Heritage, Volume 8, Issue 5 (May 2025) – 12 articles

The 2012 Emilia earthquake highlighted the vulnerability of fortified architecture. Based on the observed seismic behaviors, this research proposes a GIS geodatabase, designed with a proactive approach, for the prediction and prevention—at a territorial scale—of the most frequent damage mechanisms of the investigated typology. The designed geo-database allows for the identification of possible correlations between constructive features and the occurrence of damage, through statistical and geo-referenced analysis. Moreover, the designed geodatabase, by enabling the comparison of the damage level data with the seismic action of the site, through INGV (National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology) shakemaps, allowed the definition of experimental fragility curves, for three of the most common damage mechanisms. By applying these functions to castles in the province of Parma, it was possible to define future seismic risk scenarios for the mechanisms considered, thanks to the use of the seismic hazard map. Therefore, the described methodology could be functional to identify the most urgent and high-priority interventions in order to optimize the management of economic resources. The final aim is to promote the application of the concept of minimum intervention, and more in general to preserve the architectural heritage, avoiding emergency interventions and aiming instead to apply planned conservation strategies. Full article

The 2018 Lombok (Indonesia) earthquake caused widespread destruction, significantly affecting both infrastructure and the socio-cultural fabric of local communities. While rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts primarily focus on restoring physical assets, the social and cultural dimensions critical to fostering community resilience are often overlooked. This research explores the concept of Cultural Resilience in promoting post-disaster recovery, with a particular focus on the Sasak Tribe in Lombok. By examining how cultural values, practices, and social networks contribute to adaptive capacity, the study seeks to integrate cultural resilience into disaster recovery strategies. The research employs a mixed-method approach, involving the identification of key characteristics of cultural resilience, mapping the levels of resilience within the community, and analyzing the social networks of cultural actors involved in post-disaster recovery. Through this, a “Build-Back Better” scenario is developed, which aligns rehabilitation plans with local cultural values. The findings are expected to enhance culture-based resilience and offer policy implications for more holistic disaster recovery interventions that strengthen both physical and cultural aspects of community resilience.) Full article

Folk art includes objects that are items for everyday use and, at the same time, gracefully reflect the Greek artistic point of view, drawing its inspiration from life itself, the environment and its beauties, and local tradition. An 18th c. wood-carved and painted chest coming from the famous wood-carved centers of Epirus in Greece is presented in this study. As the number of studies and the general bibliographical references are limited for these kinds of items, prior to interventive conservation, a protocol of analysis was followed to identify the damages, the construction materials, and previous alterations. The main goal of this study is to identify the component materials using non-destructive techniques. The methodology followed for the documentation of the artifact includes the following: a. digital microscopy to identify damage from insects, different cracks and losses on the gesso and paint surface, corrosion products, etc.; b. 3D imaging using a polycam, with special attention given to the inside decoration of the cap; c. IR and UV photography to identify any previous alterations or signs of alterations in the varnish layers; d. and XRF analysis to identify the three (3) main colors of the chest, such as the blue used extensively as a background, red, and white. Nevertheless, the Greek folklore painting palette is limited, and for this reason, this study can be a foundation for research on similar artifacts. Full article

The conservation of historic tapestries is crucial due to the fragility of their materials and their cultural relevance. This paper reports on an investigation into the development of HeriTex, a non-invasive, innovative system for evaluating the structural integrity of historic tapestries, with a particular focus on measuring material loss. The research analyzed the relationship between transmitted infrared radiation and the weight loss per unit area (expressed in g/cm²) in the weakened areas of the tapestry. As a necessary first step, the system was calibrated using a limited range of wool thread weights before conducting experimental measurements on a historic tapestry fragment provided by the Royal Tapestry Factory in Madrid. The investigation demonstrated a strong correlation between the transmittance values and the loss of material weight per unit area. The results showed that the transmittance decreases exponentially as the weight per unit area increases. By applying a non-linear least squares (NLLS) fitting model, additional weight per unit area values in the tapestry were estimated based on their corresponding transmittance values. The HeriTex system enables the identification, quantification, and mapping of damage regions, demonstrating its potential as a valuable tool for more accurate assessment of the condition of historic tapestries by providing quantitative data on their structural integrity. Full article

The conservation of experimental building materials that were introduced during the 20^th-century currently represents one of the main challenges in building restoration. Fair-faced concrete is especially affected by durability problems and requires careful assessment to implement effective conservation methods, even more so when the building has artistic and expressive value. In addition, the literature in this field is still limited and case studies are very rare. In this paper, the Partisan Ossuary Monument, a brutalist monument at the Certosa of Bologna, was studied and analysed in order to find the most effective restoration techniques, especially for its concretes, which have a particularly expressive texture. The aim was to combine both the preservation of the aesthetics and functional quality of the building with the use of existing technologies in this field. Firstly, archive research was carried out to discover the original building techniques and the materials used. The literature on the Monument was studied to unveil the expressive role given to the concretes’ surface finishing. Then, after an on-site investigation, all the materials used in the Monument and the degradation processes were analysed and mapped out. Significant samples of the Monument were manually collected whilst limiting invasiveness. Then, diagnostic tests were carried out to identify the causes of degradation and to comprehend the nature of certain superficial finishes. Several techniques were used, i.e., X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and FT-IR spectrometry. Finally, guidelines were drafted for possible future restoration, merging all the results from the previous phases of this study with compliance with heritage structures’ restoration requirements. Many technologies commonly used for the repair of concrete structures could not be applied to this Monument due to its features. Hence, new solutions were studied and proposed. The results obtained may contribute to an increased awareness of the need to restore 20^th-century heritage buildings in order to limit degradation and partial reconstruction. Many concrete heritage buildings of this period suffer from the same problems, and this paper could offer an important starting point for future research. Full article

Collecting institutions have a mandate to preserve and enable access to collections. Exhibition, which often involves object transit between cultural institutions, is an essential activity for many museums to achieve their missions. These activities introduce challenges for preservation, as objects are most susceptible to irreparable damage during these key time periods. Paper-based objects that are sensitive to changes in relative humidity (RH) are commonly enclosed in sealed frame packages (SFPs) to create microclimates. Twenty-six different SFP designs were investigated for their effectiveness at buffering against external RH changes. Following initial conditioning of paper-based objects and enclosure materials at 45% RH, data loggers were placed inside each SFP and exposed to 70% RH for 12 weeks. The internal responses of the SFPs to the external RH were quantitatively assessed, alongside qualitative assessments of material reusability. Results indicate that a polyethylene bag sealed around a frame package is a reusable alternative to SFPs. Bagging alone was capable of limiting the impact of high external RH from permeating to the object level for approximately three weeks. When exposure to elevated RH levels is expected to exceed three weeks, SFPs are effective microclimates under the proviso that they comprise glazing, a vapor-proof barrier, and a seal. Full article

Ethnographic sources from Finland and Estonia in the 18th to early 20th centuries often mention alder bark as a dye source. The bark of grey alder (Alnus incana) and black alder (Alnus glutinosa) was used to dye wool and linen yarns reddish, paint leather red, and darken linen fishing nets. These recipes were simple folk craft and are not represented in dye books. Combining various sources, a selection of ethnographic and historical recipes was reconstructed through dyeing experiments to deepen the knowledge of alder bark dyeing practices and to recreate a colour palette based on past recipes. To understand the properties of the alder bark dye, the dyed textile samples were tested according to the ISO standards for washing, rubbing, and light fastness, and colour was recorded with the CIELab values. Our results show that it was possible to obtain different shades of brown, reddish brown, and dark brown. The colour fastness of dyed wool samples was moderate or good. Slight colour changes in the washed samples compared to the untreated ones were observed, which can be due to the standard’s heavily alkaline detergent. Full article

This work concentrates on an experimental project for the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) inside a Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) workflow. In particular, this evaluation was carried out by using open source solutions as concerns parametric modeling of BIM elements. This experimental test focuses on how Python scripts, generated by AI agents, can create parametric models for HBIM purposes and archaeology: starting from the archaeological plan, the parametric modeling of the Parthenon temple was carried out via a text-to-BIM workflow based on OpenAI and open source tools. The use of AI in generating these scripts can potentially automate and streamline the modeling process, making it more efficient and less prone to human error (or almost). FreeCAD, being a Python-based software, is identified as the perfect fieldwork for this test. Its open source nature allows extensive customization and experimentation, making it an ideal platform for integrating AI-generated Python scripts. In addition to proving a flexible and operative BIM platform, this approach could achieve the same results by parametric modeling via Python scripts generated by LLMs. By harnessing the power of LLMs, FreeCAD could serve not only as a robust BIM tool but also as a testbed for pushing the boundaries of what AI can achieve in the realm of parametric modeling and HBIM. This project opens new possibilities for automating the creation of detailed, accurate BIM models, ultimately contributing to the preservation and management of heritage buildings. Full article

The digitization of cultural and intellectual heritage is expanding the research scope and methodologies of the scientific discipline of Humanities. Culturally diverse epigraphic systems reveal a range of methodological impediments on the way to their integration into digital epigraphic data preservation systems—EAGLE and FAIR ontologies predominantly based on Greco-Roman cultural categorization. We suggest an interdisciplinary approach—drawing from Heritage Studies, Cultural Epistemology, and Social Semiotics—to ensure the comprehensive encoding, preservation, and accessibility of at-risk cultural artifacts. Heritage Studies emphasize inscriptions as material reflections of historical memory. Cultural Epistemology helps us to understand how different knowledge systems influence data categorization, while semiotic analysis reveals how inscriptions function within their social and symbolic contexts. Together, these methods guide the integration of culturally specific information into broader digital infrastructures. The case of Ukrainian epigraphy illustrates how this approach can be applied to ensure that local traditions are accurately represented and not flattened by standardized international systems. We argue that the same methodology can also support the digitization of other non-Greco-Roman heritage. FAIR Ontology and EAGLE vocabularies prioritize standardization and interoperability, introducing text mining, GIS mapping, and digital visualization to trace patterns across the vast body of texts from different historical periods. Standardizing valuable elements of cultural categorization and reconstructing and integrating lost or underrepresented cultural narratives will expand the capacity of the above systems and will foster greater inclusivity in Humanities research. Ukrainian epigraphic classification systems offer a unique, granular approach to inscription studies as a worthwhile contribution to the broader cognitive and epistemological horizons of the Humanities. Through a balanced use of specificity and interoperability principles, this study attempts to contribute to epigraphic metalanguage by challenging the monocentric ontologies, questioning cultural biases in digital categorization, and promoting open access to diverse sources of knowledge production. Full article

This paper presents an advanced hierarchical classification framework using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm to segment and classify large-scale point clouds of heritage buildings. By integrating the Uniclass classification system into a multi-resolution workflow, the research addresses key challenges in point cloud classification, including class imbalance, computational constraints, and semantic overlap at coarse resolutions. It adopts an experimental research design using the heritage case study from Royal Greenwich Museum in the UK. The findings demonstrate that industry classification systems and data taxonomies can be aligned with machine learning workflows. This study contributes to Heritage-Building Information Modelling (HBIM) by proposing optimised hierarchical structures and scalable machine learning techniques. The research concludes with recommendations for future research, based on the performance of the Random Forest technique, particularly in further developing AI applications within HBIM. Full article

The rise of digital heritage and immersive technologies like extended reality (XR) is reshaping how people experience culture and history. For older adults, these innovations offer exciting possibilities to explore and connect with their heritage in new ways. However, scientists and stakeholders still know little about how they engage with these technologies, what draws them in, what challenges they face, and how it impacts them emotionally and cognitively. This study aims to contribute to closing that gap by sharing insights from a survey on older adults’ interactions with digital heritage through XR. By exploring their experiences, we aspire to uncover the importance of making XR tools more accessible, intuitive, and meaningful for this audience. This article also highlights how older adults can contribute their rich perspectives to cultural heritage initiatives, enhancing not only their own engagement but the broader cultural narrative. Ultimately, this work calls for thoughtful design that ensures everyone, regardless of age, can connect with, and gain knowledge from the stories that shape our world. Full article

Since 2011, five of Austria’s 29 known prehistoric pile dwellings have been part of the transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site “Prehistoric Pile Dwellings around the Alps”. These remarkable archaeological sites have been preserved for over 7000 years in lakes and moors. Due to their hidden location underwater or in the soil of bogs, the sites are inaccessible to the public, making it difficult to convey the full scope of this heritage. To address this, the national project “Surfaced—the digital pile dwellings” was launched, aiming to create a virtual bridge connecting the sites, collections, and exhibitions across Austria. It involved digitizing 500 objects, scanned in high resolution, and presenting them as 3D models in an open-access web application. The web application PfahlbauKompass allows users to explore these 3D models, view information about the artefacts and the sites, and create digital collections. It provides access to finds from national museums, regional heritage houses, and private collections. The project offers scientific potential as well as opportunities for virtual exhibitions and educational initiatives. It aims to preserve and visualize an essential part of Austria’s cultural heritage and was designed not only to archive finds but also to raise awareness of the hidden sites among the public. Full article