This paper analyzes the seasonal characteristics, gender distribution, participation numbers, and implementation spaces of 13 intangible cultural heritage skills, providing new perspectives and suggestions for future cultural heritage protection and transmission strategies.

CHEX-MATE: Dynamical masses for a sample of 101 Planck Sunyaev-Zeldovich-selected galaxy clusters

The Cluster HEritage project with XMM-Newton – Mass Assembly and Thermodynamics at the Endpoint of structure formation (CHEX-MATE) is a programme to study a minimally biased sample of 118 galaxy clusters detected by Planck through the Sunyaev–Zeldovich effect. Accurate and precise mass measurements are required to exploit CHEX-MATE as an astrophysical laboratory and a calibration sample for cosmological probes in the era of large surveys. We measured masses based on the galaxy dynamics, which are highly complementary to weak-lensing or X-ray estimates. We analysed the sample with a uniform pipeline that is stable both for poorly sampled or rich clusters ---using spectroscopic redshifts from public (NED, SDSS, and DESI) or private archives--- and dedicated observational programmes. We modelled the halo mass density and the anisotropy profile. Membership is confirmed with a cleaning procedure in phase space. We derived masses from measured velocity dispersions under the assumed model. We measured dynamical masses for 101 CHEX-MATE clusters with at least ten confirmed members within the virial radius $r_ 200c $. Estimated redshifts and velocity dispersions agree with literature values when available. Validation with weak-lensing masses shows agreement within $8 (stat.) (sys.) \,<!PCT!>$, and confirms dynamical masses as an unbiased proxy. Comparison with Planck masses shows them to be biased low by $34 (stat.) (sys.) \,<!PCT!>$. A follow-up spectroscopic campaign is underway to cover the full CHEX-MATE sample.

The influence of the cultural capital transformation of Wushu Intangible Cultural Heritage on status acquisition: the case of Sichuan Province

ABSTRACT The promulgation and implementation of a protection system for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) has provided a new legal path for transforming cultural capital and solidifying the modern values of Chinese folk martial arts. However, different folk martial arts have formed differentiated evaluations and social statuses by transmitting and reproducing cultural capital across generations. Through the field investigation of Sichuan Wushu Intangible Cultural Heritage (WICH) projects, this study discusses the relationship between the status and influence of WICH and the operation of cultural capital. The findings demonstrate that the WICH inheritance group continues to pass down and transform embodied cultural capital through the inheritance relationship network while constructing and expanding the project’s objective cultural capital. In doing so, they maintain and strengthen the project’s established reputation and social status. Therefore, cultural capital and the path of capital reproduction of folk martial arts formed in the traditional inheritance field affect the acquisition of WICH status. A comprehensive clarification of the positive role of cultural capital in the acquisition of WICH status can provide a reference for the modern transformation and continuation of the value system of WICH projects at different levels.

Digital Application Strategies of Traditional Culture from the Perspective of New Media Technology

This paper explores the pivotal role of new media technology in the digital revitalization of traditional culture. It underscores the transformative impact of interactive platforms, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR) on cultural heritage, facilitating immersive and engaging experiences. The study highlights the necessity of digital transformation for cultural preservation and innovation, addressing the challenges of authenticity, accessibility, and the digital divide. International case studies, including the Palace Museum s digital initiatives and the African Digital Heritage project, exemplify successful integration models. The paper concludes by advocating for a balanced approach that harnesses new media technologies to preserve and innovate traditional culture, ensuring its relevance in the digital age.

Interview with Alexander Bauer, outgoing editor of the Journal

Sophie Vigneron, incoming editor of the International Journal of Cultural Property, interviewed Alex Bauer, who was the journal’s editor from 2003 to 2023. Alex is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at Queens College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York, and Associate Director of the Sinop Region Archaeological Project, an interdisciplinary archaeological and heritage project on the landscapes and seascapes of the Black Sea coastal community of Sinop (Turkey).

Revitalization of urban industrial heritage from a perspective of spatial production theory: the case study of “Old market” project

ABSTRACT The renewal of urban industrial heritage brings many benefits, meanwhile facing challenges, and there is a lack of in-depth and specific case study analysis. Based on spatial production theory, this paper takes an iconic project as an example to explore its construction process and reveal the spatial and social changes it triggers. This case study investigates the changes in physical and social spaces resulting from the shift in the subjects of spatial production. By analyzing document data, spatial data, and field data, the following key findings and conclusions are obtained: 1) Capital led the regeneration process, transformed decaying factory buildings into consumer space, and activated the economic vitality of the area. 2) The construction of the physical space changed the spatial layout, structure and function that attracted the creative community and young visitors, changing daily lives of the space users. 3) However, the neglect of industrial culture and participation of nearby residents are obvious challenges. The results indicate that using spatial production as a theoretical analysis framework helps us fully understand the challenges faced in the renewal of urban industrial heritage projects. This study can provide a reference for small-scale urban heritage renewal projects, facilitating accurate decision-making.

Intangible heritage diplomacy and the Taiwan strait: kunqu revival 1987–2001

ABSTRACT In recent decades, the xiqu (‘Chinese opera’) genre of kunqu has grown in domestic and international prominence and is now an important part of PRC soft power and heritage projects. This article examines how Taiwanese institutions and aficionados contributed to the genre’s material revival. It does so by examining their involvement in kunqu in the 15 years before the UNESCO recognition that marked the genre’s improved fortunes. The engagement of Taiwanese institutions and audiences constitutes heritage diplomacy focused on a claim to shared culture, allowing kunqu troupes to improve a difficult situation at home and paving the way for greater international recognition. The fillip offered to kunqu by 1990s Taiwan, in the island’s period of transition from one-party rule to multiparty democracy, represents a late and successful ROC elite heritage diplomacy intervention in the ordering of cultural prestige in China, projecting its admiration for the favoured genre of its exiled and disappearing elite. Understanding both PRC and ROC cultural heritage systems can be improved by border-crossing and non-state perspectives of heritage diplomacy.

Empowering Indigenous Communities: The Pursuit of Quality Education and Peaceful Societies

Educational Institutions in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) fervently advocate for Indigenous Peoples (IP) and Peace Studies Education in higher learning, aligning with the CHED Regional Memorandum No. 56 of 2023. The University of Baguio and other Higher Educational institutions actively integrate IP and Peace Studies into their academic programs. This paper addresses two objectives: explaining cultural misappropriation and introducing the Cordillera Heritage Project to address this issue. This study utilizes a qualitative-descriptive research method by participating in the different programs under Project Cordillera heritage. Project HERITAGE (Higher Education Regional Integration and Teaching of Appropriate, Genuine, and Exhaustive Studies on Indigenous Peoples) is a collaboration between the University of Baguio, CHED CAR, and regional Higher Education Institutions. It introduces Cordillera Heritage as a foundational course, Cordillera Heritage 101: ‘History and Socio-cultural Heritage’, preserving Cordilleran identity through knowledge, systems, practices, settlements and institutions. The Cordillera Heritage stands as a living legacy, relevant in contemporary society and vital to the region’s history. It culminates in the Cordillera Heritage Workbook, which enhances educational materials and includes faculty immersion and training services. The University of Baguio’s proactive approach earned commendation from the Commission on Higher Education for being the first to offer Cordillera Heritage 101 across all programs. The institution’s commitment reflects in successfully implementing the first regional HERITAGE Faculty Immersion Training Service, showcasing its dedication. The Cordillera Heritage Project responds to regional educational needs by integrating subjects that respect and promote Cordilleran knowledge, values, and culture. Aligned with the aspirations for autonomy and self-determination in Cordillera communities, this course is a significant step toward preserving and promoting the region’s heritage within the educational landscape.

A hybrid modelling approach for information processing workflow in inter-cultural heritage projects

PurposeBuilding Information Modelling in building processes brings significant efficiency gains. However, its use in restoration projects is still experimental. On the other hand, more than traditional methods are needed for communication, collaboration, and shared understanding. Hence, the main research question is how to enhance these aspects in multinational projects with information transparency challenges and the need for shared understanding among stakeholders. This research aims to develop and propose a hybrid modelling approach that integrates traditional and BIM-based information process workflows through testing and evaluating to what extent BIM can be used in restoration projects without excessive efforts.Design/methodology/approachConsidering this aim, the case study, the Mahmud Pasha Hammam as the heritage building, a 15th-century structure located in Serbia, was studied with the action research strategy to enable action-based learning by doing. Alongside the 2D documentation as the traditional method for the existing structure, restoration design proposals were also produced for the new additions to the heritage structure with BIM.FindingsA new BIM use scenario was experimented with and proposed, proving BIM implementation's potential impact on heritage restoration projects. A hybrid model was developed that meets the requirements of existing regulations and specifications, where restoration proposals were visualized quickly, quantity take-off was produced, and technical drawings were generated instantly.Originality/valueThis hybrid modelling workflow integrates HBIM with traditional methods in restoration projects to improve communication, efficiency, and collaboration in a real-time professional project.

Enhancing the Sustainability of Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects: Obtaining Efficient Digital Skills Preservation through Binocular Half Panoramic VR Maps

Enhancing the Sustainability of Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects: Obtaining Efficient Digital Skills Preservation through Binocular Half Panoramic VR Maps

Research on the Foreign Publicity Translation of ICH from the Perspective of Communication Studies: A Case Study of the Beijing Eight Imperial Handicrafts

Translation is a form of cross-cultural communication, which cannot occur without translation. Actively promoting the international dissemination of the Beijing Eight Imperial Handicrafts within the context of cultural outreach helps enhance the global influence of Chinese culture. This study aims to utilize the 7W model of communication studies as a framework to analyze the translation and dissemination processes and challenges of the capital s traditional craftsmanship intangible cultural heritage, Beijing Eight Imperial Handicrafts. This analysis will focus on the seven key elements of communication: the purpose, subject, content, channel, audience, circumstances, and effect. By examining the names, cultural items, and production techniques involved, the study seeks to summarize appropriate strategies to contribute to the international promotion of the capital s intangible cultural heritage projects.

Community-driven heritage care: developing an inclusive and sustainable landscape of care for Pionta

This article examines the concept of ‘heritage’ in the context of ‘landscapes of care’, which approaches care as a means of fostering connections between humans and non-humans. Heritage care involves communities actively engaging with and benefiting from cultural heritage in various ways. Establishing a caring landscape for heritage involves empowerment, participation, and collaboration, as demonstrated by two community-driven heritage projects in Pionta’s cultural landscape. The first project aims to create a community that strengthens the emotional bonds between individuals and their cultural legacy by promoting acts of care. The second introduces diverse participatory and art-based methods that cater to the needs of the involved groups and foster a shared sense of care for their heritage. By using heritage education and serious games as empowerment tools, the projects show how collective heritage caring can change the visual, verbal, and mental representations of a marginal heritage landscape from the community’s perspective.

Multi-Contextual Revival, Hidden Inheritance Cycle, and Fieldwork Methodology Behind the Case of Dongpu Bamboo Horse in Guangdong

This paper specifically focuses on a specific type of long-term fieldwork that is closely linked to the inheritance cycle. This study employs a historical and longitudinal approach to investigate the history and two instances of revival that took place in 2016 and 2021 of the Bamboo Horse in Dongpu village, situated in the Hailufeng region of Guangdong province. The two revivals occurred for distinct purposes: one was to participate in the ceremony in 2016, while the other was for the Intangible Cultural Heritage project in 2021. This study identified and examined the pattern of inheritance and conducted a comparative analysis to identify the variations and similarities across different periods of replay. The significance of this paper lies in its extensive and ongoing fieldwork, which involves continuous observation and contemplation of a specific subject. Over time, this research sheds light on how our perception and comprehension of this particular type of drama evolve. Furthermore, the consistent performance and status of Bamboo Horse are closely intertwined with the intrinsic nature of this ritualistic form of drama, and the change of the function of the drama in different contexts.

Industrial heritage restoration/renovation projects and their societal impacts: Case of Gasholder Restoration Projects

The refurbishment of industrial heritage structures offers economic benefits and provides future generations with an insight into the industrial history of cities. However, industrial heritage projects possess unique attributes and risks, and the procedures for restoring, renovating, and converting these structures differ from those of other construction projects and their impacts to society. From the view of Social Impact Management, ISO 45001, ISO 14001, ISO/DIS 14001 and similar standards directly related with the sustainability. However, the design and method of construction are also important not only for workers’ safety but also public health and safety. For a holistic view Building Information Modeling provides us to gather information to reduce these concerns. This short communication covers societal impacts of a recently completed project in Germany that titled as Building Information Modeling (BIM) based sustainability, facility management and design for safety of industrial heritage buildings restoration/renovation projects and tries to put forward health and safety risks of Gasholder Restoration Projects to workers as well as to public during the project and after the completion by the aid of on site observations and expert panel discussions.

Spatial Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guizhou Rocky Desertification Area

The Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guizhou rocky desertification area is characterized by a fragile ecological environment, along with the inhabitation of many ethnic minorities, making it the region with the most poverty-alleviation targets among the 14 concentrated poverty-stricken areas in China. However, this area has obvious cultural resources, but it lacks systematic study. Therefore, integral investigation and research which can promote the sustainable development with abundant culture resource should pay more attention to it. This study, with 1113 national and provincial intangible cultural heritage projects in this area as research objects, used ArcGIS to visualize their geographic data for research. Geodetector was used to quantify the influence of relevant factors and analyze the distribution characteristics and influencing factors of intangible cultural heritage in this region. By providing a correlative strategy, the aim is to promote the coordinated development of the regional cultural economy. The results are as follows: (1) Guizhou exhibits the highest distribution of intangible cultural heritage projects, followed by Guangxi and Yunnan, indicating an uneven number of intangible cultural heritage projects. (2) A spatial analysis shows the clustered spatial distribution of intangible cultural heritage projects in this area, forming a high-density core area and multiple sub high-density areas with high spatial autocorrelation. (3) The spatial distribution of intangible cultural heritage in the rocky desertification areas of Yunnan, Guangxi, and Guizhou is generally correlated with survival orientation and natural environmental factors and positively correlated with development orientation and social, economic, ethnic, and cultural factors. Among many factors, cultural environment quantity exhibits the strongest correlation with the spatial distribution of intangible cultural heritage. (4) Based on the degree of correlation with different influencing factors, four development strategies are proposed: digitization of intangible cultural heritage inheritance and development, multi-media intangible cultural heritage creation and dissemination, innovative construction of intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, and tourism-driven dynamic inheritance of intangible cultural heritage.

CHEX-MATE: Robust reconstruction of temperature profiles in galaxy clusters with XMM-Newton

The “Cluster HEritage project with XMM-Newton: Mass Assembly and Thermodynamics at the End point of structure formation” (CHEX-MATE) is a multi-year heritage program to obtain homogeneous XMM-Newton observations of a representative sample of 118 galaxy clusters. The observations are tuned to reconstruct the distribution of the main thermodynamic quantities of the intra-cluster medium up to R500 and to obtain individual mass measurements, via the hydrostatic-equilibrium equation, with a precision of 15−20%. Temperature profiles are a necessary ingredient for the scientific goals of the project and it is thus crucial to derive the best possible temperature measurements from our data. This is why we have built a new pipeline for spectral extraction and analysis of XMM-Newton data, based on a new physically motivated background model and on a Bayesian approach with Markov chain Monte Carlo methods, which we present in this paper for the first time. We applied this new method to a subset of 30 galaxy clusters representative of the CHEX-MATE sample and show that we can obtain reliable temperature measurements up to regions where the source intensity is as low as 20% of the background, keeping systematic errors below 10%. We compare the median profile of our sample and the best-fit slope at large radii with literature results and we find a good agreement with other measurements based on XMM-Newton data. Conversely, when we exclude the most contaminated regions, where the source intensity is below 20% of the background, we find significantly flatter profiles, in agreement with predictions from numerical simulations and independent measurements with a combination of Sunyaev–Zeldovich and X-ray imaging data.

Digital learning: Differentiated teaching models using ICTS in Greek context – good practices: “I learn Europe through its cultural tradition: Traditional gastronomy products and traditional games Alanas"

It is supported by modern pedagogy for individuals with special needs to be included in regular classroom settings. A free public school is accessible to everyone. A nation's cultural traditions evolve and are largely preserved through intergenerational learning, or the transfer of information from one generation to the next. The use of new technologies in education can help achieve this goal by converting traditional instruction into differentiated instruction that adjusts to the unique needs, skills, interests, and experiences of each student. This creates learning environments where students can approach the material at their own pace and convenience. This project offers an example of customized instruction within a cultural heritage project.

Cozinhas, milpa e coleta: resistências culinárias locais no litoral totonaco, em Veracruz (México)

Local cuisines can be considered spaces of resistance for knowledges and culinary practices in the presence of the implementation of various tourism and heritage projects. Some of these resistances are the transmission of knowledges, rituals around cooking, and the sale of harvested and collected products. In consideration of the above, this article aims to show through ethnographic analysis the resistance carried out by Totonaca women with the sale of products harvested and collected in milpas and the mountain, which are acquired and used in daily and ritual foods, or as basic ingredients in the preparations of restaurants on the Totonaca coast of Veracruz. The fieldwork was conducted in different periods (between 2019 and 2022), privileging ethnographic recording, participant observation, and semi-structured interviews. Market tours were also carried out, as well as reviews of printed recipe books of Totonaca cuisine. The conclusion evidenced that resistances—such as the sale of harvested and collected edible plants—have made possible the construction of the so-called Totonaca cuisine, a cuisine that, although it has incorporated new and varied ingredients throughout its history, continues to have an intimate relationship with the milpa system and harvesting.

Archival Challenges for the Van Nelle Factory

Marking the anniversary of the redevelopment of the Van Nelle Factory in Rotterdam, the related project archive was formally transferred to the Rotterdam City Archive in order to enable proper archival conservation and public accessibility of this essential documentation. This article sheds light on the documentation and redevelopment process of a modern World Heritage (WH) site and on the role of archives as an example for other protected heritage projects or sites.

Local perspectives on heritage reconstruction after conflict: a public opinion survey of Aleppo

ABSTRACT The destruction of heritage in conflict has emerged as a key challenge to global security and the prospects of peace. In response, the international community has undertaken several large-scale heritage reconstruction projects on the assumption that they would foster development and promote cohesion. However, to date very little is understood about how local populations value their heritage, how they perceive its destruction, whether they view reconstruction as a priority, and the extent to which they support foreign efforts to rebuild. This article addresses this lacuna by focusing on the case study of Aleppo and documenting the results of an original public opinion survey of 1600 residents. The results hold several implications for heritage projects in Aleppo, namely that locals prefer that heritage reconstruction: not be privileged over security, development and peace; includes the rebuilding of their local religious sites as much as significant non-religious sites; transforms sites into more useful structures for the community; and they want domestic control and agency over the future of their heritage. The article concludes by noting that such findings hold important implications for heritage projects in other (post-)conflict contexts where mass heritage destruction has taken place.