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This paper describes the implementation of an open-source platform integrating HBIM-IoT monitoring sensors, applied to the Royal Site of Carditello, a Bourbon 18th-century Palace near the city of Capua (Italy). Based on open standards and processes, the platform is accessible on different devices through the Internet and acts as a digital representation of the building and the monitoring system therein, allowing users to navigate a detailed HBIM model and query, visualise and manipulate static and dynamic information attributed to the building and its collections, as well as the data from applied sensors, linked to their virtual objects' equivalent in the model. Integrating robust data management with a user-friendly 3D interface, this solution aims to enhance the preventive conservation of historical buildings and their collections, which depend on regular monitoring and a systematic diagnostic programme over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout history, architectural heritage has been constructed using masonry, clay or stone elements, and lime‐based mortars. Over time, old buildings are subjected to different degrees of movement and degradation, leading to the formation of microcracks. Water dissolves and transports lime in mortar, but when the water evaporates, the lime is deposited and heals cracks in a process known as autogenous healing. Lime‐based mortars can regain some mechanical properties due to their healing capacity, given certain conditions. In the present work, a constitutive formulation has been developed to simulate cracking and healing in lime‐based mortars. The proposed model captures the residual displacements within cracks, associated with interacting crack surface asperities, as well as the healing effect on mechanical properties. A new approach is described which expresses these mechanisms mathematically within a micromechanical formulation. The proposed model was validated by comparing the outputs with experimental data. The results show that the new continuum micromechanical damage‐healing model could capture the damage‐healing cycle with good accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article examines the securitisation of Hungarian purchases of cultural built heritage in Slovakia in 2021–2023. It demonstrates that, while the material existence of this heritage had not been in any way endangered, it nevertheless became intimately intertwined with the broader anxieties and fears of irredentism and territorial revisionism, stemming from persisting conflicts in memory politics and from the Hungarian government's controversial and non-transparent approach to its neighbours. It demonstrates how the conflicting national(ist) narratives are reinforced by a lack of basic transparency, resulting from the political economy and power techniques of the 'illiberal' political regimes which some political scientists dub 'the mafia state'. The article draws on insights from critical security studies, critical heritage studies and the ontological security theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities face increasing challenges in reducing their impact on climate change while also preserving their cultural heritage, both older and more modern. This paper investigates the articulations of energy efficiency and cultural values in local public policies of the City of Stockholm. The municipality is particularly interesting in its self-imposed role as being world-leading in the climate transition. However, we argue that the city fails in undertaking a holistic approach to sustainability by not providing sufficient guidance on how energy efficiency and cultural values can be reconciled. Cross-sectorial and sectorial policy documents as well as the implementation of local directives and objectives in a large municipally owned housing company are studied. Two cases of renovation serve to demonstrate how policy is turned into practice and how energy efficiency aims and cultural values are assessed. One significant finding is the clear asymmetry between the steering ability of policy relative to energy efficiency and cultural values respectively. A major drawback is the lack of directives and guidelines concerning the built heritage, particularly at a building level, supporting decision-making when implementing necessary energy efficiency measures in buildings with cultural values. A recommendation made is to introduce cross-sectorial guidance in implementing energy efficiency measures in buildings with cultural values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 17th Century Casa a Ponente of Palazzo Rocca Costaguta's wall provided an opportunity for an evaluation based on a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach of conservation treatments aiming at removing biological colonization from built heritage surfaces. The investigated surfaces were historic plasters partially covered by a patchy green patina due to biofilm recolonization soon after a previous biocidal treatment. Areas of the biocolonized wall were treated by conservation professionals according to both conventional and "green" (i.e., exploiting natural active principles) biocidal products, including Preventol RI 50 (active substance benzalkonium chloride), Essenzio (active substance essential oregano oil), and hydrogen peroxide. Upon treatment, LCA analysis was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact of the different solutions, including a no-treatment option. LCA analysis was based on on-site investigations of the untreated wall surface with and without biofilm and following the biocidal treatment. The conservation treatment's impact on the mineral substrate was based on digital microscopy, colorimetry, and water contact angle measurements via an innovative portable method. The results highlighted the impacts of the different biocidal treatments, which, in some cases, have not completely removed the biofilm and, in some cases, have altered the surface properties of the plaster. This pointed out the opportunity to re-think conservation strategy, including LCA analysis as a complementary tool to assess the environmental impact of the different conservation treatments and procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Monastery of Alcobaça houses in reserve the ceramic tiles that adorned the floor of the church's apse. These tiles were removed during rehabilitation works and many preserve part of their original fixing mortars. A comprehensive analysis of 21 samples was conducted using a multi‐analytical approach (X‐ray fluorescence, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, μ‐Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis, optical microscopy, and colorimetry). Results suggest compositional variations in the samples from the back and sides of the ceramic tiles; however, the mineralogy and general characteristics of the aggregates remained consistent between the samples and are coherent with the local geology, suggesting a shared historical origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of HBIM for the information management of historical buildings is often hindered by the presence of uncertainty due to limited geometric information and documentation at the time of modelling; controlling and organising this level of uncertainty, in view of future developments, becomes paramount. This paper presents an HBIM workflow to tackle uncertainty by capitalising on parametric modelling and 4D modelling. Parametric modelling is used as a dynamic tool that allows for an easy and quick update of the model when new data become available, while 4D modelling is used for disassembling the building backwards, establishing temporal relationships among building elements and organising them in successive phases, when uncertainty concerns the historical development of building elements and architectural interventions. The workflow was applied to a building of industrial archaeology in southern Italy, the ‘De Simone’ factory, which is abandoned and in a poor state of conservation, but represents a valuable historical testimony due to its rich stratification resulting from significant physical and functional transformations over time. This application shows that structuring the data implementation process to accommodate the available information and its future integration, through the use of parametric and 4D modelling, can be very efficient to support documentation, conservation and enhancement activities on built heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the post-pandemic era, following the recent global crisis, it is essential to recognize the heritagization pathways of built environments associated with epidemic events. By tracing the evolution of heritage linked to these events, analyzing the characteristics of epidemic-related built environments, and exploring methods of heritagization, this study proposes a foundational conservation principle. The establishment of concepts and components of built heritage during and after epidemic periods can serve as a guide for more effective societal management. These efforts offer valuable insights for addressing major public events and enhancing urban resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historic building information modeling (HBIM) represents an emerging field that extends traditional building information modeling (BIM) to the preservation, management, and analysis of heritage structures. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of HBIM, tracing its evolution from its origins and early applications to its current state and future prospects. The processes of data collection and modeling are thoroughly examined, addressing levels of detail, digitization methods, and commonly used software and data formats. Attention is also given to existing BIM standards and protocols and their potential application to HBIM. The paper emphasizes the importance of appropriate data selection and management, both for geometrical and non-geometrical (historical and architectural) information. Furthermore, it explores the integration of HBIM with structural analysis tools, a subject of growing interest, particularly in light of its potential for integration with structural health monitoring systems and advanced computational models. The results of this review highlight the increasing role of HBIM in heritage preventive preservation and management, a topic that accounted for 40% of the articles on this subject in 2023. These findings demonstrate that HBIM offers significant potential for managing and preserving heritage buildings, but to fully realize its capabilities, advancements in data interoperability, standardized protocols, and real-time structural analysis are essential to make it a widely effective tool in conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcareous stones, such as marble and limestone, have been widely used in ancient architecture due to their durability, abundance, and ease of extraction and workability. However, their chemical nature renders them vulnerable to atmospheric pollutants. With industrialization and socio-economic growth, air pollution has severely impacted built heritage, including numerous historical buildings and monuments, particularly under changing climate and environmental conditions. Various forms of degradation, such as acid corrosion, mineral crystallization, and black crusts, are widespread and typically driven by atmospheric pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), ozone (O3), and particulates (PM), which accelerate the deterioration of stone surfaces. To develop sustainable mitigation strategies, it is essential to gain an in-depth understanding of these deterioration mechanisms and current technological advancements. This paper first reviews the influencing factors and underlying mechanisms of atmospheric deterioration of calcareous stones. Subsequently, it discusses the advantages and limitations of traditional and advanced conservation and restoration techniques at the micro-level, as well as pollution management strategies that can be adopted. Finally, the challenges of research in this field are highlighted, and directions for the sustainable conservation of calcareous stones are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang Province and China's northernmost metropolis. The modern city of Harbin was founded by the Russians in 1898 and colonised by Russia and Japan during the first half of its 120-year history. After the Second World War, the post-colonial Harbin had to deal with its Russian and Japanese colonial pasts and their architectural remains. While the city initially tried to forget its colonial pasts by demolishing the colonial-era buildings, in recent decades, Harbin is re-remembering those pasts through the presentation and (re)interpretation of its colonial built heritage. It is noteworthy that the local government has approached Harbin's Russian and Japanese colonial heritages in very different ways, and public opinion has polarised on the issue of colonisation regarding the city's Russian and Japanese colonial pasts. Using archival analysis, observation and semi-structured interviews, this paper investigates the evolution of Harbin's urban memory of the colonial pasts from both official and popular perspectives. It is argued that the different approaches to Russian and Japanese colonial heritages have historical reasons in cultural, economic and political terms and serve to achieve a common goal in the present, that is to construct a distinct and consistent identity for the city's future. Further, post-colonial identity constructed in this way is questioned as it still does not overcome the self–other dichotomy that features in colonisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the post-pandemic era, following the recent global crisis, it is essential to recognize the heritagization pathways of built environments associated with epidemic events. By tracing the evolution of heritage linked to these events, analyzing the characteristics of epidemic-related built environments, and exploring methods of heritagization, this study proposes a foundational conservation principle. The establishment of concepts and components of built heritage during and after epidemic periods can serve as a guide for more effective societal management. These efforts offer valuable insights for addressing major public events and enhancing urban resilience.

In addition to the surrounding climatic environment, the intrinsic characteristics of the stones used in construction are a critical factor to understand a building’s conservation state and define the necessary planning and conservation management activities. The use of environmentally susceptible stones, such as carbonate stones, in heritage buildings can be especially problematic. The present investigation presents an overview of past research and contributes to identifying the types of carbonate stones used over time in Coimbra’s Old Cathedral in Portugal, which was classified as a National Monument and integrated into the Coimbra World Heritage site by UNESCO. Our mineralogical and chemical analyses revealed the use of carbonate stones from different quarries (Coimbra region), including Ançã limestone and dolostone (Porta Especiosa portal), Portunhos limestone and Outil limestone (in the perimeter of windows), and marlstones and Outil limestone (side facades). These stones, which were installed at various times during the construction and alteration of the monument, represent a great challenge for conservation planning due to their intrinsic vulnerability to adverse environmental conditions and pollution.

External and internal microclimatic conditions, biodeterioration, anthropogenic factors, etc, influence the natural stone support for artifacts and built heritage. Based on this fact, the present study explores the effectiveness of nano-TiO2 in preserving and enhancing the durability of natural stone used in the façades of heritage buildings, focusing on the Markovits-Mathéser House in Oradea Municipality, Romania. The investigation involved treating rock samples (fossiliferous limestone) with 2% and 5% nano-TiO2 solutions and subjecting them to simulated extreme climatic conditions for the analyzed area in a controlled climatic chamber for six months. The treated samples demonstrated a significantly higher compressive strength than untreated benchmarks. SEM analyses confirmed that nano-TiO2 formed a protective layer, filling micro-cracks and pores, thereby enhancing the stone’s resistance to environmental stressors. The study also found that the nanoparticle coating maintained its integrity under extreme temperature and humidity variations, with only a slight decrease in surface coverage. These findings suggest that nano-TiO2 coatings significantly improve heritage building materials’ mechanical properties and longevity. However, the study highlights the importance of careful application and long-term evaluation to ensure environmental and health safety. Overall, nano-TiO2 presents a promising solution for the conservation of cultural heritage, offering enhanced durability and protection against climatic and environmental challenges. Further research is recommended to optimize application workflow and formulations for broader and more effective use in heritage conservation.

SUMMARY: Visiting, or observing a site in its surrounding environment, is a key point of archaeological and heritage assessment and research. This paper examines historic and contemporary site visits to Robert Owen’s 1830s agricultural community at Harmony Hall. The site was described in letters, in articles, and in visual culture throughout the nineteenth century, after which the site became overgrown. The site itself is telling of some of the reasons behind the community’s early problems, and the reasons behind its ultimate transformation from a community to a school. Today, both the agricultural community and the school are gone. This paper explores the site in the past and today, situating Harmony Hall within its historic and contemporary landscape. Drawing on place-based approaches to heritage sites, experience, and interpretation, this paper outlines the interpretive value in critical ‘visiting’ as a method for assessing sites with a complicated histories like Harmony Hall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the aftermath of armed conflicts, societies grapple with profound impacts on historic city centres, with cultural heritage damage intensifying crises in environments, identities and sense of place. This paper addresses the under-documented post-conflict journey of the Libyan city of Benghazi, focusing on the sudden demolition of its built heritage in March 2023. Grounded in a mixed-methods approach, this study explores reconstruction complexities in post-conflict emerging states through empirical research and a humanistic lens. In addition, the authors investigate aspects, such as the stakeholder’s opinion and the community’s reaction and expectations. The findings reveal that while post-conflict situations globally are inherently complex between balancing change and continuity, the case of Benghazi is exacerbated by political fragmentation, top-down reconstruction approaches, and lack of coordination between decision-makers and the community. The results of the survey indicate that most respondents support the preservation of their cultural heritage. This research concludes that stakeholders in Benghazi should adopt a nuanced approach that aligns with sustainable aspirations for a better future while retaining historical continuity. This paper contributes to the broader post-conflict reconstruction literature by offering insights for cities facing similar challenges and emphasizing the imperatives of inclusion, transparency, justice, and equity during the reconstruction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The UK’s ratification of Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in March 2024 signals a formal commitment to engage with the concept of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). This article investigates how this commitment could reshape built heritage practices in the UK through fostering a more integrated relationship between the tangible and intangible qualities of heritage. It argues that prioritising this interface is essential for contemporary built heritage management, ensuring the diverse cultural values embedded in the historic environment are represented. After examining the broader UK context, the article narrows focus to England, where Historic England’s guidance and initiatives demonstrate how shifts in policy and practice could materialise in response to the convention. The article concludes by proposing three key opportunity areas that could emerge from emphasising the tangible–intangible relationship: 1) evolving understandings of heritage, community and participation; 2) recognising the mutual influence of ICH and physical heritage; and 3) strengthening place-based cultural practices. These opportunities offer a timely pathway for the UK to become a thought leader in heritage management by aligning conservation practices with evolving cultural values and community involvement, thus setting a new benchmark for built heritage management in a Western European context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a procedure in which 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) were used to determine singularities in the foundations of protected historic towers, where space is limited due to their characteristics and location in highly populated areas. This study was carried out on the Tower of the Cathedral "Santa Iglesia Catedral de Santa María" in Murcia, Spain. The novel distribution of a continuous nonlinear profile along the outer and inner perimeters of the Tower allowed us to obtain a 3D ERT model of the subsoil, even under its load-bearing walls. This nonlinear configuration of the electrodes allowed us to reach adequate investigation depths in buildings with limited interior and exterior space for data collection without disturbing the historic structure. The ERT results were compared with GPR measurements and with information from archaeological excavations conducted in 1999 and 2009. The geometry and distribution of the cavities in the entire foundation slab of the Tower were determined, verifying the proposed procedure. This methodology allows the acquisition of a detailed understanding of the singularities of the foundations of protected historic towers in urban areas with limited space, reducing time and costs and avoiding the use of destructive techniques, with the aim of implementing a more efficient and effective strategy for the protection of other tower foundations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper emerges from a wider doctoral thesis on the influence and relationships between Antoni Gaudí's buildings and current Chinese architecture. In light of understanding the connections between Eastern and Western designerly approaches to built heritage, we studied the specific case of the renovation of Casa Batlló in Barcelona by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Starting from the general framework of built heritage renovation and transformation techniques and styles, we analysed the approach of this case as a replicable mindset and toolkit for addressing urban and architectural renewal. Kengo Kuma's dissolution of materiality is key to his design approach This methodological case study delves into the potential of a complementary vision of the world where Eastern and Western design approaches retrofit each other. The research results are related to current global urban renewal, historic building protection, and renewal needs from a global design perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water canals have played a vital role in shaping urban and rural landscapes throughout history, fostering economic growth, and improving the quality of life of its inhabitants. Built by Sir Proby Cautley, the Ganga Canal in India, is one such engineering marvel dating back to 1854. The canal originating from Haridwar is a key part of India's colonial history that has led to significant rural and urban transformations in the Gangetic plains. The system consists of a main canal of about 438 km and about 6438 km long distribution channels, designed to bring water to the dry areas in western Uttar Pradesh, turning them into productive farmland. Over time, the canal has grown from a colonial engineering project into an important tool for managing water systems and supporting regional growth, highlighting its lasting importance and recognition today. This study examines the development of cultural and vernacular built heritage along this Ganga Canal Route in time. The study area spans from its origin at Haridwar up to Roorkee railway bridge. The study employs archival research, photographic documentation, interviews with locals and stakeholders from living sites and secondary literature to examine the canal’s impact on the built vernacular heritage and its significance over time. In conclusion, the research identifies and discusses tangible and intangible aspects contributing to a deeper understanding of Canal ‘Routes’ through its Vernacular ‘Roots’. Its historical significance, both in engineering and cultural impact, continues to shape the region's development. By integrating conservation efforts with modern advancements, the canal offers opportunities for sustainable tourism and heritage preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historic bridges are crucial city landmarks, requiring expert input to preserve them in accordance with international policies and approaches. This ensures the protection of their historical and architectural value and their preservation for as long as possible. During conflict and war, bridges often suffer significant damage, leading to extensive destruction or complete demolition. The historic stone bridge over the Al-Khosar River in Mosul, constructed during the Ottoman era in 1856, sustained direct damage during the military operations in 2017, resulting in the substantial destruction of parts of the bridge. The objective of this study is to examine the challenges and constraints encountered during the reconstruction of this significant urban landmark. To this end, the architectural and engineering aspects of the project will be analysed, while also highlighting the difficulties in adhering to the standards and requirements set forth in international conventions and legislation pertaining to the preservation of historical urban landmarks and the protection of these structures from extinction. Subsequently, a series of conclusions and recommendations will be presented, offering insights to inform future endeavours involving the restoration of similarly invaluable edifices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In addition to the surrounding climatic environment, the intrinsic characteristics of the stones used in construction are a critical factor to understand a building's conservation state and define the necessary planning and conservation management activities. The use of environmentally susceptible stones, such as carbonate stones, in heritage buildings can be especially problematic. The present investigation presents an overview of past research and contributes to identifying the types of carbonate stones used over time in Coimbra's Old Cathedral in Portugal, which was classified as a National Monument and integrated into the Coimbra World Heritage site by UNESCO. Our mineralogical and chemical analyses revealed the use of carbonate stones from different quarries (Coimbra region), including Ançã limestone and dolostone (Porta Especiosa portal), Portunhos limestone and Outil limestone (in the perimeter of windows), and marlstones and Outil limestone (side facades). These stones, which were installed at various times during the construction and alteration of the monument, represent a great challenge for conservation planning due to their intrinsic vulnerability to adverse environmental conditions and pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer an exciting opportunity to work with nature to conserve heritage sites and objects. Soft capping is a novel form of NbS used commonly in Britain and Ireland to help conserve ruined and free-standing walls; soil and vegetation is placed on the wall head to help reduce deterioration by buffering thermal fluctuations and regulating moisture. While this conservation practice has proved cheaper and more effective at reducing deterioration than traditional hard capping, soft caps need to be resilient to future environmental changes. Previous research has shown that the sedum species commonly used in soft caps are vulnerable to climate change. Thus, following feedback from an interactive webinar with practicing heritage professionals, here we assess the climate resilience of four grass species commonly found in western Europe as possible soft-capping species: Festuca rubra (red fescue), Poa pratensis (smooth meadow-grass), Catapodium rigidum (fern-grass) and Poa annua (annual meadow-grass). We use species distribution modelling (Maxent) to assess the likelihood of species survival by mid and end century based on presence probabilities derived using three climate models (HadGEM3-GC31-LL, IPSL-CM6A-LR, and MIROC6). Results show that all four species are resilient under mid-century projections, and P. annua proved resilient under all scenarios. Therefore, using turf-based soft caps incorporating one or more of these grass species could enhance the future resilience of this conservation technique. Given the growing interest in the use of nature-based approaches to heritage conservation, our study represents an important attempt to account for and adapt to a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chelators are widely used in conservation treatments to remove metal stains from marble, travertine, and limestone surfaces. In the current review the chemical aspects underlying the use of chelators for the removal of copper and iron stains from built heritage are described and clear criteria for the selection of the most efficient stain removal treatment are given. The main chelator structural features are outlined and the operating conditions for effective metal stain removal (pH, time of application, etc.) discussed, with a particular emphasis on the ability to form stable metal complexes, the high selectivity towards the metal that should be removed, and the high sustainability for the environment. Dense matrices often host chelators for higher effectiveness, and further research is required to clarify their role in the cleaning process. Then, relevant case studies of copper and iron stain removal are discussed. On these bases, the most effective chelators for copper and stain removal are indicated, providing chemists and conservation scientists with scientific support for conservation operations on stone works of art and opening the way to the synthesis of new chelators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The centuries-old Eravimangalam Subramanyaswamy Temple in the Malappuram district of Kerala, India, is one of many active temples with significant remnants of historical outdoor wall paintings threatened with being rebuilt/replastered with modern materials. As the significance of the site to the local community is the figure of the deity housed within the temple, the shrine's outer structure carrying the historical wall paintings is considered replaceable. This work explores the creation of tools that communities can use in the future to make an informed choice about sustainable conservation of their heritage, and to place some significance on the structure as well as the deity represented. The study uses two main approaches: virtual reconstruction, and the testing of greener formulations for the removal of deposits on outdoor wall paintings. 3D reconstruction and image manipulation were used to create visualizations of a possible finished treatment, and supported by cleaning tests on mock-ups of the wall paintings that reproduce the original materials, techniques, and their present condition. Testing of greener formulations was performed to remove deposits from burning oil lamps, as commonly used in temples in Kerala. The tested products that are derived from natural feedstocks are safer for human beings and will enable the local conservators to work with them without any adverse effects. This work aims to serve as a means to initiate community involvement in decision-making and create opportunities for sustainable conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines a research project on the use of wood tar as adhesive for architectural stone repairs. Tar was identified as having been used in medieval repair techniques on Stavanger cathedral in Norway, as well as on several other medieval cathedrals in England and Germany. The hypothesis is that a complex adhesive mixture based on wood tar was manufactured and strategically employed by medieval artisans in northern Europe as stone repair material. Given that such repairs have withstood centuries of wear, there must have been extensive material knowledge and awareness of the complex requirements of structural adhesives. These historic tar repairs created the impetus for a research project, the aim of which is to rediscover the lost medieval art of traditional stone repair using wood tar adhesives, recreate the historic adhesive and repurpose it for modern conservation practice. By reintroducing traditional wood tar adhesives based on natural renewable source materials, we could potentially reduce dependence on synthetically manufactured adhesives. Thus, newly-discovered medieval techniques which have successfully lasted centuries will be drawn on to help solve the limited selection of suitable adhesives for stone conservation, contributing to future preservation of stone architecture and the built heritage environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

External and internal microclimatic conditions, biodeterioration, anthropogenic factors, etc, influence the natural stone support for artifacts and built heritage. Based on this fact, the present study explores the effectiveness of nano-TiO2 in preserving and enhancing the durability of natural stone used in the façades of heritage buildings, focusing on the Markovits-Mathéser House in Oradea Municipality, Romania. The investigation involved treating rock samples (fossiliferous limestone) with 2% and 5% nano-TiO2 solutions and subjecting them to simulated extreme climatic conditions for the analyzed area in a controlled climatic chamber for six months. The treated samples demonstrated a significantly higher compressive strength than untreated benchmarks. SEM analyses confirmed that nano-TiO2 formed a protective layer, filling micro-cracks and pores, thereby enhancing the stone's resistance to environmental stressors. The study also found that the nanoparticle coating maintained its integrity under extreme temperature and humidity variations, with only a slight decrease in surface coverage. These findings suggest that nano-TiO2 coatings significantly improve heritage building materials' mechanical properties and longevity. However, the study highlights the importance of careful application and long-term evaluation to ensure environmental and health safety. Overall, nano-TiO2 presents a promising solution for the conservation of cultural heritage, offering enhanced durability and protection against climatic and environmental challenges. Further research is recommended to optimize application workflow and formulations for broader and more effective use in heritage conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historic bridges are crucial city landmarks, requiring expert input to preserve them in accordance with international policies and approaches. This ensures the protection of their historical and architectural value and their preservation for as long as possible. During conflict and war, bridges often suffer significant damage, leading to extensive destruction or complete demolition. The historic stone bridge over the Al-Khosar River in Mosul, constructed during the Ottoman era in 1856, sustained direct damage during the military operations in 2017, resulting in the substantial destruction of parts of the bridge. The objective of this study is to examine the challenges and constraints encountered during the reconstruction of this significant urban landmark. To this end, the architectural and engineering aspects of the project will be analysed, while also highlighting the difficulties in adhering to the standards and requirements set forth in international conventions and legislation pertaining to the preservation of historical urban landmarks and the protection of these structures from extinction. Subsequently, a series of conclusions and recommendations will be presented, offering insights to inform future endeavours involving the restoration of similarly invaluable edifices.

Abstract Be it the 1873 World’s Fair in Vienna, which established the city's status as a link between the Occident and Orient, or the very first Great Exhibition in 1851 in London, which showcased the then British empire to a global public and the world to its domestic visitors. World’s fairs have been and are still an indispensable part of a shared human history as well as an indicator of a country's economic and cultural relevance on a global scale. They are undoubtedly politically motivated drivers of collective memories and, in turn, nation-building processes. This is why they are not only publicly discussed and thoroughly documented in archives but also often manifested in buildings that long outlast these events and themes but continue to tell their tales. This article elaborates on the ways in which world’s fairs (or expos) have been used as catalysts to develop cities and how they themselves – though ephemeral phenomena – ultimately found their way into urban landscapes and historiography. Moreover, based on his own empirical studies on the last two expos of Shanghai (2010) and Milan (2015), the author elaborates on the placemaking procedures that precede and follow these mega-events, reflecting on the ensuing public discourse to (de)legitimate them, its limitations, and effects on the urban legacy of the aforementioned expos. He then presents an overarching discussion on their built heritage.

Abstract Pangani is a historic coastal Swahili town situated at the mouth of the Pangani River, which empties its waters into the Indian ocean. Archaeologists have traced the origins of this town back to the seventh century through evidence from material cultures found in this area. Despite its historical importance and archaeological interest, Pangani faces substantial conservation and management challenges, primarily due to low awareness levels among its local community. These residents are largely unaware of the town’s historical value and of the impact of factors such as climate change, stone quarrying, wave erosion, and development pressures, so effective conservation plans are lacking. In finding the best practices for managing and conserving this historic town, a critical question remains as to how to rescue the town's significance and value from these challenges. This paper proposes a gazettement approach for managing and conserving Pangani, emphasising a bottom-up approach that involves local communities and other stakeholders in the conservation process.

New designs in historic precincts often spark considerable discourse, but there has been limited research into quality and relational aspects that allow communities to perceive the new architectural objects. A lack of understanding of these concepts, a preference for certain conservation principles, a misapplication of design approaches, and misconceptions about the character of a historic precinct can disrupt historic coherence. This paper explores conservation principles, and design approaches to form enhanced policy and design tools for coexisting new and old within historic precincts. The study employs discourse analysis, content analysis, and inductive methods to probe the matter further. The study results indicate that conservation agencies tend to pay more attention to quality indicators than relationship factors of design, leading to an overemphasis on contextual-based designs and an under-emphasis on other possible design styles. In response, the study offers policy and design-enhancing tools such as introducing a six-ranking system for conservation principles, proposing six novel design approaches, and formulating three hypotheses. These new tools can help designers, researchers, and urban planners plan, and manage historic precincts and make informed decisions, and design future interventions.

Natural stone has been used worldwide in the construction of archaeological and historical heritage. However, its preservation continues to be threatened by weathering and degradation phenomena. Water is widely recognized as the most threatening external component that contributes to stone deterioration, increasing the need for the development of protective hydrophobic coatings to eliminate water penetration. This study intends to contribute to the better understanding of natural stone treatment strategies to prevent water penetration and subsequent stone alteration by studying the effect of coating and stone substrate temperatures, and the number of coating applications, on the effectiveness, compatibility, and durability of commercial hydrophobic coatings. The results obtained revealed that while more than one application increases coating hydrophobic effectiveness, it frequently leads to changes in the aesthetic appearance of natural stone, including whitening and darkening of the substrate’s original hues. Improved hydrophobic effectiveness (maximum gain of ≈ 9%) is also achieved when applying the commercial coatings at 4 °C to natural stone substrates maintained at room temperature, conditions that are feasible to be used in real life. Additionally, the commercial coating composed of silane/siloxane with modified fluorinated additives was found to be the most effective and durable hydrophobic solution.

The debate about how to conduct energy interventions in built heritage remains open. At present, the various European and national regulations allow the absence of energy intervention in cases where the character of a building with recognized heritage value would be jeopardized. This situation means that heritage preservation and energy improvement are divided into two airtight and unconnected blocs. It is possible and necessary to break that dichotomy by taking steps that enable both blocs to interrelate. Based on a methodology previously proposed by the authors to regulate changes in the urban landscape due to the rehabilitation of residential building façades, as a novel aspect, this article proposes taking a further step in the methodological process. Several criteria to balance the level of energy intervention for all buildings are thus introduced, according to the urban and architectural characteristics of each building, irrespective of their use and degree of protection. It is concluded that such a balance is possible when certain indicators are used and when determined action criteria are applied. However, one of the architectural characteristics more susceptible to being affected when undertaking an energy intervention on a building’s thermal enclosure is the materiality, which becomes especially important in the case of brutalist architecture with reinforced concrete, one of its most identifying features, giving it a specific personality. That architectural movement was therefore chosen for a case study, applying the proposed methodology to three brutalist buildings in the area of San Sebastián, Spain.

Abstract Purpose Interventions are essential for the management of built heritage because they extend the lifespan of buildings and enable them to be enjoyed by multiple generations. International organisations and institutions, such as UNESCO and ICOMOS, have adopted doctrinal documents over time, stimulating best practices in built heritage management worldwide. Although these documents are often referenced in academic work, they are seldom systematically researched. Which interventions are referenced or omitted? Are they defined? What trends are noted in the understanding of best practices as interventions? Design/methodology/approach This research consists of a systematic content analysis of nine international doctrinal documents, which were selected from nearly seventy international doctrinal documents—mainly adopted by UNESCO and ICOMOS. The main aim is to reveal and compare the concepts used for reference interventions and further use the definitions to reveal and discuss the relationships between them. The trends of these interventions being used were determined based on the frequency of mentions per intervention term in the selected documents. Findings Regarding the definition of the intervention concepts, there are three main findings. First, instead of being treated as a single concept, ‘conservation’ has been presented as an umbrella concept for other interventions and thus has been the most popular concept since the first version (1992) of the New Zealand Charter was implemented. In contrast, ‘preservation’ remains a single concept, among the highest scales, to maintain the integrity of built heritage, including use. Second, ‘repair’ was found to play a paradoxical role between ‘restoration’ and ‘reconstruction’, which created divergent opinions in the documents. Third, since the notions of ‘use’ have expanded from the functions of monuments (International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites: The Venice Charter, 1964) to the ‘associations of places’ (The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance, with associated Guidelines and Code on the Ethics of Co-existence, 1999; The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance, 2013), which include activities, traditional habits, accessibility, etc., the complexity of mentioning different forms of ‘use’ has led to some (re)interventions, such as ‘adaptation’, ‘adaptive reuse’, and ‘rehabilitation’, being put into grey areas and used interchangeably. Originality This research advances the current understanding of intervention concepts and their relationships, as well as differences and similarities in definitions.

The National Heritage Resources Act was promulgated in the efforts of establishing effective conservation principles that would meet the needs of all South Africans. The Act makes provision for each level of government to have authority over its respective heritage resources. Donaldson (2005) anticipated that the acting authority in the Western Cape province, Heritage Western Cape, was likely to come under pressure soon. This was owing to the fact of increasing heritage resources (the phenomenon of aging) and that the Provincial Heritage Resources Authority oversaw both Grade II and III heritage resources since no local municipality was deemed fully competent. This research aimed to assess the capacity and competency of local government in the field of built heritage conservation of non-metropolitan municipalities in the Western Cape, South Africa. A qualitative research method was implemented in the form of a questionnaire with informal interviews to assist in the explorative nature of this paper. By mapping and recording the current state of heritage conservation practices in the province, it was found that two local municipalities were deemed competent, while several others had made strides towards conserving local heritage resources.

Traditional villages serve as witnesses to history and culture and as the centers of production and life. Studying their spatial characteristics and influencing factors can provide profound insights into their formation, development, and inheritance. Taking CAI’s ancient residential buildings in Zhangli Village, Quanzhou as a case study, this paper utilizes space syntax and abstract topological relations to quantitatively analyze three morphological characteristics of public space: (1) “Ancestral halls” and “Academies” are situated at the core of visual space, representing significant spatial elements within the village, with high visual appeal and status; (2) The spatial layout of “roadways” and “gates” caters to the needs of internal settlements, with their accessibility significantly varying in different directions. However, the high topological depth restricts exploration within the internal space; (3) The village provides residents with spaces for various types of public activities. Furthermore, this paper qualitatively explores the factors influencing the spatial form of Cai’s ancient dwellings from the perspectives of nature, economy, and culture, including topography, hierarchical order, geomancy principles, ethnic economic development, production, and lifestyle. Accordingly, the paper proposes corresponding protection and development strategies, offering a reference for the sustainable development of traditional villages in the future.

Be it the 1873 World’s Fair in Vienna, which established the city's status as a link between the Occident and Orient, or the very first Great Exhibition in 1851 in London, which showcased the then British empire to a global public and the world to its domestic visitors. World’s fairs have been and are still an indispensable part of a shared human history as well as an indicator of a country's economic and cultural relevance on a global scale. They are undoubtedly politically motivated drivers of collective memories and, in turn, nation-building processes. This is why they are not only publicly discussed and thoroughly documented in archives but also often manifested in buildings that long outlast these events and themes but continue to tell their tales. This article elaborates on the ways in which world’s fairs (or expos) have been used as catalysts to develop cities and how they themselves – though ephemeral phenomena – ultimately found their way into urban landscapes and historiography. Moreover, based on his own empirical studies on the last two expos of Shanghai (2010) and Milan (2015), the author elaborates on the placemaking procedures that precede and follow these mega-events, reflecting on the ensuing public discourse to (de)legitimate them, its limitations, and effects on the urban legacy of the aforementioned expos. He then presents an overarching discussion on their built heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pangani is a historic coastal Swahili town situated at the mouth of the Pangani River, which empties its waters into the Indian ocean. Archaeologists have traced the origins of this town back to the seventh century through evidence from material cultures found in this area. Despite its historical importance and archaeological interest, Pangani faces substantial conservation and management challenges, primarily due to low awareness levels among its local community. These residents are largely unaware of the town's historical value and of the impact of factors such as climate change, stone quarrying, wave erosion, and development pressures, so effective conservation plans are lacking. In finding the best practices for managing and conserving this historic town, a critical question remains as to how to rescue the town's significance and value from these challenges. This paper proposes a gazettement approach for managing and conserving Pangani, emphasising a bottom-up approach that involves local communities and other stakeholders in the conservation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Interventions are essential for the management of built heritage because they extend the lifespan of buildings and enable them to be enjoyed by multiple generations. International organisations and institutions, such as UNESCO and ICOMOS, have adopted doctrinal documents over time, stimulating best practices in built heritage management worldwide. Although these documents are often referenced in academic work, they are seldom systematically researched. Which interventions are referenced or omitted? Are they defined? What trends are noted in the understanding of best practices as interventions? Design/methodology/approach: This research consists of a systematic content analysis of nine international doctrinal documents, which were selected from nearly seventy international doctrinal documents—mainly adopted by UNESCO and ICOMOS. The main aim is to reveal and compare the concepts used for reference interventions and further use the definitions to reveal and discuss the relationships between them. The trends of these interventions being used were determined based on the frequency of mentions per intervention term in the selected documents. Findings: Regarding the definition of the intervention concepts, there are three main findings. First, instead of being treated as a single concept, 'conservation' has been presented as an umbrella concept for other interventions and thus has been the most popular concept since the first version (1992) of the New Zealand Charter was implemented. In contrast, 'preservation' remains a single concept, among the highest scales, to maintain the integrity of built heritage, including use. Second, 'repair' was found to play a paradoxical role between 'restoration' and 'reconstruction', which created divergent opinions in the documents. Third, since the notions of 'use' have expanded from the functions of monuments (International Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites: The Venice Charter, 1964) to the 'associations of places' (The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance, with associated Guidelines and Code on the Ethics of Co-existence, 1999; The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance, 2013), which include activities, traditional habits, accessibility, etc., the complexity of mentioning different forms of 'use' has led to some (re)interventions, such as 'adaptation', 'adaptive reuse', and 'rehabilitation', being put into grey areas and used interchangeably. Originality: This research advances the current understanding of intervention concepts and their relationships, as well as differences and similarities in definitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recognition of 20th-century architecture in Brazil is still a field restricted to specialists, which makes the remaining assets of this collection susceptible to defacement or even destruction. The designation of the Lagoa Rowing Stadium as a historic landmark by the city of Rio de Janeiro gives us the possibility of reflecting on the existing dispute between the public interest, protected by the listing in 2005, versus the financial voracity of private groups toward the asset in question. Grotesque defacement was undertaken starting in 2003 with the approval of the State and city administrations, including the intent to turn the sports complex into a business complex, thereby distorting the original proposal from the 1950s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]