Historical Environment Research Articles

Peculiarities of the “Provincial Secession” Style Development in Ukraine At the Beginning of the 20th Century and Modern Problems of Its Monuments Preservation In War Time

The article analyzes the specifics of the Secession period buildings in the regional centres of this style formation in Ukraine. Along with the four main centres (Lviv, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa), there were smaller Secession centres in provincial cities. The character of the style in these centres was influenced by belonging to the Austro-Hungarian or Russian Empire. Compared to the European Secession and the Secession in the main centres, the Secession in the province felt the influence of local strata, which introduced the term “provincial secession”. However, these facilities are part of the historic environment of the former administrative centers of the provinces, medium and small towns. It was determined that the events of the Russian-Ukrainian war led to the destruction of many objects of valuable background buildings, and planned repairs and restoration of even non-destroyed objects are not carried out.

Formation of a transport framework in the historical zones of the largest cities with a functioning center

The strategic goals of sustainable development of the historical core in the largest city are aimed at integrating heritage protection policy into the general urban planning policy of economic efficiency in managing changes in the historical urban environment based on the principle of “development through creation.” Two approaches are considered - socially oriented and infrastructural. The object of the study is a sustainable transport and urban framework in the conditions of a functioning city-wide historical center in a number of European cities.

Staying local – experiencing local landscapes and the potential of hidden stories

ABSTRACT This article considers some of the opportunities increased visitation to recreational areas presents in terms of engaging residents and visitors with local heritage in the form of Historic Environment Records (HERs). There are countless potential ‘hidden stories’ related to cultural heritage sites and artefacts within palimpsest landscapes. These sites and artefacts present opportunities for alternative narratives of place to be negotiated, creating links to the past in the present, and between the exotic and the familiar. The changing approach to landscape practices resulting from COVID-19 restrictions presents new opportunities to engage people with these hidden stories, linking places near with far-off lands across time and space. It also encourages new connections with place that have the potential to (co-)create new narratives; increasing engagement, as well as correlating with pressing issues centred around the climate crisis and the urgent need to reduce travel to achieve Net Zero targets.

Formation of a transport framework in the historical zones of the largest cities with a functioning center

The strategic goals of sustainable development of the historical core in the largest city are aimed at integrating heritage protection policy into the general urban planning policy of economic efficiency in managing changes in the historical urban environment based on the principle of “development through creation.” Two approaches are considered - socially oriented and infrastructural. The object of the study is a sustainable transport and urban framework in the conditions of a functioning city-wide historical center in a number of European cities.

Study of the concept of aesthetic education in China and Kyrgyzstan

Relevance. The concept of aesthetic education and its implementation in the educational process and daily life of states is one of the fundamental conditions for the becoming of civil society, and has an essential impact on the formation of the cultural heritage of any country in the world.Purpose. The purpose of this study was to examine the specific features of the concepts of aesthetic education in the People�s Republic of China (PRC) and Kyrgyzstan, as well as to identify differences in the cultural and educational systems of these two countries.Methodology. The methodological framework of this study included the methods and techniques of scientific cognition, which were used to solve the tasks set and ensure the relevance of the results obtained. The study employed the general scientific systemic-structural, dialectical, interdisciplinary historical and legal methods and the method of synthesis, as well as the methods of analysis and a systematic approach to conducting this study.Results. The research found that the differences in the concepts of aesthetic education stem primarily from the different historical, cultural, and educational environments of the two countries. China has a long tradition of art and culture, and much attention is paid to art education. Kyrgyzstan, as a multinational state, also has a diverse culture, but the population is focused on how to promote its unique culture through aesthetic education. The Chinese education system also includes aesthetic education as a subject in the compulsory curriculum and has a special art education course. In Kyrgyzstan, however, there are specialised art courses and various educational resources available, but the level of aesthetic education stays relatively low.Conclusions. The result of this study can serve as an impetus for finding opportunities for educational exchanges and cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan, which will help expand intercultural relations and improve cultural education in general, and can help to better understand the nature and characteristics of aesthetic education in the two countries, which will contribute to the establishment of educational exchanges and cooperation between them.

Evolution of approaches to the connection of the “old” and the “new” in the historical urban environment

In the context of modern processes of globalization, the problem of preserving architectural heritage as part of national culture is actualized. At the same time, the need for the final development of historical centers, bringing them to the modern requirements of comfort, accompanied by interference in the historical context, pose the task of developing principles and approaches to combining the “old” and “new”, taking into account the categories of “integrity”, “value”, “authenticity”, “spirit places” (genius loci) of the historical environment of the city and contributing to the continuity of urban development.The purpose of the article is to highlight the current principles and approaches to architectural activity in the current urban environment, as well as to identify the prerequisites for their formation.Based on the methods of historical research of the evolution of theoretical foundations in the field of preservation and development of historical centers of cities, the development of architectural trends of the XX century and architectural and artistic analysis of modern world design practice, the following prerequisites for the formation of modern approaches to the connection of the “old” and ”new” historical environment are identified: the development of theory and practice in the field of preservation of architectural heritage (approval of the categories “monument”, “authenticity”, “value”, “spirit of the place”, “layers of time”, etc.); the development of modernist architecture (the concept of the correspondence of architecture to its time); the development of postmodern architecture (the emergence of a modern approach, appeal to the styles of the past, “stylization”); the development of digital design technologies at the turn of the XX–XXI centuries (new possibilities of shaping, de-constructivism, nonlinear parametric architecture). The following principles of formation of approaches of modern project activity in the historical urban environment are highlighted: subordination to context (environmental approach, “stylization”); subordination of “old” and “new” (conceptual approach or equality of “old” and “new”); independence (contrast of “old” and “new”).

Small and medium towns of Nizhegorodskoe Povolzhie region: in search of the lost harmony. Part 1

The modern world is characterized by a binary opposition of globalization and regionalization. The erosion of national and regional identities, historical traditions, and cultural continuity has become the reverse side of world integration. In this regard, scientific research devoted to individual regions is being activated. The article highlights historical and architectural environment of small and medium-sized towns in the Nizhegorodskoe Povolzhie region, its formation in the late 18th – early 20th centuries and its further transformation. The historical and architectural environment is interpreted as a phenomenon of the region architectural and urban culture. It is considered in the context of topical historical and theoretical problems of architecture and urban planning: problem of traditions and innovations; problem of mass and unique; problem of style and image; problem of global and identical. The first part of the article analyzes the properties of the historical and architectural environment that determined its visual harmony at the beginning of the 20th century.

High Resolution 3D Model of Heritage Landscapes Using UAS LiDAR: The Tajos de Alhama de Granada, Spain

The Tajos de Alhama de Granada, which since ancient times have inspired and surprised locals and strangers, especially foreign travelers, constituted a unique landscape, cultural and ethnological heritage of Spain, linked to water and its old flour mills. And, they are currently at serious risk of degradation. The aim of this research is to obtain a high-resolution 3D model capable of documenting this historical heritage environment with a high level of detail, using a methodology that includes small light weight LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) system for UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System). The model obtained should serve, on the one hand, as a valuable tool for knowledge and analysis of all the elements (river, lake, ditches, dams, mills, aqueducts, and paths) that made up this place, registered as a picturesque landscape for its extraordinary beauty and uniqueness, and on the other hand, as a basis for the development of rehabilitation and architectural restoration projects that would have to be undertaken to preserve this cultural and landscape legacy.

Do Tea-Drinking Habits Affect Individuals’ Intention to Visit Tea Tourism Destinations? Verification from the Chinese Cultural Background

ABSTRACT The decision-making process underlying tourist destination selection involves complex interactions between tourists and societies, historical environments, and destinations. Based on self-congruity theory and practice theory, this study examined the effects of tea-drinking habits, destination image self-congruence, destination cognitive image, and destination affective image on Chinese tourists’ intention to visit a tea destination. The results indicated that individuals’ tea-drinking habits had a significantly positive effect on destination image self-congruence, which in turn positively influenced travel intention. Cognitive image had a significant effect on travel intention, but it had no indirect effect through the mediation of destination image self-congruence. However, affective image had no significant effect on travel intention; it had an indirect effect through the mediation of destination image self-congruence. Theoretical and methodological implications are also discussed.

World Cultural Heritage: The Management of the Forbidden City

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study is to evaluate the system of dependencies and contradictions between the Forbidden City as an object of cultural heritage and the transformation of the historic environment. The research methodology is based on a comparative study of literary sources and quantitative and qualitative data analysis using the example of the study of the Forbidden City. Based on the analysis of existing concepts, a model for managing the changing historical environment within the framework of the sustainable development of the Forbidden City has been developed. According to the study, the Forbidden City today is between two complex processes related to preserving and transforming the historic environment. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of museums and collections of cultural relics in the urban historical environment of Beijing, which directly contributes to the growth of tourist activity. This model should be based on the interaction of innovative digitalisation tools, intelligent solutions in urban planning, a rational approach and cultural tourism. In practice, this will allow for the maintenance of a more reasonable population density and the rational location of industrial and economic facilities and preserve the traditional aesthetic.

The role of BIM and GIS in HS2 historic environment data management, an overview of HS2 Phase 1, UK

The HS2 historic environment programme undertaken for Phase One of HS2 between London and the West Midlands has resulted in a substantial digital archive, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data. According to the BIM (Building Information Modelling) approach, HS2 historic environment assets are considered as part of the construction assets, alongside the other disciplines assets such as highways, bridges, tunnels, and fencing. The GIS and spatial data play the role of a glue to demonstrate the interrelationship and hierarchy between archaeological assets, recording their location and geometry. Designating a unique asset ID (UAID) to each archaeological asset, and joining them to their attributes table and relating documents, creates a relationship between historic environment assets GIS data and their respective non-GIS data. According to HS2 digital engineering with BIM approach, HS2 historic environment core and primary assets have been identified, which the hierarchical order of them is as follows: Location Specific Written Scheme of Investigation (LS-WSI) and Project Plans (PPs) as core assets, and Written Scheme of Investigation Interventions (WSI-Interventions), Archaeological Features, and Archaeological Objects as historic environment primary assets. Such an efficient, transparent, and readable asset data structure provides a lasting and valuable legacy for the lifecycle of the project digital data. Four different systems combine to form the digital legacy of the project, which complement the physical archive. These four systems are: HS2 Asset Information Management System (AIMS) and GIS systems, as well as Online Access to the Index of Archaeological Investigations (OASIS), and supporting digital data curated with the Archaeological Data Service (ADS) systems. As significant parts of the programme legacy, HS2's historic environment physical and digital archive establish an unprecedented opportunity for knowledge creation.

THE EFFECT OF A MULTIDISCIPLINARY PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMME ON THE RESILIENCE OF FEMALE ADOLESCENT RECIPIENTS IN JOHANNESBURG

The Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust (RFJM Trust) provides scholarships to deserving female secondary school learners in Johannesburg and offers a pilot multidisciplinary psychosocial support programme (MPSP) developed by a social worker to enhance their resilience and to facilitate the achievement of their potential. South African female adolescents are challenged daily by their social, economic, cultural, political and historical environments, which in combination threaten their development and functioning. Therefore, female adolescents require high levels of resilience to thrive. Through the pre-test/post-test measurement of the individual, relational and contextual protective resources of Grade 8 recipients of the RFJM Trust, a paired-samples t–test and correlation analysis determined that two aspects of the MPSP have moderate to large correlations with resilience. This quantitative, quasi-experimental, evaluative study will assist in improving the MPSP and contribute towards evidence-based practice in school social work. Keywords: evidence-based practice, female adolescents, resilience

Expansive learning of climate scientists towards transdisciplinarity

Expansive learning theory was deployed in this study to explore how climate scientists can learn from working in a transdisciplinary mode, particularly to co-produce knowledge and navigate complex climate risks with other actors. A qualitative case study methodology was used to investigate expansive learning for climate scientists involved in the Future Resilience of African CiTies and Lands (FRACTAL) project. Findings from the study show how several major tensions of the cultural and historical work environment of scientists limit their potential to effectively produce scientific climate change information to inform decision making in complex African cities. Novel learning aspects were introduced during transdisciplinarity, which helped the scientists grapple with these tensions. They spent much time in cities with different groups of actors learning about the complex and dynamic drivers of risks in African cities and how these might change into the future. They also learned about the diverse subjectivities, priorities and values that influence African urban decision making. The group of scientists took learning actions to change their approach for co-producing knowledge with other actors in contexts of such complexity. These learning actions demonstrate transformative agency of climate scientists to expand their activities to collaboratively navigate complex African urban climate change risks.

Balkan (i Zapadni Balkan) kao negativni politički pojmovi

The paper analyzes the negative perception of the Balkans, with special reference to the Western Balkans, as a newly introduced political concept. The author explains the historical and political environment through which the negative image of the Balkans is built, indicating that this region was separated and precipitated as "otherness" in relation to Europe. Based on that analogy, the author explains how the Western Balkans now find themselves in a position of "otherness" in relation to the rest of the Balkan countries (which have become articles of the EU). The violent past, the "curse of small differences" and unresolved political conflicts make the Western Balkans a problematic region under the watchful eye of major powers. The point where the interests of all the countries of the Western Balkans can coincide is European integration, which indicates the "common destiny" of this region.

In Search of the “Phonograph Effect”: Sonic Gestures in Violin Performance and Their Modification by Early Recording and Playback Devices (1901–1933)

To what extent did early recording technology affect the creation and representation of musical performances? According to Mark Katz (from 1999 onwards), historical studio environments led to crucial shifts in 20th century violin performances due to the restrictions imposed by early recording and reproduction devices (“phonograph effects”). In particular, this may have affected sonic gestures that include expressive means such as vibrato, portamento, articulation, and timbre variation. In order to trace potential modifications, we reenacted a 1911 “Liebesleid” performance by one of the most influential violinists of the 20th century, Fritz Kreisler. We then digitally ascertained the full acoustic transfer paths (impulse responses, IRs) from the 1911 studio to 20 historical gramophone setups and applied them to the reenactment. In this way, for the first time, our study generated comparative IR findings across multiple gramophones, soundboxes, and horns built by different manufacturers between 1901 and 1933. Sonic gestures were found to induce significant level modifications of up to 20 dB due to the devices’ resonances, leading to dynamical variations that have never been part of the performance. Accordingly, Kreisler's famous “golden tone” is due, in part, to the recording technologies of his time. Therefore, early recordings should not be understood as “neutral witnesses” but rather as artifacts with substantial influence on the creation and reproduction of musical performance(s).

Prospects for the development of ethnocultural parks in Kazakhstan

The article discusses the potential for the development of ethnocultural parks and ethnic tourism in Kazakhstan. The main directions and problems of development of this field of activity are revealed. The importance of the development of ethnocultural and geographical parks in ethnotourism is noted, as one of the decisive factors determining the prospects for the development of tourism in Kazakhstan, which occupies a special place in the field of internal and external tourism. The rich heritage, demonstration of cultural and everyday achievements, and the increasing high demand for traditions, characteristics and customs of the Kazakh people have a great influence on the development of ethnocultural tourism. Ethnic tourism is considered an integral part of cultural and educational tourism. In developed countries, ethnic parks are a highly profitable activity in the tourism industry. Therefore, further diversification of ethnic theme parks is considered a priority in ethnic tourism. It is ethnic parks that make it possible to discover, preserve and develop the traditions and customs of diverse ethnocultural groups by immersing themselves in the historical, national, geographical, sociocultural, human, legal and environmental environment.

Attitudes towards the languages ​​of Ukrainians of various ethnic origins during the full-scale war

The article reveals the peculiarities of attitudes towards the Ukrainian and Russian languages by Ukrainians of different ethnic origins based on their language biographies. It has been shown that attitudes towards language are dynamic. They have been forming and changing throughout a person’s life, primarily under the influence of such factors as social and historical events, language environment, education, close people, and psychological aspects. The language biography of an Azerbaijanian male illustrated the effect of the language environment and close people on his attitude towards the Ukrainian language. The language biographies of female respondents of Russian origin, as well as a female respondent of Armenian-Ukrainian origin with Russian as her mother tongue, demonstrated the influence of education, psychological and socio-political factors (The Revolution of Dignity 2013—2014, the Russian war against Ukraine (since 2014), and the full-scale invasion in 2022). Attitudes toward languages are linked to the socio-political circumstances in which a person lives. The environment or events affect a person’s emotions, which in turn influence attitudes toward languages. Representatives of the Russian ethnic group are experiencing a difficult time during the Russian aggression in Ukraine. They have an internal conflict; on the one hand, they are beginning to use the Ukrainian language more, but on the other hand, Russian continues to be part of their ethnic identity and the dominant language of communication. At the same time, we see different levels of rejection of everything related to the Russian aggressor: condemnation of the aggressor’s actions, refusal of Russian literature, and language shift from Russian to Ukrainian. Keywords: language attitudes, sociolinguistics, bilingualism, Ukrainian, Russian, Russian war against Ukraine.

The importance of principal component analysis for environmental biodiagnostics of Donbass

The ecological situation in the Central Donbas remains tense today and requires timely diagnosis of the state of ecosystems. Major causes of the tense environmental situation in Donbass are high level of industrialization (mining, metallurgical, mining and chemical industries), urbanization, agricultural technologies, landscape transformation and warfare from 2014 to the present. With all the variety of biological and chemical methods in obtaining large numerical information, the importance of mathematical approaches is of particular significance. Using the example of principal component analysis, a method for visualizing data in assessing transformed ecotopes of Donbass has been tested. An attempt has been made to reconstruct some missing data from the list of numerical characteristics. The values of probability and reliability of the data have been established. This allows to have more accurate information in monitoring and assessing the environment in the region. Principal component analysis complements the available cartographic materials, highlights the most significant processes considering general degradation of the state of Donbass ecosystems (by indicator plants Bryum argenteum Hedw., Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid, Amblystegium subtile (Hedw.) Schimp., Centaurea diffusa Lam., Cichorium intybus L., Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. et al.). The cause and effect relationships in the peculiarities of landscape transformation are grouped in order to further restore the integrity and functionality of the historical and geographical environment.

Историческая среда Мотовилихинских заводов в начале XXI века

The article examines the historical environment of the Motovilikha Plants in the context of the formation of cultural heritage sites in the Motovilikha District - places of interest, monuments, and ensembles. The purpose of the study is to determine the place and importance of the Motovilikha factories as an industrial heritage in the context of the city of Perm. With this goal, the following tasks are put forward: 1) to consider the formation of the historical environment of the plant and the district in the context of identifying cultural heritage sites; and 2) to examine potential cultural heritage sites in the factory area. Based on these problems,the study uses a constructivist approach, including the technique of interpretation, comparison, and generalization. The challenge of integrating industrial facilities into the modern urban environment is relevant for Perm. The gradual development of society and a change in its attitude to the industrial heritage, the level of wear and tear on old factories, modernization, and the need to create more advanced production facilities at new sites lead to a natural question of what to do with the objects of industrial heritage? Motovilikha Plants are no exception. The enterprise specifics are such that the factory located in the structure of the city, like many defense-oriented factories, is inaccessible to most Permians and guests of the city, storing the fruits of engineering, samples of products and production, and unique archival materials. Many of the industrial buildings that have survived to our time are in disrepair, which increases the likelihood of their complete destruction with every year. The situation is complicated by the fact that the mechanisms of the city administration's influence on the enterprise in order to preserve historical buildings do not allow them to begin restoration; at the same time, the plant is not able to carry out repairs on its own in the current situation. This leads to the fact that industrial heritage sites continue to be cut off from society which does not have the opportunity to study their history, revealing the industrial potential of the city of Perm. It turns out that formally being in the urban space, the objects of industrial heritage are outside it. It is for this reason that the problem of integrating industrial heritage sites into the urban environment and the society is relevant and requires consideration

Visualising Heritage: using 3D immersive technologies to innovate, document and communicate rich narratives for HS2

The University of Bradford has established wide-ranging skillsets and capabilities as Visualising Heritage that have been built around expertise with 3D imaging for human bioarchaeology and for contextual understanding of archaeological sites, landscapes, heritage structures and associated artefacts. This paper reflects upon how these have been put to use during enabling works for HS2 and also the potential of this work for analysis, public engagement and legacy. The main focus of this paper covers 3D digital documentation of the world's first railway roundhouse designed by Robert Stephenson at Birmingham Curzon Street, together with immersive content that helps to tell the story of its discovery and exposure. We discuss 3D modelling that helps to link both to the original architectural drawings and to the broader narratives for understanding changes to the design of the building during its working life. We also contextualise its place within the historic environment relative to the Principal Building – the original Curzon Street terminus for the London and Birmingham Railway, the Eagle and Tun public house and the former Park Street Cemetery. As HS2 embarks upon the post-excavation phase, we also discuss the potential that recent investment from the Arts and Humanities Research Council in 'Capabilities for Human Bioarchaeology and Digital Collections' offers, building upon our pioneering 3D work at the object scale with 'Digitised Diseases', to bring within reach the potential for high throughput digital capture. This streamlines high fidelity 3D capture for key human bioarchaeology exemplars as legacy assets that would otherwise be lost to future study as they are destined for reburial.