Historic Town Research Articles (Page 1)

Understanding vitality through spatial neighborhoods: a multi-scale morphological analysis of a historic town

Present study examines the nature and magnitude of in-migration to Bhawanipatna town, a rapidly growing town in Kalahandi district, Odisha, India. This study assesses the contribution of urbanisation in this migration process for the historic town. Using secondary data source particularly Census data has been utilized to identify growth patterns. Methods like exponential models has been used to estimate population growth. With the lack of authentic data, population has been predicted for 2021 and 2031 which is crucial for addressing migration issues in the town, urban sprawl and potential risks related to resource depletion. The analysis reveals that migration significantly influence Bhawanipatna’s urban expansion, labour market dynamics and socio-economic development. The study underscore how rural-urban migration shaped by historical, social and economic factors, play a pivotal role in small town expansion. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to formulate inclusive urban development strategies that balance migration-driven growth with sustainable urban planning for the medium-sized town, Bhawanipatna. The research links the Bhawanipatna experience to the broader South Asian urban transition, calling for integrated planning approaches to harness migration as a tool for sustainable urban development.

Abstract. This study investigates the integration of the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach with sustainable digitization frameworks to address gaps in heritage informatics infrastructure for urban landscape conservation. Employing mixed-methods research (document analysis, case study, and spatiotemporal modeling), this project analyzed the historical accumulation and dynamic evolution of heritage values in World Heritage sites, with a focus on the Lushan Kuling historic town. Results demonstrate that a multidimensional spatiotemporal inventory system, grounded in human-environment interaction theory, effectively captures heritage significance through three operational layers: theoretical frameworks, technical workflows, and digital deliverables. Building on critical heritage studies, the findings reconceptualize inventory-building as a cyclical process of data generation, interpretation, and application rather than static documentation. The proposed digital management framework was empirically validated through geospatial visualization of temporal layering patterns in Lushan Kuling historic town. This research provides policymakers with a model for aligning UNESCO’s HUL recommendations with digital twin technologies, particularly in addressing the fragmentation of heritage attributes in rapidly urbanizing contexts.

ABSTRACT This paper examines the political and identity-based consequences of the 2019 Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), where three historic towns were merged into a single unitary authority. Contrary to claims that LGR typically weakens local and independent representation, findings from BCP suggest that reorganisation spurred resistance and reassertions of local identity, which in turn mobilised support for independents and cross-party alliances. This paper explores how discontent with both local and national politics, strong town-based civic identities, and a perceived imbalance in power, fuelled enduring tensions. These dynamics, compounded by political instability and governance challenges, reveal how top-down amalgamation can deepen rather than resolve intra-local divides. In BCP, LGR became a site of political transformation, not merely administrative reform, highlighting the importance of identity, place, and local agency in shaping post-reform governance across England’s evolving subnational landscape.

Historic and cultural towns in China are crucial carriers of vernacular heritage, yet many unlisted historic buildings remain highly vulnerable to urbanization and fragmented governance. This study takes Xiangzhu Town in Zhejiang Province as a case study and develops a multidimensional evaluation framework—integrating value, morphology, and risk—to identify conservation priorities and guide adaptive reuse. The results highlight three key findings: (1) a spatial pattern of “core preservation and peripheral renewal,” with historical and artistic values concentrated in the core, scientific value declining outward, and functional diversity emerging at the periphery; (2) a morphological structure characterized by “macro-coherence and micro-diversity,” as revealed by balanced global connectivity and localized hotspots in space syntax analysis; and (3) differentiated building risks, where most assets are low to medium risk, but some high-value ancestral halls show accelerated deterioration requiring urgent action. Based on these insights, a collaborative framework of “graded management–classified guidance–zoned response” is proposed to align systematic restoration with community-driven revitalization. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the value–morphology–risk approach for small historic towns, offering a replicable tool for differentiated heritage conservation and sustainable urban–rural transition.

Supporting “Build Back Better” in historical towns: a novel methodology to include users’ exposure and vulnerability in strategic function relocation assessment

Mapping plays a pivotal role in preserving the cultural identity of heritage towns, serving as a systematic approach to documenting and safeguarding historical assets. In smaller towns like Chukai, Malaysia—a coastal port with a rich history—the loss of historical buildings signals physical deterioration and the erosion of cultural heritage and urban characters. This study investigates both the spatial and physical transformation of Chukai’s historical buildings, integrating content-based document analysis, field-based structured observation, and GIS-based spatial mapping using QGIS software. The research utilises two core spatial datasets from 1995 and 2021, which are cross-referenced with field-verified building conditions and GPS-based location data. Findings reveal significant gaps in conservation strategies and inconsistencies in mapping practices, contributing to the neglect of heritage assets and diminishing the town’s historical identity. Through comparative spatial analysis, the study identifies areas of concentrated heritage loss, particularly along the waterfront, suggesting patterns linked to commercial redevelopment pressures. The study highlights how spatial trends in building loss reflect broader urban policy shortcomings and limited on-ground conservation efforts. This research advocates for an inclusive and strategic approach to heritage preservation by addressing the unique challenges of smaller heritage towns. It underscores the value of integrating mapping technologies into heritage management systems and recommends embedding GIS-based monitoring within local planning frameworks. These insights inspire stakeholders to recognise the value of smaller heritage towns and prioritise their protection within broader cultural and urban sustainability frameworks.

Urbanization is a complex mechanism of development of spaces which have adversely affected the historic towns in India. Ekamra Kshetra, Bhubaneswar is one such historic settlement dating back to the 12th century CE. The settlement has been dotted with several temples built across the 12th to 18th century by the various dynasties who ruled Odisha and Ekamra Kshetra was considered as a pious religious centre with the settlements developed around the temples. With the transformation of Bhubaneswar into a modern planned city of independent India, in 1948, the original planned city was planned earmarking the historic part as a separate entity with minimal effect of urban sprawl. However, with the advent of industries and population explosion in Bhubaneswar, especially after the 1980s, the historic part of the city has been at the receiving end of rapid urban sprawl, with massive modern constructions which have severely affected the original spatial nature and eventually the historic fabric of the Ekamra Kshetra has been lost. This paper attempts to undertake an analysis of these change in the historic fabric through definition of various parameters following a detailed visual survey of a selected area in Ekamra Kshetra. Based on the findings, a regression and ordinal analysis was undertaken to understand the calculate the likelihood of change in the original fabric of the historic town.

Abstract. AlUla, a historic town located in Northwestern Saudi Arabia, renowned for beautiful landscapes and cultural significance. With the establishment of The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in 2018, remarkable efforts have been made including, establishment of national parks and nature reserves, implementation of grazing control measures, and various planting initiatives. Monitoring of these efforts has been confined to an annual scale and not on a quarterly basis, which would allow for a more detailed, short-term assessment of their impacts. This study aims to provide a quarterly assessment of NDVI-based land cover and anomaly in Sharaan NP and Gharameel NR during the year 2024. A vegetation survey was conducted in the first trimester of 2024 (Jan–Mar), where species biomass, cover, height was collected using the line-transect method. For short-term and long-term analysis images were collected from Landsat (5-9) and Sentenile-2 satellites, Landcover was derived based on NDVI from Sentinel images. While NDVI anomaly was derived from Landsat datasets. The Analysis was conducted on a trimestral basis (Q1: Jan–Mar, Q2: Apr–Jun, Q3: Jul–Sep, Q4: Oct–Dec). Mean NDVI was calculated and compared to historical averages for anomaly calculation. NDVI showed a marked increase compared to previous years (1990–2023). Vegetation cover trimestral variations were driven by seasonal changes. Sharaan NP showed the best vegetation conditions throughout the year compared to Gharameel NR which is likely due to fencing and livestock grazing exclusion. The relationship between vegetation cover and landscape variability is strongly influenced by the capacity for moisture retention in valleys, hills, and sloped terrains, underscoring the need to keep prioritizing and enhancing restoration efforts in these significant landscapes.

The historical town hall of Banská Bystrica was rebuilt in the second half of the 16th century from a medieval town mansion that had traditionally been owned by the town’s high-ranking citizens. As the building was an important structure, there is an extraordinary record of written sources depicting its history. However, there is almost no information before the year 1500 due to the fire that destroyed the town archives. Just as the fire obliterated the written record, modern construction activities severely damaged the archaeological record. The archaeological survey at the historical town hall of Banská Bystrica conducted between 2008 and 2009 could be considered a prime example of a rescue event. The small assemblage of artefacts dated shortly before and after the great fire was complemented by animal bones, water-preserved wooden planks, and archaeobotanical material. These finds underwent dendrochronological and radiocarbon dating, providing clues for assessing settlement continuity from the pre-colonisation period. By applying an interdisciplinary approach, which included the analysis of pottery, chemical analysis, DNA sampling, archaeobotanical and archaeozoological analysis, it became possible to reconstruct certain aspects of everyday life as well as the environment in the town and its surroundings.

Sea level rise (SLR) and increased urbanisation of coastal areas have exacerbated coastal flood threats, making them even more severe in important cultural sites. In this context, the role of hard coastal defences such as promenades and embankments needs to be carefully assessed. Here, a thorough investigation is conducted in Grado, one of the most significant coastal and historical towns in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy. Grado is located on a barrier island of the homonymous lagoon, the northernmost of the Adriatic Sea, and is prone to flooding from both the sea and the back lagoon. The mean and maximum sea levels from the historical dataset of Venice (1950–2023) were analysed using the Gumbel-type distribution, allowing for the identification of annual extremes based on their respective return periods (RPs). Grado and Trieste sea level datasets (1991–2023) were used to calibrate the statistics of the extremes and to calculate the local component (subsidence) of relative SLR. The research examined the occurrence of annual exceedance of the minimum threshold water level of 110 cm, indicating Grado’s initial notable marine ingression. The study includes a detailed analysis of flood impacts on the urban fabric, categorised into sectors based on the promenade elevation on the lagoon side, the most vulnerable to flooding. Inundated areas were obtained using a high-resolution digital terrain model through a GIS-based technique, assessing both the magnitude and exposure of the urban environment to flood risk due to storm surges, also considering relative SLR projections for 2050 and 2100. Currently, approximately 42% of Grado’s inhabited area is inundated with a sea level threshold value of 151 cm, which occurs during surge episodes with a 30-year RP. By 2100, with an optimistic forecast (SSP1-2.6) of local SLR of around +53 cm, the same threshold will be met with a surge of ca. 100 cm, which occurs once a year. Thus, extreme levels linked with more catastrophic events with current secular RPs will be achieved with a multi-year frequency, inundating more than 60% of the urbanized area. Grado, like Venice, exemplifies trends that may impact other coastal regions and historically significant towns of national importance. As a result, the generated simulations, as well as detailed analyses of urban sectors where coastal flooding may occur, are critical for medium- to long-term urban planning aimed at adopting proper adaptation measures.

Historical towns embody the origins and continuity of urban civilization, preserving distinctive spatial fabrics, cultural lineages, and latent economic value within contemporary metropolitan systems. Their integrated conservation directly aligns with SDG 11.4, and advances the holistic preservation objectives of historic urban landscapes (HULs). However, achieving these objectives cannot be solely dependent on modern remote sensing technologies; it necessitates the integration of historical geographic information system (HGIS) theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches. Leveraging HGIS and multisource data—including SDGSAT-1 nighttime light imagery, textual documents, and historical maps—this study reconstructed the spatial extent of historical towns in suburban Shanghai and assessed their present-day economic vitality through light-based spatial proxies. Key results comprised the following. (1) Most suburban historical towns are small, yet nighttime light intensity varies markedly. Jiading County, Songjiang Prefecture, and Jinshan Wei rank highest in both spatial extent and brightness. (2) Town area exhibits a strong positive relationship (R2 > 0.80) with the total nighttime light index, indicating that larger settlements generally sustain higher economic activity. (3) Clusters of “low area–low light” towns showed pronounced intra-regional disparities in economic vitality, underscoring the need for targeted revitalization. (4) Natural setting, historical legacy, policy interventions, and transport accessibility jointly shape development trajectories, with policy emerging as the dominant driver. This work demonstrates a transferable framework for multidimensional assessment of historical towns, supports differentiated conservation strategies, and aids the synergistic integration of heritage preservation with regional sustainable development.

For those cultural landscapes that are hidden in specific areas, they are cultural heritage resources that need to be explored. The interpretation of these cultural landscapes in unknown areas is an important idea for the expression of regional heritage values and sustainable development. Taking the interpretation of the cultural landscape of Hengzhou City in Guangxi as an example, this paper analyzes the characteristics of its cultural landscape and the current state of interpretation. It discusses the definition of identity of cultural landscape and the methodology of heritage interpretation. In addition, this paper composes the proper interpretation of Hengzhou's cultural landscape as a historical town, with the aim of exploring the value of Hengzhou's cultural heritage. By applying the methodology of heritage interpretation, approach, and meaning, the study of such a practice model will bring a practical reference for the conservation of cultural heritage in similar specific regions and provide new ideas for local cultural, social, and economic development efforts.

Abstract The research problem presented concerns a spatial development model of a small historic town in the context of new opportunities for economic growth. The problem was analysed on the example of the town of Prusice in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship in Poland. The new development conditions are the construction of the S5 express road, which results in the designation of an economic activity zone and increasing demand for housing. The research by design method and a comparative case study approach were applied. The research material consisted of projects carried out at the Academy of Silesia (2021/2022 academic year), which were prepared in cooperation with the municipality of Prusice. Design proposals as various models for the development of the spatial structure of the town of Prusice led to the main conclusions and recommendations regarding the spatial development of the town. It was demonstrated that a multifunctional urban space was required to improve the quality of life in the town. It is important to connect the historical central block-based structure with new mixed-use complexes. As an alternative, a ‘new town’ was proposed with central and residential functions. Also, possibilities for shaping formal entrance areas were indicated, which would enhance the perception of the town’s landscape. The solutions developed mostly represent contemporary urban ideas and respond to main theoretic urban challenges. Prusice utilised the results in a new study of the conditions and directions of spatial development. As a solution to the problem of creating new dispersed residential areas, clear spatial and functional connections were proposed between the historic urban fabric (the centre) and neighbouring areas. This would allow for sustainable development based on the concept of a compact town and protection of the surrounding natural and agricultural landscapes – avoiding urban sprawl.

The crucial role of local communities in heritage management has received increasing international attention over the past few decades, exemplified by the Five Key Strategies, the Historic Urban Landscape Approach, and the World Heritage Capacity Building Strategy. At the World Heritage 40th anniversary, the importance of local community was further highlighted in achieving sustainable development. The historic town of Vigan was awarded the ‘Best Practice in World Heritage Site Management’ award. The homeowner manual, which was codeveloped by UNESCO and Vigan partners, was developed as a capacity-building tool to educate the local community on conservation techniques. It aims to shape individuals into responsible and capable heritage custodians. However, an accredited evaluation report noted that the effectiveness of global capacity-building initiatives in practice is questionable and might not fully fulfil the target audience’s needs. Using an ethnographic approach to explore community members’ interactions with the homeowner manual, this article reveals the complex process undertaken by local communities in Vigan to develop their capacity for built heritage conservation. The presence of preexisting capacity and varied levels of social capital influence homeowners’ resources available for conservation projects. The difficulties encountered by local communities prompted discussions on the comprehensiveness of capacity-building programs and their adaptability to social dynamics. The findings and lessons learned provide guidelines for future capacity-building program designs targeting local communities at both World Heritage sites and places of cultural significance.

ABSTRACT The urban system in the middle and lower Ganga Plain experienced a critical spatial transition period from a traditional to modern pattern between the 18th and 19th centuries, developing a network structure influenced by cultural routes. In this study, the historical dimension of city network theory is considered, and a set of quantitative methods to reveal network structure is explored. First, spatial data are extracted from historical maps with equal scales to establish a historical geographic information system (HGIS) database of regional city networks. Second, the spatial‒statistical data translation (S-SDT) method is adopted to construct a gravity model on the basis of a quality evaluation system for historical towns, and the social network analysis (SNA) method is used to analyse the structure of city networks in different historical periods at both the overall and subnet levels. Finally, the centrifugal force and centripetal force associated with cultural routes are used to explain the driving forces and transformation mechanism of city networks in the middle and lower Ganga Plain in modern times. The research results indicate that the rise and fall of interregional cultural routes significantly contributed to the transformation of city networks from a polycentric structure to an eccentric structure.

The accelerating pace of urbanization globally has ushered in profound transformations in cities, particularly in developing nations like India. Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, exemplifies this rapid urban evolution, driven by population growth, and industrial expansion. This study examines the demographic trends, spatial growth patterns, and the multifaceted challenges and opportunities arising from urban development in Bhopal. Utilizing secondary data sources, census reports, government planning documents, and satellite imagery, the research employs both quantitative and spatial analysis to map the city's transformation from a historical town into a dynamic urban center. The findings reveal a significant population increase of over 380% from 1961 to 2011, accompanied by spatial expansion from 26.3 sq km in 1975 to 185.19 sq km in 2024. Bhopal faces acute urban challenges, including inadequate water supply infrastructure, proliferation of slums, and uneven spatial development. The study highlights that 36.2% of Bhopal's population resides in slums and the city has seen a sharp decline in its Ease of Living Index ranking, underscoring governance and service delivery issues. The research identifies key opportunities presented by integrated urban planning frameworks like the Bhopal Development Plan 2031, which advocates for sustainable growth through enhanced green cover, efficient land use, infrastructure development, and public participation.

Working lands are (agri)cultural landscapes with natural value that provide tangible and intangible benefits to people. The development and loss of working landscapes and other rural lands have been increasing, especially in regions experiencing rapid urban growth. To address these issues and conservation needs, we conducted a multi-scale study that involved (1) an in-depth case study of a working ranch focused on conservation, and (2) a geospatial inventory of ecosystem services and cultural values across a Central Texas county that is still dominated by working landscapes yet is experiencing increasing urbanization. The purpose of these two complementary scales was to add a broader view of working landscape values by mapping the multiple benefits they provide and assessing where provisioning, regulating, and cultural benefits overlap. The ultimate objective of our study was to identify target zones for conservation planning. Based on categorical and spatial variation in the mapped benefits inventory, we identified four conservation target zones: Headwaters, Historic Towns, Geologic Significance, and Tourism Corridor. Finally, we framed these conservation target zones within the context of land use decisions and tradeoff analyses.

Purpose: The purpose is to determine the nature and degree of influence of “high” architecture on the local construction and artistic traditions of the temple architecture in Yuryevets.Research findings: The administrative transformation of Russia in the 18th century had a significant impact on urban planning in general and on architecture in particular. New practice of governmental regulation and centralization of architectural and urban planning activities in the country significantly changed the local urban planning and architectural culture of Yuryevets. In the 18–19th centuries, stone churches were built in Yurievets. The formation of urban verticals began in 1700 with the construction of the Annunciation Church and was continued till 1840.Value: In the 18th century, architecture in Yuryevets demonstrated a complex interaction of old Russian traditions and new European styles, which contributed to the emergence of unique regional schools.

The construction and development of historical towns, as one aspect of the historical process, have gathered a wide range of collective memories from the development of human society. Relative historical towns have also become regional, large-scale, multi-system built environmental heritage in the course of historical development. At present, fragmented historical towns have lost their original field, leading to the corresponding historical memories having no roots, and nostalgia arises accordingly. In response, based on the "memory field" theory, an attempt is made to explore the historical towns' social memory from multiple aspects, creating memory fields from three scales: town area, urban area, and place, to reactivate the fragmented historical towns. Furthermore, taking the ancient town of Fengzhou as an example, many historical memories are explored, and the memory field is constructed from three dimensions. From the perspective of social memory, the paper explores the practical issues of memory construction and environmental renovation in historical towns, providing a reference for the renewal of similar historical towns.