Historical Area Research Articles

Evolution of cultural landscape heritage layers and value assessment in urban countryside historic districts: the case of Jiufeng Sheshan, Shanghai, China

The heritage value of the historic urban countryside, as a remnant in the transition between the urban boundary and the natural environment, is a consequence of the spatial and temporal evolution of the city. However, through repeated social transformations, the conflicts between urban construction and cultural landscape heritage preservation have increased, resulting in the gradual disappearance of their cultural landscape heritage. This study takes the Sheshan Urban Countryside Historic District in Shanghai and interprets the layers of Sheshan's cultural landscape heritage into five periods, Emergence, Development and Exploration, Diversity and Prosperity, Turbulence and Change, and Stability and Precipitation. It analyzes the evolution of the layers of the cultural landscape heritage by applying Historic Urban Landscape Historic Land use Assessment (HUL) and interpreting the layers of the cultural heritage of Sheshan using Historical Landscape Assessment (HLA) to identify the characteristics and values of Sheshan's layers of heritage. The study indicates that the cultural landscape heritage of Jiufeng Sheshan exhibits four types of stratigraphic relationships: accretion, juxtaposition, overlay, and decline. This findings suggest a continuous evolutionary feature of superposition of multiple stratigraphic patterns. Moreover, the heritage value of the cultural landscape layers of Jiufeng Sheshan has shown a higher growth rate in the modern period. The integrity and survival status of modern religious and scientific buildings are more complete compared to the literati gardens and Buddhist relics. Based on the knowledge and value assessment of its cultural landscape heritage, it is necessary to intervene in the concept of living conservation and renewal of landscape heritage. This involves devising a conservation and renewal strategy for cultural landscape heritage that conforms to the law of historical stratification and connect the scattered historical and cultural relics. This study provides a reference for the conservation and inheritance of cultural landscape heritage in urban countryside historical areas and the organic renewal of urban and rural heritage.

Accessibility of Urban Tourism in Historical Areas: Analysis of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Safranbolu

Expansion of cities with population growth leads to the differentiation of urban texture, negatively affecting the accessibility of tourism areas in historical regions. For this reason, there is a need to develop tourism areas that enable people to experience the areas of historical heritage. Sustainable urban development, which is also the theory of the study, has become an agenda for the protection and revitalization of historical areas in order to increase accessibility to tourism. The Safranbolu Protected Area, which is one of the oldest settlements with its traditional housing texture and which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List in Turkey, was chosen as the study area. In this study, the aim is to examine the accessibility of historical tourism centers, analyze the spatial configuration of the street texture in the city of Karabük and determine the features of the formation mechanism of the Safranbolu historical region. The research questions are based on the impact of (1) the accessibility of the street network on the formation mechanism of the urban architecture and (2) the shaping of urban tourism areas in historical cities. The space syntax method was used to examine the relationship between the building features of the Safranbolu Urban Protected Area and the formation features of the space. Within the scope of the study, the accessibility of the Safranbolu historical center was examined through the street texture that shapes the city form using data from Open Street Map. Segment and axial analyses were made based on the current street network data of the city. The key findings of the research revealed that the accessibility level of the city’s street network was practically effective in shaping the Safranbolu Urban Protected Area. It was theoretically found that the streets with a high global integration value in the city have an impact on the shaping of traditional architecture and constitute important routes for tourism in sustainable development. The findings serve as a reference for researchers in sustainable development, urban planners and local governments who will use it to test the methodology for understanding the street layout of the historical area and improving the experiential characteristics of the users.

Color Authenticity for the Sustainable Development of Historical Areas: A Case Study of Shiquan

Currently, historical areas in China are facing issues of color authenticity and excessive commercialization. Colors, as an important element of historical areas, reflect their history and culture. However, there are some flaws in the existing research methods, so a more scientific and systematic method is needed to obtain accurate and objective color visualization results to promote the sustainable development of historical areas. In order to explore the methods and applications of visualizing the environmental color patterns of historical areas, Shiquan Street in Suzhou, China, was taken as the research object; ArcGIS 10.5 was used to obtain the street-view photo samples; Matlab was used to summarize the architectural colors of the historical areas; and K-means clustering was used to generate the central color card of the historical areas, thus completing the color visualization of the historical areas, followed by further searching for the color patterns and central colors, so as to explore the strategies for sustainable development of historical areas. The various quantified color models of historical areas can explore the regional uniqueness and color locality of historical areas, which avoids problems such as homogenization of block colors, unclear styles and features, and an excessive proportion of commercial colors caused by poor color guidance and control in the design related to historical areas, providing approaches to the research on the harmonious unity of environmental colors and features related to historical areas. A color-based research method has been proposed to protect and maintain the original appearance of historical areas. The application of this method provides a new perspective and possibility for the protection of historical areas, allowing these areas to achieve historical sustainability while maintaining their historical characteristics and values.

New problems for old vineyards: Mitigating the impacts of yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) in a historical wine-producing area

Traditional small-sized vineyards are especially sensitive to different impacts, including the arrival of new pests. The adults of the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina), an invasive alien species present in the Iberian Peninsula since 2010, feed on sugary foods, causing crop losses in vineyards. However, present management techniques for the control of V. velutina are limited, and they do not provide effective control in agricultural settings. This work aims to evaluate the use of an exclusion system in a traditional non-mechanized vineyard of a highly invaded area by V. velutina in NW Spain (Protected Geographical Indication of Betanzos, Galicia) as a method to mitigate the damage caused by hornets. Anti-hail nets were used in a factorial design experiment with groups of netted and unnetted vines of two white wine cultivars in order to address the vineyard production loss. In particular, we aim to 1) asses the effectiveness of anti-hail netting on preventing grape yield loss, 2) assess the impact of anti-hail netting on grape ripening and incidence of bunch fungal infection, and 3) study the potential relationship between the damage caused by V. velutina and grape fungal diseases. Results show that the tested exclusion system increases the crop yield, since it prevents effectively both the damage caused by hornets and birds. No significant correlation between the damage caused by V. velutina and the incidence of bunch fungal diseases was found in either cultivar. However, netting increased slightly the final sugar content in one of the cultivars, as well as the incidence of bunch fungal damage. We discuss the management implications of this exclusion method within the framework of agricultural land abandonment and the loss of traditional landscapes.

The Distribution and Accessibility of Elements of Tourism in Historic and Cultural Cities

Historic urban areas are the foundations of urban development. Due to rapid urbanization, the sustainable development of historic urban areas has become challenging for many cities. Elements of tourism and tourism service facilities play an important role in the sustainable development of historic areas. This study analyzed policies related to tourism in Panguifang and Meixian districts in Meizhou, Guangdong, China. Kernel density estimation was used to study the clustering characteristics of tourism elements through point of interest (POI) data, while space syntax was used to study the accessibility of roads. In addition, the Pearson correlation coefficient and regression were used to analyze the correlation between the elements and accessibility. The results show the following: (1) the overall number of tourism elements was high on the western side of the districts and low on the eastern one, and the elements were predominantly distributed along the main transportation arteries; (2) according to the integration degree and depth value, the western side was easier to access than the eastern one; and (3) the depth value of the area negatively correlated with kernel density, while the degree of integration positively correlated with it. Based on the results, the study put forward measures for optimizing the elements of tourism in Meizhou’s historic urban area to improve cultural tourism and emphasize the importance of the elements.

Valparaíso: Touristification and displacement in a UNESCO city

ABSTRACT Tourism has become a sector that is transforming historic areas of the current city. Its impact on the quality of life of communities, local economy, access to affordable housing, urban landscape, is being analyzed from studies on gentrification and touristification. This article analyzes the case of Valparaíso (Chile) and how the declaration of its historic area as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003, triggered a process of touristification. Through public programmes and private investment, houses were transformed into tourist shops and hotels, shaping a tourist bubble in these residential areas. How inhabitants felt and experienced the tourist transformation of their neighborhoods was analyzed through the use of interviews. The residents reports material and symbolic changes in their living conditions, which are experienced as pressure by displacement from their neighborhood. A pressure expressed in the loss of privacy, depopulation and loss of community networks, the displacement of neighborhood shops, the increase in property taxes, and the absence of public subsidies to rehabilitate their homes. The results place pressure by displacement as one of the main mechanisms of dispossession in historic areas of Latin American cities and suggest that in cities configured from neoliberal urban policies the UNESCO designation acts as a device that strengthens this dispossession.

Strategies for the Preservation of Historic Areas within Existing Middle Eastern Cities: The Case of Historic Jeddah

During the recent founding of Saudi Arabia in 1932, there was no interest in the urban and architectural heritage that Jeddah possesses. As a result, historic Jeddah was exposed to many problems similar to many historical Middle Eastern cities. For example, the historic city wall and many heritage buildings were demolished. With the economic recovery during the 1970s, the original dwellers abandoned the city altogether. They were soon replaced by a class of ex-patriate workers who would inhabit the area, and the city’s distinct heritage fell into neglect. At the beginning of the 1980s, attempts to preserve that area began with the expert Robert Matthew, who studied the remaining historical buildings and proposed strategies for preservation that were based on three main directions: restoration, replacement, or new construction. The issuance of “Saudi’s 2030 vision” included programs to develop Saudi cities, including Jeddah. This program includes the removal of unplanned and slum areas around historic Jeddah without developing a clear master plan for what will replace them. In addition, it includes the complete expropriation of historic Jeddah, without announcing a specific plan for what the area will be used for. Therefore, this study seeks to review current preservation strategies, with the aim of reaching results related to the challenges facing the area; demonstrating the effectiveness of the preservation strategies used; and deducing what could contribute in the future to the development, preservation, and optimal exploitation of the area, without losing its value as a result of the modernization processes currently taking place.

PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF PEDESTRIAN PATHS IN THE COLONIAL HISTORICAL AREA OF KOTA LAMA CIREBON

Pedestrian path conditions are one of the factors that affect willingness to walk and play an important role in supporting historical tourism activities. This study analyzes the performance of pedestrian paths expressed by Pedestrian Level of Service (PLOS) in the colonial historical area of Kota Lama Cirebon. The method used in this study was to conduct a geometric survey of pedestrian paths, pedestrian flow surveys, and pedestrian travel time surveys in 10 segments scattered throughout the study area. The survey results were analyzed regarding the 1985 Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) and PLOS values generated based on available walking space. The study shows that in terms of walking space availability, most of the segments in the study area have a PLOS A score, which means they are performing well. In comparison, some segments have poor PLOS, such as Merdeka Street, Yos Sudarso Street, TJ Street, and Kebumen Street, due to the unavailability of sufficient walking paths to serve pedestrians or the presence of side obstacles that reduce the effective width of the pedestrian path. To overcome these problems, several things need to be done, such as: 1) issue a policy prohibiting selling on pedestrian paths to reduce side obstacles so that the effective width of the pedestrian path can increase; 2) widen the pedestrian path at least according to the applicable standards; and 3) provide pedestrian paths on segments that do not yet have pedestrian paths.

EU CULTURAL POLICY AND SOCIETY PARTICIPATION : REVIEW OF THE RECENT LITERATURE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Cultural heritage, cultural policy and cultural participation are crucial topics for the European Union (EU) participatory governance and social integration. The purpose of the paper is to conduct and develop conceptual and legal research on the EU documentation in the field of cultural policy, cultural heritage and cultural participation engaging a three-step research plan: (1) the appraisal of the recent literature in the field; (2) the broad interdisciplinary approach to the relevant doctrinal and latest legal advances; (3) the policy and societal contexts influencing the citizen participatory actions. The added value of the research is related to the identification of the inner concepts and processes influencing participatory governance and social integration: cultural assets, historical and social structures and areas, cultural goods, conservation management and participatory governance.

The rhizosphere microbiome reduces the uptake of arsenic and tungsten by Blechnum orientale by increasing nutrient cycling in historical tungsten mining area soils

The growth of pioneer plants in metal mining area soil is closely related to their minimal uptake of toxic elements. Pioneer plants can inhibit the uptake of toxic elements by increasing nutrient uptake. However, few studies have focused on the mechanisms by which the rhizosphere microbiome affect nutrient cycling and their impact on the uptake of toxic elements by pioneer plants. In this study, we selected Blechnum orientale to investigate the potential roles of the rhizosphere microbiome in nutrient cycling and plant growth in a historical tungsten (W) mining area. Our results showed that while the arsenic (As) and W contents in the soil were relatively high, the enrichment levels of As and W in the B. orientale were relatively low. Furthermore, we found that the As and W contents in plants were significantly negatively correlated with soil nutrients (S, P and Mo), suggesting that elevated levels of these soil nutrients could inhibit As and W uptake by B. orientale. Importantly, we found that these nutrients were also identified as the most important factors shaping rhizosphere microbial attributes, including microbial diversity, ecological clusters, and keystone OTUs. Moreover, the genera, keystone taxa and microbial functional genes enriched in the rhizosphere soils from mining areas played a key role in nutrient (S, P and Mo) bioavailability, which could further increase the nutrient uptake by B. orientale. Taken together, our results suggest that rhizosphere microorganisms can improve pioneer plant growth by inhibiting toxic element accumulation via the increase in nutrient cycling in former W mining areas.

Road surfaces in historic areas accessible to people with special needs in light of new legal regulations

The article is devoted to road surfaces designed in historic areas under conservation protection, addressing the issue of ensuring accessibility for people with special needs in light of new legal regulations. The authors focus on identifying provisions, patterns, and standards related to user-friendly surfaces, especially for individuals with disabilities. They also propose detailed adjustments to legal provisions to eliminate or minimize solutions that are disadvantageous for people with special needs

Methods of Regeneration of Damaged Historical Buildings

The article is devoted to the classification of regeneration methods of buildings damaged by factors of aging, emergency situations and military events. Regeneration is becoming more urgent due to the destruction of a large number of historical quarters by military aggression. Different methods inherent in the regeneration of destroyed neighborhoods are classified, namely restoration, reconstruction and various options for new construction. The methods are illustrated with examples of their use mainly based on the experience of regeneration of Kyiv Podol district and other historical areas of Ukraine, as well as foreign ones. In the complex regeneration of neighborhoods, the preservation of architectural monuments, the restoration of the most valuable and preserved objects of the historical background building, the reconstruction of a certain part of the built objects that have value due to their facade solutions, new construction with the reproduction of the traditional character of the environment in various forms. At the moment, the new construction takes on the solution of modern urban planning and functional requirements for city centers as much as possible, and also serves as a hub of ideas for engineering reconstruction of the entire quarter, is the basis of sustainable development. Defined methods of ensuring the diversity of facade sweeps, which corresponds to the nature of background buildings and forms effective scenarios for pedestrian spaces.

Conservation Design of Industrial Heritage based on Nonlinear GA Optimization Algorithm and Three-dimensional Reconstructioneconstruction

In order to understand the industrial heritage protection design of Iterative reconstruction, the author proposes a research on industrial heritage protection design based on GA optimization algorithm and Iterative reconstruction. Firstly, the author establishes the 3D model of industrial heritage through Iterative reconstruction, and optimizes the model parameters through GA algorithm to achieve the purpose of protecting and utilizing industrial heritage. Secondly, the author proposes a method of Iterative reconstruction of industrial heritage based on GA algorithm, uses this method to conduct Iterative reconstruction of industrial heritage, and imports the reconstructed model into the 3D model management system for management. This method solves the problem of high reconstruction cost caused by low model quality in traditional Iterative reconstruction, and makes industrial heritage protection design more practical. Finally, an experimental analysis was conducted using a factory building in a certain city as an example. The results showed that the model optimized using the GA algorithm had significantly better performance than traditional reconstruction methods, and could more accurately reflect the spatial form and structural characteristics of industrial heritage, this provided new ideas and methods for the subsequent protection and utilization of industrial heritage. The GA algorithm optimized 3D model established by the author can effectively evaluate industrial heritage in historical urban areas, not only revealing the value of industrial heritage better, but also providing a certain reference for similar work in the future.

Examination and analysis of a stored stucco window in the conservation lab of Bab Al-azab area, citadel of Salah Al-din Al-Ayyubi, Cairo Egypt

Historic areas are at the forefront of global attention because of their historical and social traits that reflect human civilization, giving them an economic weight that helps preserve the city's historical identity. For that, the aim of this paper is based on examining and analyzing the components of a deteriorated stucco window kept in the Restoration Lab of Bab Al-azab Area of the Citadel of Salah al-din Al-ayyubi, which was carried out via different techniques. The stucco window used in this study was inspected using a digital microscope and scanning electron microscope to determine the degradation of the stucco and wooden frame's outside surface. Besides, the polarized microscope involves studying minerals by studying the optical properties of stucco. Also, the light microscope was used to identify the wood. Besides, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) showed the presence of constituent elements for both the stucco and glass. In addition, X-ray diffraction estimated cellulose crystallinity to decrease. A technique called Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) was also used to find changes in lignin, gypsum, anhydrite, and calcite, as well as cellulose and hemicellulose. A microbiological investigation indicated the presence of a fungal infestation on a wooden frame. This study showed that Salah El-Din Castle's semi-separate historical areas can be considered one of its architectural, planning, and historical models, which have their fabric and characteristics.

Brief communication: An ice-debris avalanche in the Nupchu Valley, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, eastern Nepal

Abstract. Beginning in December 2020, a series of small to medium, torrent-like pulses commenced upon a historic debris cone located within the Nupchu Valley, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA), Nepal. Sometime between 16 and 21 August 2022 a comparatively large ice-debris avalanche event occurred, covering an area of 0.6 km2 with a total estimated volume of order 106 m3. The area of the debris cone left by the August 2022 event increased the historic debris cone area by 0.2 km2 (total area 0.6 km2). Although no human or livestock deaths occurred, the increase in torrent-like pulses of debris upon this historic debris cone since 2020 exemplifies a style of mass movement that may become increasingly common as air temperatures rise in the region. Although the magnitude of this event was small compared to events like the 2021 Chamoli avalanche, the widespread distribution and frequency of comparable events present a substantial, and potentially increasing, hazard across High Mountain Asia.

Building Categorization Strategy Guidance in the Historic Area Renovation Process

Under the fast development of city economy and environment, building heritage helps to preserve the cultural identity and history of a place and its people, providing a sense of connection to the past. Historic area renovation is a multifaceted endeavor, combining aspects of culture, architecture, economics, and community engagement. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2020, three new challenges have been faced by historic area regeneration. First, if the renovation has not been implemented yet, how should building attribute types be classified at the very beginning? Second, if the renovation has stopped due to the epidemic, how should the process be restarted and how should accurate suggestions be given based on previous implementation? Third, when the historic area contains a variety of different styles of buildings, how should the stage of conservation renovation be judged and how should overall guidelines on area conservation be given? A dynamic methodological approach based on the management of three-dimensional information has been proposed by our research team to help monitor changes in building attributes during implementation. A case study was analyzed using the proposed model but paying attention to new aspects of model application. By comparing the buildings represented in three historic areas of Taizhou Old City, buildings before renovation often face problems more on a material level. During the process of renovation, it is necessary to pay more attention to the spiritual level of building problems. Renovation guided by a different subject would lead to different problems in the update process. It is also important to categorize guides based on the proportion of different building types and the prominent conflicts in the area.

Tala Tepe Jawzjan is the Forgotten Ancient Site of Afghanistan

The Golden Treasure of Bakhtar is the most valuable historical treasure of Afghanistan and one of the souvenirs of the era of Western Greece. In 1978, Victor Sarianidi, the famous Soviet archaeologist, and his team started their excavations on top of Talatepe, Jawzjan province. As a result of this research, they found the world's biggest treasure after 2000 years of obscurity. The findings of this research show that this ancient and historical area is the legacy of the Western Greek and Kushan eras. Analyzes show that Afghanistan's security situation was in a very critical state during the Soviet archaeologists' research; Victor Sarianidi was able to, with this emergency, continue his research, which shows the commitment and good sense of an archaeologist. The purpose of this research is to investigate the current situation of the ancient and historical area of ​​Talatpe, Jawzjan. The findings of this research show that atmospheric and climatic changes have caused the collapse of this historical area and if serious attention is not paid to it, we will witness the complete destruction of this historical area in the earliest time. It should be mentioned that the Tala Tepe area is located near the irrigated agricultural lands, and besides other problems of this area, it is also under the threat of flooding. In the research of this article, the methods of comparison, logical historical analysis, copying and field have been done.

Policy Development in China’s Protected Scenic and Historic Areas

In China, scenic and historic areas are protected areas which are highly integrated with natural and cultural resources. The study analyzed policies based on the theory of policy instruments using content analyses. The results demonstrated that China’s scenic and historic areas have experienced four phases of development: primary development (1980–1994), exploration and growth (1995-–2006), deepening and maturity (2007–2018), and integration and optimization (2019–2023). Policy intensity is trending upwards, and contemporary policy authority and restraints are insufficient. The policy instruments showed an imbalance, and are mainly environmentally-type, with only a few supply- and demand-type. Policy topics mainly include management and planning protection. The Chinese government has played a leading role, taking many restraining measures to quickly protect scenic resources. Stronger and more effective policies with more specific content will favor the protection of scenic and historic areas. In the future, financial input, international exchanges, and outsourcing services should be increased to promote the vital development of scenic and historic areas. Legislation, establishment, social participation, operation, and ticket systems must be comprehensive. Overall, the study provides theoretical support for further reforms of China’s scenic and historic areas and lessons for improving the conservation quality of the world’s protected areas.

Дуализм урбанологической оценки точечной застройки как феномена российского девелопмента

The article analyzes the competition of goal-setting of two confrontational parties — the developer and the population of a historical urban area that arises during compaction construction. Their paradigms of the block’s further development are considered in the context of the phenomena of gentrification and degradation of the urban environment. Possible points of growth in the quality of life of the population of the relevant area are identified, potential options for harming the existing living environment are identified. The author explores three basic approaches to the legal regulation of point development, conditionally defining them as indifferent, prohibitive and limiting, and also gives examples of the implementation of the latter in a number of regions of the country (including Sochi). It is concluded that it is necessary to expand the application of the procedure of public hearings on urban planning justification and approval of the redevelopment project of the block. The possibility of using legal urbanology as an axiological basis for making appropriate decisions is substantiated.

Mapping Landslide Vulnerability using Machine Learning Approach along the Taba Penanjung-Kepahiang Road, Bengkulu Province

Landslides occur when masses of rock, debris or soil move due to various factors and processes that cause land movement. The Taba Penanjung-Kepahiang route is one of the areas in Bengkulu Province that is highly prone to landslides. This causeway is the only fastest land route connecting the Bengkulu-Kepahiang area. In recent years, the road area has often been cut off due to landslides and fallen trees, which have caused road access to be cut off and obstructed and claimed lives. This study uses a Machine Learning (ML) and GIS approach with Variable Frequency Ratio using 16 independent factors obtained from the spatial database and DEM, which correlate with landslide events. This research aims to gain an in-depth understanding of the factors that cause landslides. In addition, the research focus is the development of a Disaster Mitigation Model to design and implement effective strategies to reduce the risk and impact of landslide disasters through in-depth analysis The dependent factor is the location of the landslide from the historical landslide area for the last five years, with a distribution of 70/30%. Furthermore, frequency ratio is used to analyze the correlation between conditioning factors and historical landslides. Then, the independent and dependent factors were normalized to create a landslide susceptibility map. Frequency Ratio (FR) indicates the likelihood of an event occurring, with drainage density (FR= 0.69), shear wave velocity (Vs30) (FR= 0.66), slope (FR= 0.60), and rainfall (FR= 0.55). The output of the processed data is in the table below.