Historic City Research Articles

Urban built heritage protection and realistic dilemmas: the development process, protection system, and critical thinking of historic districts in Dalian

In China, the northeastern region has preserved many valuable modern built heritage buildings, which are undergoing difficult exploratory protection during the industrial and urbanisation process. Taking Dalian city as a case study, this article retraces the history of Dalian’s opening up and colonial management from the perspective of urban planning and historic district protection and management systems. This article sorts out the influence of national and local institutional policies on Dalian’s urban construction and development to analyse the past evolution, current problems and internal causes of the renovation and protection of Dalian’s typical historic districts. This influence is mainly reflected in the lack of protection and damage done to unofficial heritage, the disconnection between historic districts and the surrounding environments and urban textures, and the Chinese-style transformation and economic decline of exotic areas. This paper calls for attention to and the rapid clarification of the built heritage list, the improvement of planning and protection systems and related supporting policies, and a focus on the protection of the authenticity of colonial heritage. This paper provides strategic guidance for improving the protection of historic districts in Dalian in Northeast China and hopes to serve as a reference for the protection of built heritage in other nonfamous historic and cultural cities.

Smart Solutions for Heritage Sites: Florence and Yazd

Abstract Smart solutions in cultural heritage sites play an important role in both preserving traditional values and utilizing methods that combine modern technology and innovation. Smart solutions also have a significant role in promoting sustainability and enhancing the visitor experience. This study primarily focuses on management systems in cultural heritage sites and the use of effective smart solutions and digital technologies within these systems. By examining innovative initiatives in Florence, one of the leading cities in the field of digital technologies, methods used to address issues related to historical site management were identified. In addition to Florence, intelligent initiatives in the historical city of Yazd and their impact on its management were also discussed. Approaches to address challenges in managing historical sites were explored in the context of smart city components. In this context, the fundamental factors of cultural heritage management systems have been classified from the point of view of the components of a smart city, based on the Florence Management Plan. Thanks to the newly identified technologies and digital platforms, different methodologies were explained for each component. This approach allows us to understand the aspects of cultural heritage site management systems and the implementation plans addressing the issues for successful sites within the context of Smart City components.

Cultural heritage and event tourism as a driver of a large historical town development (on the example of Avignon, southeastern France)

The authors investigate development resources and mechanisms for managing cultural tourism in Avignon, a large historical city (200 thousand inhabitants) located in southeastern France in Provence. The main attractions of the historical center are described (in the UNESCO World Heritage List), as well as famous theater festivals and other events, that form a very powerful tourist flow to this city on the Ron – over 3 million a year. A well-developed system of internal tourist arrangement has been studied, this system allows to use the Old City territory rationally without damaging valuable architectural objects. The surroundings of Avignon are briefly described – a picturesque cultural landscape, saturated with interesting historical and natural objects. Statistics characterizing the volume, composition and seasonality of tourist flow to Avignon is given.

Survey of Residents of Historic Cities Willingness to Pay for a Cultural Heritage Conservation Project: The Contribution of Heritage Awareness

The adaptive reuse of cultural heritage (ARCH) is an innovative, sustainable approach to architectural heritage conservation; however, current research on the subject lacks public awareness surveys from the bottom-up, and the non-use value of ARCH buildings has not been clarified. We investigated the willingness to pay for ARCH among 1460 residents of the Nara Prefecture using a contingent valuation method and clarified the factors affecting the willingness to pay through an ordered logistic regression model. The results of this study showed that 75.1% of the respondents were willing to pay for ARCH projects, which were valued at JPY 6036.13 (USD 41.15) per person per year excluding zero payments and JPY 4531.23 (USD 30.89), including zero payments. In addition, residents’ attitudes toward ARCH and heritage awareness positively influenced both the willingness to pay and its magnitude, while the degree of place attachment was a positive predictor of willingness to pay. This study demonstrates the role of public participation in cultural heritage conservation, emphasizes the importance of heritage awareness, and provides a reference point for policy makers in promoting public participation in ARCH buildings, which contributes to the implementation of a recycling approach to heritage conservation in a sustainable context.

The Role of Historical Data Regarding Water Infrastructure in the Spatial Development of the Nieuwmarkt Area, Amsterdam

Historical information is an important resource for designing and sustainably developing contemporary cities, notably ones such as Amsterdam that have long histories. The historical information is embedded in physical places and structures as well as practices; it is also found in plans and texts that are held in multiple archives. It can be difficult to connect information about the past -- e.g., building materials, construction technologies, plans and proposals -- to contemporary needs and themes. Access to archives is not standardized, the material is not always digitized and it is not compatible with contemporary information systems, such as BIM and GIS. Information that has been organized in the past according to the criteria and values of the past does not always relate to current systems: think of historic handwritten documents, maps or drawings that are geolocalized, historical street names or terminologies. More attention is needed to effectively link historical data to sustainable development, while protecting the heritage of our historic cities. Doing this work is crucial: the information of today is the heritage of the future.

The Visual Integrity Approach in Historical City Development (A Comparative Study between Istanbul, Vienna, Kyoto and Yogyakarta)

Architecture and city landscape study becomes interesting if it is associated with factors that accompany the process of growth and development of the city. The city of Yogyakarta has a unique landscape, derived from the authentic history of the region's landscape configuration, and unique geographical elements, and supported by socio-cultural life based on historical traditions. The pressures and challenges of this condition cannot be avoided with the development of the area, the increasing density, and the emergence of new urban spaces which have physical and visual aspects. This study aims to know the strategy for strengthening visual integrity through the natural and cultural landscape of Yogyakarta as a historic city. The study was discussed by analyzing the basic aspects of visual integration in the form of sequence, orientation, continuity, and complexity. Comparison method between 3 historical cities Vienna, Kyoto, and Istanbul, considered to have the same natural, physical and cultural components. The discussion focuses on descriptive analysis to get the best practices for Yogyakarta city planning. The results of this study show the importance of maintaining the visual integrity of the landscape of the Historical Yogyakarta City area in the face of the pressures of urban development and maintaining the sustainability of the authenticity of city basic values.

Strengthening City Branding Through Investment in Ambarawa Urban Area, Semarang Regency

City branding can shape an area’s positioning and marketing differentiation so that a city can build a clear identity and strong associations and instil positive attributes to compete with other cities, especially for tourism. The primary purpose of city branding is to increase tourists and foster a good perception of the area. Ambarawa Urban Area is part of strategic National Kedungsepur (province) for social and cultural focus. The development of this area aims to create a historical city area that becomes the centre of tourism development. Tourism development also requires support from investors. Investment is important because it can also provide social benefits to the community. Therefore, this article aims to determine investment locations to strengthen the city branding of the Ambarawa Urban Area. The data used in this research are secondary and primary. Secondary data includes land value, road network, land use, and hazard map. The validation of land use data and road networks is carried out using the ground check. The variables used in the analysis are land value, ease of accessibility, and availability of land that can be developed for construction. The analysis techniques used are kernel density and overlay mapping such a conservation area, limited development land and tourism location. The processing map using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping software. This research resulted in investment locations in several villages, such as Baran, Kupang, Lodoyong, Ngampin, Panjang and Tambakboyo with a total area of 19.14 hectares. The largest investment location can be allocated in Panjang Village which has an area of 9.79 hectares and is spread across two locations.

Extended reality-based choice experiment to assess the impact of offshore wind turbines in historic center: The case of Manfredonia

This paper proposes a novel four-step methodology to achieve an extended-reality-based choice experiment in historic and touristic centers. The study exploits the case of Manfredonia (a seaside town in southern Italy) to apply the new approach and investigates public attitudes and preferences towards the installation of offshore wind turbines in the area. The novelty of the proposed work is twofold: i) for the first time, a structured methodological approach is defined for the development of a hybrid extended-reality-based choice experiment; ii) the perception of the visual impact of offshore wind turbines is assessed in a touristic and historic city in southern Italy exploiting the proposed approach. Our findings underscore the importance of continuously monitoring public perceptions to maintain and promote support for sustainable energy solutions, particularly in relation to the perception of wind energy's visual impact. In particular, 65% of respondents express their worries about wind power plants impact on the landscape. Moreover, the positive coefficient of the visual impact (0.011) suggests a positive utility of respondents from a higher off-shore turbines' density and a marginal willingness to accept a compensation of about 13€ for the visual impact and of about 33€ for the distance from the shore. In this context the use of extended reality technology in choice experiment scenarios significantly improves the results and enhances the understanding of the landscape impact of offshore wind farms.

The figurative zone as the basis for the formation of the visual image of the historical city

A modern historical city is a complex spatial formation where the past is connected with the present. Preserving the uniqueness of this phenomenon for the future becomes the most important task. The article is devoted to the search for methods of studying the image of the city in the process of its historical development. The city is presented as a combination of figurative zones, territories with a recognizable character. On the basis of functional and compositional analysis, the figurative zones of the historical center of Saratov, its main components and the dynamics of their development over time are determined. The proposed concept of "figurative zone" can become the basis for creating a methodology for studying the visual image of a historical city.

Palestine Hotel in the Old City of Hebron, Between Modernity and Traditional Dwelling Architecture During the 19th-20th Century

This paper delves into the cultural, architectural, and aesthetic transformations in traditional Palestinian dwellings during the transition from the 19th to the 20th century. The chosen timeframe holds immense significance as it witnessed a profound shift in Palestinian systems, legislation, and housing patterns, including alterations in housing infrastructure. The study identifies pivotal turning points in Palestine attributed to European Western missions and Zionist migration, resulting in the introduction of concrete housing and its discernible influence on traditional Palestinian building structures. In particular, the focus is placed on the Palestine Hotel, situated in Hebron's historic Old City and constructed in the early 1900s. This hotel serves as a compelling example of the coexistence and mutual influence of modernity and traditional architecture. The hybrid design of the hotel reflects the intricate relationship between Western-style modernity and traditional Palestinian architectural elements. Employing an analytical and documentary methodology, this paper recommends several measures, including the preservation of cultural assets due to their profound impact on future generations and the safeguarding of our civilizational and cultural heritage.

Defining Historic Townscape Characteristics following Local People’s Perceptions: Developing a Townscape Character Assessment Policy for Chiang Mai Old City, Thailand

Townscape in urban heritage sites contributes a vital visual perception of the public realm. It consists of the streetscape, buildings, natural features, and human perception, which include the social, cultural, and way of life on the scenes. Historic Townscape represents tangible and intangible scenes related to historical artifacts and the historical value of the places. Townscape Character Assessment (TCA) can apply to evaluate the quality of urban elements which represent the significance of social, cultural, and human perception of urban heritage. However, Chiang Mai City Council should have paid more attention to the valued process of establishing a townscape character assessment policy and has not been part of the ongoing heritage preservation process. In the critical urban heritage environment of Chiang Mai Old City, the aim is to define the townscape characteristics of the city and to be used as fundamental knowledge to establish the suitable Townscape Character Assessment (TCA) for Chiang Mai Old City. This research study has considered four aspects in terms of townscape Character Assessment Policy study that could establish the Townscape Characteristics of Chiang Mai Old City. These are the quality of the streetscape; cultural expression; perceptual factors; and socio-cultural values. Generally, Townscape Character Assessment employs the four significant factors to value townscape characteristics. This study has considered the ongoing new world heritage site as Chiang Mai is a “living heritage” which has faced the loss of greenery, cleanliness, and identity in its inner city and is likely to have issues when the city becomes a heritage tourism destination. The study involved twenty-five local participants and used a mixed methodology consisting of questionnaires, photo-elicitation interviews (PEI), needle method, and in-depth interviews. The results found that the connection of religious places, urban heritage artifacts, cultural activities, and the natural colors of local flowers in the city represented its characteristics. The study revealed possible factors to evaluate a townscape character assessment policy for CMOC, including the physical need for streetscape improvement, cultural expression along the streetscapes, perception of the quality of the streetscapes, and representation of socio-cultural values of the streetscapes. These results can be implemented in developing assessment guidelines for any heritage sites undergoing heritage nomination or any historical cities concerned with townscape character.

Protecting heritage: Insights into effective flood management using green infrastructure in a highly urbanized environment

Developing flood resilience in heritage cities is an exigent challenge of rapidly urbanizing cities of the Global South. While Green Infrastructure (GI) intervention is generally considered an important flood adaptation measure, the limited space availability combined with complex urban hydrodynamics makes the objective assessment of its efficacy challenging. Our study addresses this by integrating a 1D-2D hydrodynamic model with high-resolution remote sensing datasets, including satellite imageries derived from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 and flood levels obtained from field surveys to generate contextualized urban flood maps that consider the constraints of heavily urbanized land areas in the city of Ahmedabad, a rapidly urbanizing historic city in western parts of India. Historically, this city has not been flood-prone, but the high intensity of urbanization is rendering the city extremely vulnerable to flooding risks. We investigate the efficacy of four individual Green Infrastructure(GI) facilities in managing urban stormwater based on contextual space and resource availability. The efficiency is quantified based on runoff reduction coefficient, flood extent, and peak flood depth metrics. The results show that permeable pavements are the most efficient, reducing flood volume and flooded area by 23% and 1.5%, respectively. However, these benefits were marginal, challenging the current understanding. Our findings underscore the necessity for location-specific GI solutions in urban flood risk management.

Impacts of Sustainable Transportation on the Development of Historic Cities: A Case Study of the Historic City of Mosul

Impacts of Sustainable Transportation on the Development of Historic Cities: A Case Study of the Historic City of Mosul

Vernacular urbanism in Central Asia

The article gives the definitions of such concepts as vernacular city, vernacular urbanism and vernacular approach in the study of the origin and development of the historic city. It considers the problems arising in urban settlements as a result of unrestrained spontaneous growth. The impact of uncontrolled multiplication of development of urban peripheries affects the functioning of the whole urban organism. The problems of spontaneous horizontal growth of the city’s territory are considered on the example of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

The method of reconstruction of the interior quarterly space in the formation of a modern housing in the conditions of a historical building

Historic city blocks, which are often characterized by polygonal layouts that form a beautiful inner courtyard, present many challenges for the formation of modern housing in the context of historical buildings, mainly due to space limitations. Incorporating essential amenities as required by state law, such as children's play areas, adult recreation areas, and car and bicycle parking, requires a subtle approach that harmonizes modern needs with heritage preservation. This study formulates a three-stage methodological framework for the reconstruction of intra-neighborhood spaces, especially in Ukrainian urban contexts. In the study, three primary principles of the design of residential areas are defined: closed-type greening, common intra-quarter improvement and extra-quarter improvement. These principles advocate a synergistic use of spaces where modern residential buildings can share amenities with neighboring buildings, contributing to a shared, sustainable living environment. The case of a historical quarter in Kyiv presented in the article serves as a practical manifestation of these principles, illustrating how shared amenities and strategic planning can contribute to the seamless integration of modern housing into the historical context, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the entire quarter. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of transforming inner courtyards into greener recreational areas, while centralizing parking spaces and relegating them to the periphery to create an organized, breathable urban ecosystem. This study argues that the harmonization of contemporary housing with historic architecture goes beyond simple external assimilation; it requires a deep understanding and rethinking of adjacent spaces so that they meet modern requirements. The insights gathered here hold significant potential to guide future research into the evolution of dynamic, inclusive and culturally rich urban environments.

The influence of historic city planning on disaster prevention behavior of local residents

The influence of historic city planning on disaster prevention behavior of local residents

HOW THÖŊ PINY BECAME JUBA NA BARI: Naming and Place‐Making in Urban South Sudan

AbstractFollowing South Sudan's independence in 2011, a myriad of local, regional and global actors have flocked to its capital city, Juba, to influence and benefit from the ongoing state‐making process. Drawing on ethnographic research conducted in Juba between 2012 and 2015, this article demonstrates how urban ‘space’ in Juba is rendered into ‘place’ through everyday practices of naming that articulate urbanites’ contrasting experiences of the Sudanese civil wars, the city's tumultuous history, and their position within its—and the new nation's—present and future. This is most visible in a growing and contested Juba neighborhood that has come to be called by two different names, each tied to distinct experiences of conflict and displacement within and beyond the city. These and other namings and place‐makings index historically‐rooted ethno‐spatial understandings of South Sudan, memories of violence, and the sense of differential access to the city's economic potential in the face of ongoing upheaval. Urban naming and place‐making in Juba (and in other cities similarly impacted by conflict), it is argued, is a central domain through which urbanites disrupt official mappings and mitigate disorienting violence. These discursive practices are a vital means by which people forge stable lives and productive futures in the face of a precarious political present.

Towards a sustainable approach to reconstruction of residential heritage: Insights from international case studies

Reconstruction and recovery of historic cities after destruction due to conflict or natural disasters have gained increasing relevance in the last decades. The investigation of international examples of recovery after war or natural catastrophic events can provide knowledge for improving guidance and strategies for sustainable reconstruction/ intervention in similar cases in the future. This paper aims to identify and analyze the legal, administrative, social, and economic factors that can favor the reconstruction and recovery processes of the historic city and its residential neighborhoods. An extensive review of international examples and literature on guidance has been conducted to provide insight into best practices and potential solutions. As a result, a set of lessons learned that can be used to address post-conflict and post-disaster recovery and reconstruction in similar situations is given.

A mixed city or an ancient historical city? The malleability of heritage in rebranding Lydd

At the national scale, Lydd is one of the “mixed cities” in Israel; however, to the Lydd municipality, the city is an “ancient historical city.” Through a discourse analysis of how the Lydd Municipality uses heritage as a tool to construct the city’s image as an “ancient historical city,” this article highlights how the two disparate urban identities align in producing and maintaining histories of colonial erasure. To the Lydd Municipality, the image of Lydd as an “ancient historical city” begins with the Shelby White and Leon Levy Lod Mosaic Archaeological Center, a pristine modern structure standing only a few blocks away from several abandoned and haphazardly cordoned-off ruins from the Ottoman era. Looking to municipal rhetorics and urban development plans for several of the heritage sites in the northeastern portion of the city, heritage is understood as a tool through which national priorities, municipal entrepreneurialism, and colonial erasure coalesce.

ЕКОЛОГІЧНІ ПРИНЦИПИ У ПИТАННЯХ ЗАХИСТУ ТА ЗБЕРЕЖЕННЯ АРХІТЕКТУРНОЇ СПАДЩИНИ

The article examines the actual problem of preservation of architectural heritage on the example of the city of Odesa, and proposes the definition of conditions for their reconstruction and renovation using ecological principles. In addition to determining the value of the monument from the point of view, aesthetic, historical, scientific, its material authenticity, one should not forget the cultural one, which includes social and spiritual values. The problem is that the population of our historical cities is not fully aware of this, not all sections of the population care for the preservation of their architectural heritage, do not actively participate in the processes of reproduction of architectural monuments, preservation of historical buildings, reconstruction, renovation. In order to determine the entire range of issues related to the condition of preservation of historical buildings as part of the sustainable development of the urban environment, such a broad concept as ecological principles should be applied to them. Guided by these principles, it is possible to convey to the population the importance of residents' participation in the restoration and preservation of the historical urban environment. Informing the population about the conditions for preservation and renovation of valuable architectural structures arouses their interest and involvement. A monument that is not used and not integrated into everyday social life ceases to function as a carrier of any social and cultural significance. There is a need to finally determine the environmental principles that can be implemented during reconstruction and restoration, to identify their components to ensure a set of design parameters based on modern international standards and the legislation of Ukraine. Adapting the problems of architectural heritage preservation to the modern needs of citizens, the development of voluntary societies united by heritage preservation programs can be a guarantee of their solution.