Historical Architectural Heritage Research Articles

Historical heritage – MultiCriteria Decision Method (H-MCDM) to prioritize intervention strategies for the adaptive reuse of valuable architectural assets

Identifying the most suitable strategy for the adaptive reuse of historic architectural heritage is a complex challenge. This is because each rehabilitation project of an abandoned historic building must not only ensure the simultaneous pursuit of social, cultural and financial goals, but also the transmission of tangible and intangible values to future generations.In this context, the use of multi-criteria approaches helps to synthesise stakeholders' preferences based on multiple and conflicting criteria, with the aim of promoting sustainable solutions for the restoration and valorisation of valuable architectural assets. To this end, we characterise the Historical heritage - MultiCriteria Decision Method (H-MCDM), an analysis and evaluation tool aimed at identifying the best adaptive reuse of historic buildings considering the principles of architectural conservation and both economic and socio-cultural values. It is a model based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), which employs 7 evaluation indicators, chosen after a critical and interpretative analysis of both the sustainability principles promoted by the United Nations and UNESCO, and the ICOMOS quality principles.The H-MCDM is structured on the following five logical-operational steps: (i) identification of strategies for adaptive reuse of the historic building; (ii) construction of the matrices of the pairwise comparisons of the criteria and estimation of the vector of the weights of the criteria; (iii) construction of the matrices of the pairwise comparisons of the alternatives against each evaluation criterion and estimation of the local scores of the alternatives; (iv) consistency checks of the decision matrices; (v) calculation of the total priority and ranking of the HBU strategies for historic assets.The application to a case study demonstrates that, due to its adaptability and versatility, the H-MCDM can be a valid and consistent decision support in public resource allocation processes for the rehabilitation of architectural heritage.

Research on Real Scene Robot 3d Visualization of Historical Architectural Heritage Based on Big Data Objects

Research on Real Scene Robot 3d Visualization of Historical Architectural Heritage Based on Big Data Objects

Application of the Guidelines for the Integration of Photovoltaics in Historic Buildings and Landscapes to Evaluate the Best Practices of the Historic Building Energy Retrofit Atlas

The challenge of transforming historic buildings and city centers into energy-self-sufficient environments requires innovative solutions. The research project “BiPV meets History” addressed this challenge by providing comprehensive guidelines for assessing the integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in protected historic architectural contexts. To validate these guidelines, this study conducts a thorough examination of best practices through the mentioned guidelines, developing an application tool. Recognizing the power of well-communicated best practices in overcoming obstacles to integrated photovoltaic adoption, this tool is used to assess PV integration quality with respect to the best practice contained in the HiBERatlas database. The analysis of 17 successful refurbishment cases highlighted the robustness and reliability of the proposed methodology, considering aesthetic, technical, and energy aspects. This study emphasizes the potential of the guidelines for achieving a harmonious integration of renewable energy solutions with historic architectural heritage and landscape and improving usability through the developed tool.

Revealing the structural behaviour of Brunelleschi’s Dome with machine learning techniques

The Brunelleschi’s Dome is one of the most iconic symbols of the Renaissance and is among the largest masonry domes ever constructed. Since the late 17th century, first masonry cracks appeared on the Dome, giving the start to a monitoring activity. In modern times, since 1988 a monitoring system comprised of 166 electronic sensors, including deformometers and thermometers, has been in operation, providing a valuable source of real-time data on the monument’s health status. With the deformometers taking measurements at least four times per day, a vast amount of data is now available to explore the potential of the latest Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning techniques in the field of historical-architectural heritage conservation. The objective of this contribution is twofold. Firstly, for the first time ever, we aim to unveil the overall structural behaviour of the Dome as a whole, as well as that of its specific sections (known as webs). We achieve this by evaluating the effectiveness of certain dimensionality reduction techniques on the extensive daily detections generated by the monitoring system, while also accounting for fluctuations in temperature over time. Secondly, we estimate a number of recurrent and convolutional neural network models to verify their capability for medium- and long-term prediction of the structural evolution of the Dome. We believe this contribution is an important step forward in the protection and preservation of historical buildings, showing the utility of machine learning in a context in which these are still little used.

Conservation, Revitalization and Renewal of Modern Macao's Historic Architectural Heritage: A Case Study in the Site of St. Paul's College

As an essential member of the tangible cultural heritage, historic architectural heritage contains unique historical and social values. This paper describes the current state of conservation of historic buildings and the ways of conservation, revitalization and renewal by the Macao authorities, and draws on the Cathedral of the Merciful Jesus in Goa, India, and Coventry Cathedral in England, to provide suggestions for the conservation and restoration of the site of St. Pauls College in Macao. St. Pauls College is divided into three main parts: St. Pauls Church, the Seminary, and the Fortress, for conservation, revitalization, and renewal. The current conservation and renewal measures of the site are still inadequate. By analyzing the conservation strategies and the current situation, St. Pauls College needs the cooperation of the government and the public to value and improve the reuse value of the site and increase its visibility. At the same time, the use of rich restoration and renewal methods, combined with the current situation of society in the restoration and renewal of the site, can present valuable ideas.

ADVANCED, MULTIDISCIPLINARY, INTEROPERABLE DIGITISATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE AND USER-FRIENDLY USE OF THE RESULTS: CASE STUDY OF THE CATHEDRAL OF SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA IN CIVIDALE DEL FRIULI (UD)

Abstract. The Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape of Friuli Venezia Giulia has recently launched various studies and projects for the reduction of seismic vulnerability and the restoration of the region’s historical architectural heritage which, according to the indications of the Ministry of Culture, must be implemented in an exemplary manner both from a methodological and executive point of view. For the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Cividale del Friuli (UD), innovative solutions were sought right from the preliminary study phases, as well as new methodologies and technologies also in line with the indications of the European Commission (work programme 2018-2020 - LC-EEB-02- 2018: design and development of “kits” to support BIM Authoring for restoration and interventions on existing buildings). The use of relevant technologies such as laser scanners highlights the limitations of solid and/or parametric solid modelling (BIM) processes when applied to the built environment. These limitations arise mainly because the reality of the built environment does not correspond to an ideal geometric model, but has variations and irregularities that are difficult to reproduce through traditional modelling techniques.Within this context, it was essential to adopt innovative 3D modelling techniques, in order to meet the required accuracy of ≤5 mm and to catalogue - accurately and in advance - the architectural, structural and decorative elements present so as to obtain an effective and efficient 3D model. The aim of this work is therefore to present a successful experimentation that can open up new perspectives in the field of threedimensional reproduction of architectural heritage. In particular, the combination of the use of advanced technologies with preventive cataloguing and innovative techniques of participatory 3D modelling (crowdsourcing), in order to obtain advanced 3D models that are highly accurate and informative, as also indicated by the aforementioned European Commission directives.

A Replicable Valorisation Model for the Adaptive Reuse of Rationalist Architecture

Adaptive reuse has progressively become a useful approach for generating new values concerning abandoned or underused buildings, sites, and areas to the extent that the topic is no longer conceived and perceived merely as a “bricks-and-mortar” issue. Instead, it has a dual nature: (i) one that is technical, linked to the difficult balance between low costs and fostering sustainable building solutions, and (ii) one that is social, which refers to social equity, well-being, and quality of life. Within this context, urban and architectural transformations are among those human activities that play a key role in shaping the territory in an increasingly invasive acceleration of urbanization processes. However, it is precisely here that adaptive reuse can counteract such alterations. This paper proposes a sustainable, economically feasible, and replicable valorisation model for the evaluation of adaptive reuse possibilities of a particular historical–architectural heritage, which is vast and widespread in Italy and an important example of Rationalist architecture. Such a model incorporates flexible and easily replicable spatial implications precisely because it is specifically related to the characteristics of an open-plan structure. In doing so, it aims to redefine the valorisation model based on a constant dialogue between the project and market analysis; the replicability of project strategies for “families” of historic buildings; and the need for the project’s ability to change and adapt according to emerging requirements.

Fire resistance of roofing slates: Mechanical, mineralogical and aesthetic changes alongside temperature increase

Fire is a major destructive agent for dimension stone. Practically all historic buildings have suffered one or more fires over the course of their lifespan. There are numerous studies on the effect of fire on stone. Generally speaking, these effects can be divided into aesthetic and structural. Aesthetic effects involve a color shift to reddish hues, due to the oxidation processes triggered by temperature increase. Moreover, structural effects involve the formation of cracks and delaminations that may cause the rock to disintegrate. However, even though roofing slates are a group of metamorphic rocks that are widely represented in the historical architectural heritage of many European countries, none of the scientific studies alluded to above have taken them into account. The present study examines 6 lithotypes, covering the metamorphic range of rocks used as roofing slates. The roofing slates were subjected to a heating test reaching 900 °C, and then analyzed using X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, Thermogravimetric and Differential Thermal analyses, and were also tested for bending strength and water absorption following the European standard for roofing slates, EN 12326. All samples studied exhibited a reduction in their bending strength, together with an increase in water absorption. Likewise, the oxidation processes triggered by the high temperatures induced a general oxidation of the iron, lending all of the samples a reddish hue. On the other hand, the roofing slate samples proved to be non-combustible and did not release any toxic or hazardous fumes.

A new approach for an old identity: Soufli, Greece as an open town-museum of silk

Soufli, a small Greek border settlement, presents a widely recognized dipole of tourist destinations, a unique National Park and its silk tradition, including the circle of the relevant economy and its historical-architectural heritage. This prevailing local identity is gradually de-facto structured as a holistic model. Private entrepreneurship plays the first role, other stakeholders being local administration, education, associations and the citizens themselves as active participants. Thus, an open town-museum of silk is formulated, with five complementary museums and collections, two silk factories, an old emblematic factory, in restoration by the Municipality, numerous silk shops, decades of silkworm breeders enterprises, mulberry trees, two public, silk-oriented training foundations, an environmental center, events, International Conferences, workshops and exhibitions by world famous firms, Greek and foreign universities visiting and working on place, in a trans-border and transnational cooperation. In 2021 Soufli was chosen by the World Tourism Organization among the Best Tourism Villages, awarded with a valuable branding, which strengthens its position in the world map of silk.

An approach to Colombian Andean earthen architecture in urban environments: a case study of Bogotá Historic Centre

ABSTRACT Earthen buildings are a fundamental part of Colombia's historical architectural heritage. This heritage has been deteriorating due to a lack of knowledge, disconnection from cultural roots, and because of the structural vulnerability of these buildings, mainly caused by earthquakes and moisture. Throughout recent years, research has been carried out in order to structurally intervene and preserve these buildings, however, within the Colombian context there are few studies regarding the location, distribution, and main characteristics of earthen buildings. Therefore, this research is presented from general to specific, beginning with an approach to Andean earthen architecture in Colombia, and ending with a case study of an urban environment: The Historic Centre of Bogotá (HCB). Based on this context, the most important earthen construction techniques and rehabilitation techniques were identified. Regarding the HCB case analysed, it was possible to identify the location, relationships, geometric characteristics, and intervention techniques of one-and-two-storey earthen buildings, by means of a procedure that can be replicated in other Colombian cities. The relevance of analysing Colombian earthen constructions is to contribute to the development of intervention techniques for, firstly, facilitating the conservation of their architectural heritage characteristics, and secondly, improving their structural behaviour to survive major earthquakes.

NATIONAL TRADITIONS IN THE ARCHITECTURE OF UKRAINIAN MODERNISM OF THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY

The national identity of Ukrainian architecture in the early 20th century manifested itself in the formation and development of the style of Ukrainian Modernism. This style was formed and spread in different regions of Ukraine as an original national style based on modern European achievements. Today, the issues of preserving its independence and national authenticity in architecture have become very important for Ukraine. Understanding the architectural style based on national traditions can guide the future development of Ukrainian architecture. The article considers Ukrainian Modernism in the context of general cultural developments. It provides a general description of the style of Ukrainian Modernism in the early 20th century, with an indication of the geographical locations where it developed and the main features of Ukrainian culture in the studied period. Theoretical and empirical research methods are used in this article, including a graphical analysis of the overall composition of buildings and their architectural details. The influence of Ukrainian Art Nouveau on the further development of Ukrainian architecture is explored, highlighting the relevance of national identity in architecture. The novelty of the study is the focus on the generalization of morphological features for the formation of a national style. The research can contribute to the revival of the national identity of Ukrainian culture at the present stage. Today, the study and analysis of national features of historical architectural heritage are important for Ukrainian society, as the post-war reconstruction of Ukrainian cities might be based partly on national authenticity in the figurative design of buildings, squares, and ensembles.

The Influence of Environment on the Distribution Characteristics of Historical Buildings in the Songshan Region

The Songshan region is the core area of Huaxia culture. As an important part of urban characteristics, the Songshan region’s historical architectural heritage is of great significance in sustainable development aspects such as the natural environment, social culture, and so on. The purpose of this study is to clarify the influencing factors of the spatial and temporal distribution of historical buildings in the Songshan region, explore more reasonable conservation and renewal strategies of historical building spaces, and consequently form an effective design method to protect and inherit the historical cultural landscape. Based on the ArcGIS10.6 spatial analysis method, this study simulated the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of historical buildings in the Songshan region, and analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics by geographic information system and mathematical statistics. On this basis, the integration of natural elements and social elements has been realized to explore the key factors affecting the distribution of historical buildings in this region. The main results are as follows: (1) the distribution of historical buildings in the Songshan region is not balanced as a whole and has the characteristics of cluster distribution, forming two extremely high-density areas in Luoyang City and Dengfeng City; (2) the overall distribution direction of historical buildings is northwest to southeast, and the distribution center is near Mount Song; (3) natural environmental factors such as topography, landforms, and water systems to which historical buildings belong, as well as the historical layers of the ancient city and the concept of “the Center of Heaven and Earth”, are the main factors affecting the spatial and temporal distribution of historical buildings in the Songshan region.

GEOMATICS SUPPORTING KNOWLEDGE OF CULTURAL HERITAGE AIMED AT RECOVERY AND RESTORATION

Abstract. The study presented aims a practical contribution to the use of the Terrestrial Laser Scanner and the Close Range Photogrammetry geomatic techniques and to their integration for the knowledge and development of the historical-architectural heritage, both in the step of planning a restorative conservation project, and in the subsequent step of the restoration works. In particular, these techniques and their integration were applied at the process of study, planning and execution of the restoration of the San Giovanni Battista church in Fonni (Sardinia, Italy), founded in the 16th century. The building, due to structural problems and humidity infiltrations, was subject to a serious intervention for consolidation and conservative restoration.In the first phase of the work, preliminary to the design, a TLS survey was made that allowed to obtain an accurate 3D model of the church. In a second phase, during the restoration work, CRP surveys were carried out and the accuracy of this technique was verified through a comparison with TLS surveys. The integration of the two techniques to improve the texture of point clouds detected with TLS was also tested.

THE RECOGNITION OF HERITAGE QUALITIES FROM FEATURE-BASED DIGITAL PROCEDURES IN THE ANALYSIS OF HISTORICAL URBAN CONTEXTS

Abstract. The documentation of historical architectural heritage in urban contexts involves the consideration of planning adaptations of settlements and landscape, related to the identification of formal and semantic qualities. In particular, the identification of cultural significance of Heritage building units can find correspondence in geometrical features that are documented within the urban asset. In this way, urban monitoring, in an increasingly automated way, can support the identification and characterization of semantic elements also regarding Heritage objects, observing the invariance and conservation of formal constants in urban dynamic assets.Considering the experimental case study of Solikamsk historical center, belonging to Upper Kama route (Russia), a multi-instrumental strategy of spatial survey is applied, evaluating data coverages and resolutions. This analysis defines a preliminary framework to develop further processes of 3D triangulation and reality-based meshing. The morpho-metric detail of final models constitutes the basis for the computing test of feature-based procedures, including regions recognition and mesh segmentation, which can be calibrated for shape qualities and scales, reaching a preliminary modeling classification of Heritage and urban building units.

Dissemination, assessment and management of historic buildings by thematic virtual tours and 3D models

The digitalization of the historical-architectural heritage for virtual reality (VR) applications is crucial within the contemporary scientific and technical debate for several aspects. In fact, beyond the exploration for education and entertainment purposes, the employment of three-dimensional (3D) reality-based and computer-based models and environments seems to be very promising for performance assessment and risk management as well. Particularly, in order to develop and validate smart, low-cost and user-friendly tools, which might apply even in cases of limited time and budget, the present paper is going to propose a methodological workflow based on thematic virtual tours of 360° scenes, which integrate a variety of informative contents and digital products as external hotspots/switches. The VR tours, where 3D models might play a key role for an accurate representation of relevant parts and/or analytical elaboration of further data, are conceived as flexible and scalable solutions, supporting users, technicians and authorities through remote access, diagnosis of the state of conservation and communication of safety measures. The application of the proposed methods and techniques to a representative case study, the Norman-Swabian Castle of Gioia del Colle (Ba), South Italy, is presented in order to illustrate the achievable results and highlight the benefit of innovative “digital” solutions for data collection, storage and communication, compared to the traditional “analogical” practices. In detail, a Web-GIS platform, developed within a previous research project, is integrated with direct links to three thematic virtual tours that provide added contents for inclusive dissemination (timeline schemes, aerial views, 3D sculptural and architectural details), performance assessment (diagnostic reports, decay maps, 3D reconstructions of technical components) and risk management (exit signs, help instructions, warnings). Thus, the VR tours, while documenting realistically the state of the site, might act as host environments of digital products, at increasing complexity, all displayed according to an intuitive and accessible communication approach.Highlights:• Virtual tours of 360° scenes, linking thematic digital contents, are proposed as intuitive and versatile tools for smart documentation, conservation and protection of historical buildings.• The role of 3D reality-based and computer-based models is discussed toward their integration and correlation within thematic virtual tours of 360° scenes.• The potential of immersive environments for sharing knowledge about conservation issues and training users on safety measures in historic buildings is underlined.

Architectural Valorization: Lighting Design Solution for the Bell Tower of “San Pasquale a Chiaia” Church

Christian churches and their bell towers represent a big part of the historical architectural heritage in Italy, and they had a major role in the development of the urban and social fabric of the Italian cities. This study is focused on the design of a lighting renovation for the bell tower of “San Pasquale a Chiaia” (Napoli, south of Italy). The lighting refurbishment is designed with the aim of: (i) emphasizing the architecture of the bell tower façades and (ii) providing a figurative and emotional role to the whole building. Several lighting scenarios have been implemented in order to compare the different luminaire types and arrangements on the basis of the effectiveness in valorizing the architectural characteristics of the bell tower, as well as the energy performances of the different design solutions. Finally, the best case has been further implemented in order to take into account the different needs of the historical building as well as the enhancement of the surrounding urban spaces.

The Identity of Contemporary Egyptian Architecture

The research aims to find an Egyptian local architectural identity which has cultural, climatic and environmental relations with this society. Therefore, the research identifies and analyzes the types of the contemporary Egyptian architecture by dividing it into two directions. The first directions is the architecture that comes from the Egyptian environment such as reviving the old historical Architectural heritage by inspiring ideas and vocabularies from the Egyptian architectural heritage by reviving the Pharaoh style or different Islamic architectural styles, Also, many trials had appeared to go toward the local architecture which is connected to the local places and environment in order to conserve the local culture and to create a local architectural style by inspiring the local inherited architecture and taking from its vocabulary and symbols forms. The second direction is to go towards the western thoughts that depend on the western architecture as it is the source of the modern architectural thoughts, and also to benefit from the modern techniques and potentials in order to achieve the continuity between the past and the present. Also, there were some individual trials resulted an uncommon architecture depended on the personal potential of the architect himself to take out the architectural work from the common and to express a thing in his mind that represented a kind of thoughts privacy, then the non-local architecture The research resulted that designing trials must be done to establish Egyptian architectural style match with our culture and our environment and comes from our local environment.

Sponsorship’s Financial Sustainability for Cultural Conservation and Enhancement Strategies: An Innovative Model for Sponsees and Sponsors

The topic of the paper is sponsorship for the requalification/conservation of historical-architectural heritage. In the literature, there are many models for evaluating the financial efficiency of sponsorship from the point of view of the sponsor (mostly in the sports field), but none of these jointly support both the sponsor and the sponsee in the selection of financially sustainable cultural sponsorships. Trying to reduce this gap, an innovative model is proposed for estimating the profitability of cultural sponsorship. The model consists of three phases. In the first, which consists of the financial analysis of the investment for the sponsee, the minimum amount that the sponsee can request from the sponsor is established. The second phase analyzes the financial performance of potential sponsors, estimating the optimal sponsorship budget that maximizes profits. In the final phase, where the results of the two analyses are compared, the sponsee eventually reformulates his offer and decides which company to sign the contract with. The model is tested through a case study: the sponsorship of the restoration of the Don Tullio Fountain in Salerno (Italy). It is assumed that two companies are interested in sponsorship. The results show that the investment is financially sustainable for both companies.

A decision-making tool for transition towards efficient lighting in a context of safeguarding of cultural heritage in support of the 2030 agenda

Minor historical centres constitute a historical and urban architectural heritage. In this context the theme of urban lighting is gaining increasing interest. There are many aspects to consider since it is necessary to implement strategies that aim at energy saving, reducing pollution and degradation, safety, historical context enhancements, as well as their conservation and attention towards contemporary users. Therefore, this article illustrates a multidisciplinary methodology aimed at identifying strategies and best practices for upgrading lighting scenarios in historical contexts of value. The research is organized into four steps, the first of which is the cognitive process, the second is critical synthesis, the third is the definition of strategies and project scenarios, and the fourth step is related to development of the life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) and CO2 estimation. The framework is verified by applying it to a case study in the Abruzzo Region, Italy, identifying three scenarios with different strategic objectives. In the Italian case study, from an economic point of view, the LCCA made it possible to demonstrate the economic value of the investment, in addition to the fact that the optimal configuration of the lighting scenario redevelopment project leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions of almost 6 tonnes per year compared to the existing situation. Moreover, this research contributes to implement the 2030 Agenda and, in particular, Goals 7 and 11. Finally, it has put in place the foundations of theme of urban lighting in value context and it has helped to bring research gaps identified.

Research on the conservation and sustainable development strategies of modern historical heritage in the Dabie Mountains based on GIS

Abstract With the advancement of China’s economy and the acceleration of urbanization, the conservation and sustainable development of historical architectural heritage has become the focus of the current and future society. However, there are still many deficiencies in the conservation and development of modern architectural cultural heritage. Due to the scattered distribution of heritage space and the lack of overall planning in the process of conservation and development, there are some problems, such as uneven development in various regions, insufficient integration of resources, serious destruction of cultural heritage, and so on. This article takes the modern historical and cultural heritage of the Dabie Mountains as the research object and integrates its resources according to different types with the Geographical Information System platform to establish the historical heritage basic database. Data attributes are analyzed through dot density, traffic accessibility, and other spatial elements, whose results are used to evaluate the conservation and utilization status of the regional historical heritage. On that basis, combined with the distribution characteristics of historical resources, this article puts forward the conservation planning scheme based on the level and focus, and the sustainable development structure of group development and linkage development, so as to realize the transformation from section conservation to sustainable development. It also presents new ideas and technical methods for historical heritage conservation and sustainable development of the Dabie Mountains.