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Heritage

Heritage is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of cultural and natural heritage science published monthly by MDPI.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Multidisciplinary Sciences) / CiteScore - Q1 (Conservation)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Impact Factor: 2.0 (2023); 5-Year Impact Factor: 1.9 (2023)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2571-9408

Latest Articles

26 pages, 19393 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ML Approaches for the Study of Significant Heritage Contexts: An Application on Coastal Landscapes in Sardinia

by Marco Cappellazzo, Giacomo Patrucco and Antonia Spanò

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5521-5546; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100261 (registering DOI) - 5 Oct 2024

Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Science (GIS) techniques are powerful tools for spatial data collection, analysis, management, and digitization within cultural heritage frameworks. Despite their capabilities, challenges remain in automating data semantic classification for conservation purposes. To address this, leveraging airborne Light [...] Read more.

Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Science (GIS) techniques are powerful tools for spatial data collection, analysis, management, and digitization within cultural heritage frameworks. Despite their capabilities, challenges remain in automating data semantic classification for conservation purposes. To address this, leveraging airborne Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) point clouds, complex spatial analyses, and automated data structuring is crucial for supporting heritage preservation and knowledge processes. In this context, the present contribution investigates the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies for automating existing LiDAR data structuring, focusing on the case study of Sardinia coastlines. Moreover, the study preliminary addresses automation challenges in the perspective of historical defensive landscapes mapping. Since historical defensive architectures and landscapes are characterized by several challenging complexities—including their association with dark periods in recent history and chronological stratification—their digitization and preservation are highly multidisciplinary issues. This research aims to improve data structuring automation in these large heritage contexts with a multiscale approach by applying Machine Learning (ML) techniques to low-scale 3D Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) point clouds. The study thus develops a predictive Deep Learning Model (DLM) for the semantic segmentation of sparse point clouds (<10 pts/m²), adaptable to large landscape heritage contexts and heterogeneous data scales. Additionally, a preliminary investigation into object-detection methods has been conducted to map specific fortification artifacts efficiently. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Intelligent Digital Heritage: From Latest Digital Survey Techniques to Advanced 3D Data Analytics and Use)

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26 pages, 4853 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Bibliometric Analysis of Museum Visitors’ Experiences Research

by Tesfaye Fentaw Nigatu, Alexander Trupp and Pek Yen Teh

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5495-5520; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100260 - 4 Oct 2024

This study identified research trends, intellectual connections, and social connections in the field of museum visitor experiences. It also outlines future research to understand existing scientific research and shed light on key areas of research. The study reviewed 407 articles published in peer-reviewed [...] Read more.

This study identified research trends, intellectual connections, and social connections in the field of museum visitor experiences. It also outlines future research to understand existing scientific research and shed light on key areas of research. The study reviewed 407 articles published in peer-reviewed journal articles, which were generated from the Scopus database. Bibliometric analysis software VOSviewer and Harzing POP were used. Citation analysis, co-authorship analysis, bibliometric coupling, and co-occurrence analysis have been employed. Findings highlight the need for increased representation from scholars in the Global South to ensure a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of museum visitors’ experiences worldwide. Nine key research areas for future studies were identified: sustainability, mixed reality, social media, accessibility, emotion, co-creation, interpretation, exhibition, and museum visitors’ experience and engagement. The results benefit stakeholders and researchers by allowing them to stay informed about the latest developments and breakthroughs in the global academic landscape and visitors’ experiences in museums. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Museum and Heritage)

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19 pages, 2799 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Closer Look at Heritage Systems from Medieval Colors to Modern and Contemporary Artworks

by Maria J. Melo, Márcia Vieira, Paula Nabais, Artur Neves, Marisa Pamplona and Eva Mariasole Angelin

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5476-5494; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100259 - 3 Oct 2024

This microreview, conducted by interdisciplinary teams, examines complex heritage material systems, such as medieval colors and modern and contemporary artworks. Our multi-analytical approach, a significant aspect of our research, is a means to this end. The conservation of works of art is our [...] Read more.

This microreview, conducted by interdisciplinary teams, examines complex heritage material systems, such as medieval colors and modern and contemporary artworks. Our multi-analytical approach, a significant aspect of our research, is a means to this end. The conservation of works of art is our shared goal, as it ensures their accessibility and the transfer of cultural heritage to future generations. We seek to interpret the damage, usefulness, and innovation of the experimental design in this context. As Jan Wouters rightly points out, “The terminology used nowadays to describe the potential damage to objects caused by analysis should be refined beyond the destructiveness/non-invasiveness polarization. A terminology should include at least degree level intervention (low, medium, high), usefulness, and innovation”. Complementing micro- or sub-micro-sampling with the appropriate analytical methods is crucial, as exemplified in medieval, modern, and contemporary collections studies. Finally, a novel perspective for exploring the information contained in the multiscale heterogeneity of organic historical materials is envisaged, and it includes UV/Visible photoluminescence spectral imaging using a low-intensity ultraviolet synchrotron beam. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage)

14 pages, 7045 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mosaic Technology in the Armenian Chapel Birds Mosaic, Jerusalem: Characterizing the Polychrome Hidden Sinopia

by Yotam Asscher, Giulia Ricci, Michela Reato, Ilana Peters, Abraham Leviant, Jacques Neguer, Mark Avrahami and Gilberto Artioli

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5462-5475; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100258 - 30 Sep 2024

Since the Hellenistic period, preparatory drawings known as sinopiae were employed as guidelines for mosaicists in creating mosaics. The sinopiae served as the basis for style and content, facilitating the placement of colored tesserae in the supporting mortar. The technology of the mosaic [...] Read more.

Since the Hellenistic period, preparatory drawings known as sinopiae were employed as guidelines for mosaicists in creating mosaics. The sinopiae served as the basis for style and content, facilitating the placement of colored tesserae in the supporting mortar. The technology of the mosaic and pigments used reflect the capacity of the mosaic workshop and its master. This work explores a polychrome sinopia that was found under a Byzantine mosaic of an Armenian Chapel in Jerusalem, by a multi-analytical characterization of mineralogical and chemical properties. The composition of the pigments in the black and red areas of the sinopia include carbon black and red ochre, respectively, utilized in the fresco technique. Since colored tesserae are placed in wet mortar, it can be deduced that mosaicists worked together with painters during the executionary steps. This has corresponding implications for historical and artistic specializations at mosaic workshops, with deeper understanding of mosaic production processes. This research also highlights the importance of studying sinopiae under floor mosaics, which is a source of information on the pigments, paintings techniques, and the people who executed the work, all embedded in mortar which is well protected below the stone tesserae. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Materials and Heritage)

16 pages, 6891 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Scientific Reference Model—A Methodological Approach in the Hypothetical 3D Reconstruction of Art and Architecture

by Piotr Kuroczyński, Igor Piotr Bajena and Irene Cazzaro

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5446-5461; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100257 - 30 Sep 2024

Scientific practice relies on the rigorous documentation of procedures, methods, and outcomes, governed by principles like method verification, objectivity, and source disclosure. In the computer-based hypothetical 3D reconstruction of destroyed or never realised art and architecture, adhering to these principles faces challenges due [...] Read more.

Scientific practice relies on the rigorous documentation of procedures, methods, and outcomes, governed by principles like method verification, objectivity, and source disclosure. In the computer-based hypothetical 3D reconstruction of destroyed or never realised art and architecture, adhering to these principles faces challenges due to evolving software, methods, and data types, leading to a lack of standardised documentation and publication practices for 3D models. Consequently, the traceability, accessibility, and sustainability of research outcomes are compromised. Decades after the advent of computer-aided 3D visualisation in cultural heritage, there is a critical need to define applicable methodology and comprehensive documentation standards. Web-based platforms necessitate technical infrastructures and clear scientific methodologies to ensure understandable model creation and sustainable accessibility to 3D research data. The Scientific Reference Model proposes an accessible academic framework for this kind of 3D reconstruction, aiming to facilitate broad adoption. Developed and tested in research projects and educational contexts, this model aims to establish clear, accessible 3D models on the web, serving as foundational references for future research and knowledge dissemination. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage and New Technologies: From NextGen Approaches to Paradigm Shifts)

18 pages, 3429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ChatGPT as a Digital Assistant for Archaeology: Insights from the Smart Anomaly Detection Assistant Development

by Gabriele Ciccone

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5428-5445; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100256 - 30 Sep 2024

The introduction of generative AI has the potential to radically transform various fields of research, including archaeology. This study explores the potential of generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, in developing a computer application for analyzing aerial and satellite images to detect archaeological anomalies. The [...] Read more.

The introduction of generative AI has the potential to radically transform various fields of research, including archaeology. This study explores the potential of generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, in developing a computer application for analyzing aerial and satellite images to detect archaeological anomalies. The main focus was not on developing the application itself but on evaluating ChatGPT’s effectiveness as an IT assistant for humanistic researchers. Starting with a simple prompt to analyze a multispectral orthophoto, the application was developed through successive iterations, improved through continuous interactions with ChatGPT. Various technical and methodological challenges were addressed, leading to the creation of a functional application with multiple features, including various analysis methods and tools. This process demonstrated how the use of large language models (LLMs) can break down the barriers between humanities and computer science disciplines, enabling researchers without programming skills to develop complex applications in a short time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI and the Future of Cultural Heritage)

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15 pages, 735 KiB

Open AccessEssay

The Three-Dimensional Model as a ‘Scientific Fact’: The Scientific Methodology in Hypothetical Reconstruction

by Fabrizio I. Apollonio

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5413-5427; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100255 - 29 Sep 2024

For more than thirty years, 3D digital modelling has been used more and more widely as a research tool in various disciplinary fields. Despite this, the 3D models produced by different research, investigation, and speculation activities are still only used as a basis [...] Read more.

For more than thirty years, 3D digital modelling has been used more and more widely as a research tool in various disciplinary fields. Despite this, the 3D models produced by different research, investigation, and speculation activities are still only used as a basis and as sources for the production of images and scientific contributions (papers in journals, contributions in conference proceedings, etc.) in dissemination and cultural activities, but without having yet assumed full autonomy as a ‘scientific fact’, as a product of research, or as a means of scientific debate and progress. This paper outlines the context in the field of architecture and archeology in which the use of 3D models has become increasingly widespread, reaching a level of full maturity, and how the field of hypothetical reconstruction can be characterized as an autonomous/scientific discipline through the definition and adoption of a scientific, transparent, verifiable, reusable, and refutable method. In this context, the definition of the 3D model as a product of scientific speculation and research is proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage and New Technologies: From NextGen Approaches to Paradigm Shifts)

23 pages, 14201 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Qarasiña Culinary Tradition: Conserving Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Jach’a Puni (Andean Community), Bolivia

by Simón Cocarico, Diego Rivera, Stephan Beck and Concepción Obón

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5390-5412; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100254 - 29 Sep 2024

Heritage encompasses features integral to the culture of a particular society, such as traditional foods that have historical significance and continue to be part of the community’s identity. These culinary traditions must be preserved to sustain cultural identity and community well-being. This study [...] Read more.

Heritage encompasses features integral to the culture of a particular society, such as traditional foods that have historical significance and continue to be part of the community’s identity. These culinary traditions must be preserved to sustain cultural identity and community well-being. This study aims to document the role of qarasiña, along with other ancestral foods, in establishing quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) as a cultural keystone species in the Jach’a Puni community. Primary data were gathered through in-depth interviews with local experts and community observations, supplemented by a comprehensive literature review. Findings reveal that in Jach’a Puni, all food is considered sacred. Three main types of qarasiña are identified: jupha qarasiña, ajara qarasiña, and kita qarasiña. The primary ingredients are domesticated quinoa (jupha) flour (Chenopodium quinoa var. quinoa) and wild quinoa (ajara) flour (Chenopodium quinoa var. melanospermum and C. hircinum). Qarasiña is integral to community banquets and social events. Although quinoa is celebrated globally as the “golden grain”, there is a risk that qarasiña may disappear and quinoa could be replaced by wheat or maize, threatening its status as a cornerstone species in the Bolivian Altiplano. Full article

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17 pages, 269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Search of New Dimensions for Religious Tourism: The Case of the Ancient City of Nessebar

by Sonia Mileva and Milena Krachanova

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5373-5389; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100253 - 28 Sep 2024

Religious tourism is a growing phenomenon that is increasingly intertwined with cultural tourism, particularly in countries like Bulgaria, which possesses a wealthy heritage of religious interest. The Ancient City of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich religious history, provides a [...] Read more.

Religious tourism is a growing phenomenon that is increasingly intertwined with cultural tourism, particularly in countries like Bulgaria, which possesses a wealthy heritage of religious interest. The Ancient City of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich religious history, provides a unique case study for examining this dynamic. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, including documentary analysis and case study methodology, to investigate the current state of religious tourism in Nessebar. The research revealed the underutilization of Nessebar’s religious sites for tourism purposes, despite their potential value. A complex interplay between mass tourism, cultural preservation, and the decline of traditional religious practices was identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)

17 pages, 4599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Historic Centers with Two Fast Methods Based on CARTIS Survey Methodology and Fragility Curves

by Giuliana Cardani and Elsa Garavaglia

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5356-5372; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100252 - 28 Sep 2024

After an earthquake, legislation tends to permit the rapid demolition of damaged buildings, including the built heritage, for safety reasons, as was the case for many small historic centers after the 2016 earthquake in central Italy. A balance should, of course, be struck [...] Read more.

After an earthquake, legislation tends to permit the rapid demolition of damaged buildings, including the built heritage, for safety reasons, as was the case for many small historic centers after the 2016 earthquake in central Italy. A balance should, of course, be struck between safety and preservation. There must be a willingness to engage in continuous interaction with the various bodies involved in post-earthquake management, particularly in the preventive phase of the complex activities regarding the issues of the seismic vulnerability of historic built. The widespread historical built heritage in Italy requires fast and reliable assessment procedures that allow a large-scale evaluation of the vulnerability of historical buildings before a seismic event. To this end, a proposal is presented here for the inverse use of the protocol for the seismic vulnerability survey of historic centers by means of a system called CARTIS form, coordinated since 2015 by the Italian consortium of Seismic and Structural Engineering Laboratories (ReLUIS). This rapid assessment is compared with an equally fast method for constructing fragility curves, based only on the information available in the ReLUIS–CARTIS database, defining the relationship between the probability of reaching a level of loss of structural safety or a vulnerability index as a function of the seismic acceleration PGA and the ground orography. The methodology outlined could be considered to be progress in cultural heritage diagnostics on a large scale, considering cultural heritage to be the diffuse historical residential masonry buildings that form the historic centers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Cultural Heritage Diagnostics)

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37 pages, 21530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Terrorism Risk Assessment for Historic Urban Open Areas

by Elena Cantatore, Enrico Quagliarini and Fabio Fatiguso

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5319-5355; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100251 - 26 Sep 2024

Making cities resilient and secure remains a central goal in urban policy strategies, where established methods, technologies, and best experiences are applied or replicated when the knowledge of a threat is already well established. The scientific community and specialized bodies are invited to [...] Read more.

Making cities resilient and secure remains a central goal in urban policy strategies, where established methods, technologies, and best experiences are applied or replicated when the knowledge of a threat is already well established. The scientific community and specialized bodies are invited to comprehend and evaluate disastrous events that are still not well explored to broaden the concept of resilient cities. Among these, terrorism in the European-built environment remains an underexplored topic, despite various studies assessing its economic, social, and political dimensions, exploring the radicalist matrix, or examining the post-effects of high-impact disastrous events. Within this framework, this work presents an algorithm for the risk assessment of historic urban open areas (uOAs) in Europe, combining theories of the terrorism phenomenon, the normative experiences, and the phenomenological results of violent acts in uOAs. Specifically, the algorithm is determined by studying physical qualities/properties and elements that usually feature the uOAs, using a limited set of descriptors. The descriptors and their formulation are set starting from their qualification, in compliance with the risk determinant (Hazard, Vulnerability, and Exposure), and discussed starting from participatory methods (Delphi and AHP). The algorithm is finally applied to Italian historic squares, testing the mathematical approach, verifying theories of the phenomenon, and setting up a comprehensive three-dimensional risk matrix for both soft and hard targets. This latest constitutes an operative tool to assess the investigated built environment exposed to terrorist threats aimed at developing more detailed mitigative strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage under Threat. Endangered Monuments and Heritage Sites)

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12 pages, 1262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tradition in Action-Traditional Costume Innovations

by Lorraine Portelli, Zoi Arvanitidou, Kathryn McSweeney and Riikka Räisänen

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5307-5318; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100250 - 26 Sep 2024

Traditional costumes and crafts are a basic form and element of local culture and a vital pathway for perpetuating traditional art and design culture. They are an artistic form of historical and cultural significance. This paper focuses on three traditional costumes from Malta, [...] Read more.

Traditional costumes and crafts are a basic form and element of local culture and a vital pathway for perpetuating traditional art and design culture. They are an artistic form of historical and cultural significance. This paper focuses on three traditional costumes from Malta, Ireland, and Finland. The għonnella, worn by Maltese women of different social classes, consisted of a voluminous cape-like covering reinforced with whalebone and cardboard and was worn over the head and shoulders, reaching ankle length. Irish costumes were adorned with beautiful Irish lace, crochet, and embroidery. Celtic embroidery was added to clothing to develop a distinctive Irish dress style during the great cultural revival of the early 20th century. The Karelian costume from Finland was constructed using wool and linen. Ladies in Karelia wore handcrafted, highly embroidered gowns, and traditions were passed down from older ladies, including mothers and grandmothers. These costumes were collected in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when Finnish Karelia was known as ‘The Old Finland’. This paper delves into the origins of these costumes and how social and cultural events, with their intriguing influence, shaped their styles, features, colors, and fabrics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Cultural Heritage)

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12 pages, 2225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Health and Heritage: The Bioarchaeological Discovery of a Probable Case of Developmental Dysplasia in an Adult Subject

by Nicol Rossetti, Roberta Fusco, Carmelo Messina, Arianna Vanni and Marta Licata

Heritage 2024, 7(10), 5295-5306; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7100249 - 24 Sep 2024

Imagining life before the advent of modern medical treatments is challenging. Today, congenital dysplasia is typically diagnosed within the first months of a child’s life, allowing for timely intervention. In the past, however, this condition often went unrecognized and untreated, as evidenced by [...] Read more.

Imagining life before the advent of modern medical treatments is challenging. Today, congenital dysplasia is typically diagnosed within the first months of a child’s life, allowing for timely intervention. In the past, however, this condition often went unrecognized and untreated, as evidenced by archaeological findings that document the presence of congenital dysplasia persisting into adulthood. We present the case of the individual recovered from the hypogeal cemetery of Santa Maria Maggiore in Vercelli, Italy, a funerary context dated from the 18th to the 19th century. Using macroscopic and radiographic analyses, various morphological irregularities were identified, consistent with the characteristics of developmental hip dysplasia. The skeletal remains identified as FU12 SU151 include a right os coxa and femur, belonging to an adult female. The femur features a 90-degree femoral head angle and a shortened neck with nodules. The acetabulum shows significant morphological changes, including a triangular shape and absence of lunate surfaces, deviating from the normal structure for femoral articulation. CT scans revealed a void within the acetabulum, indicating an absence of material. Despite preservation challenges that restrict the identification of definitive signs, our findings offer valuable insights into possible developmental dysplasia in historic skeletal remains. This research provides insights into the impact of untreated congenital conditions on past populations, underscoring the importance of preserving and studying such remains to enhance our understanding of historical health issues. Full article

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27 pages, 27600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Insights into the Materials and Painting Techniques of Ancient Wall Paintings from the Roman Province of Dacia: A Minimally Invasive Multi-Method Approach

by Ioana Maria Cortea, Luminița Ghervase, Lucian Ratoiu, Ovidiu Țentea and Monica Dinu

Heritage 2024, 7(9), 5268-5294; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090248 - 21 Sep 2024

A group of wall painting fragments discovered at Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, an important Roman archeological site located in the former Roman province of Dacia (Romania), have been investigated with the aim of defining the material composition of their pictorial layers and exploring the [...] Read more.

A group of wall painting fragments discovered at Ulpia Traiana Sarmizegetusa, an important Roman archeological site located in the former Roman province of Dacia (Romania), have been investigated with the aim of defining the material composition of their pictorial layers and exploring the pictorial technology used. In order to preserve the integrity of the murals and minimize sampling, an array of non- and micro-invasive techniques has been employed, including X-ray fluorescence, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and hyperspectral imaging. In accordance with previous studies, the identified color palette was mainly based on iron-rich earth pigments (red and yellow ochres, green earth) and carbon-based blacks (soot/charcoal, bone black). Egyptian blue, lazurite, some lead-based pigments, and potentially indigo were also identified (in complex mixtures) on the uppermost paint layers, typically applied a secco over the a fresco background. The presence of expensive pigments and the existence of a red preparatory drawing, documented for the first time in the region, indicate that the original wall paintings had elaborate schemes and, secondly, reflect the patron’s wealth and social status. Hyperspectral imaging was able to retrieve some faded paint layers in certain cases, helping to recover lost decorative details, an indicator of a more complex polychromy compared to what we see today. The obtained results add important contributions to the limited corpus of data regarding the technical know-how of decorative polychrome painting on plaster found in Roman archeological sites in Romania. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive and Micro-invasive Techniques for the Analysis of Historical Murals)

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17 pages, 2429 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harnessing Vernacular Knowledge for Contemporary Sustainable Design through a Collaborative Digital Platform

by Letizia Dipasquale, Jacopo Ammendola, Lucia Montoni, Edoardo Paolo Ferrari and Matteo Zambelli

Heritage 2024, 7(9), 5251-5267; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090247 - 18 Sep 2024

Vernacular architecture offers valuable technological and typological solutions rooted in knowledge systems that connect environmental, social, economic, and cultural contexts. This paper introduces the Heritage for People Platform, a collaborative digital tool developed under the VerSus+ project (Creative Europe Program), aimed at organising [...] Read more.

Vernacular architecture offers valuable technological and typological solutions rooted in knowledge systems that connect environmental, social, economic, and cultural contexts. This paper introduces the Heritage for People Platform, a collaborative digital tool developed under the VerSus+ project (Creative Europe Program), aimed at organising and disseminating vernacular architectural knowledge with a focus on sustainable practices that are both culturally and environmentally conscious. The platform builds upon lessons learned from similar projects, offering key improvements such as the adoption of a Case-Based Reasoning methodology, which organises examples by geographic location, materials, and intervention types. A structured classification system based on sustainability principles and strategies enables cross-disciplinary research and comparison. The design process was highly participatory, incorporating user feedback at every stage to ensure the platform is accessible to a wide range of users, including designers, scholars, craftspeople, and the general public. A cross-device, user-centered approach further broadens its accessibility. The platform provides a public, web-based geospatial repository where users can create, update, and explore a dynamic collection of artefacts, design models, people, and institutions from across the globe. This tool marks a significant advance in promoting and preserving both physical and intangible heritage, with strong educational and practical applications for sustainable architecture. The paper details the theoretical framework and real-world potential of the platform as a critical resource for promoting sustainability in the built environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management)

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19 pages, 3422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Heritage on the Revealed Comparative Advantage of Tourism—A Worldwide Analysis from 2011 to 2022

by Zsuzsanna Bacsi

Heritage 2024, 7(9), 5232-5250; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090246 - 18 Sep 2024

A country’s development is crucially determined by its cultural and natural heritage, and it is reflected in its industrial structure and its success in the global marketplace. The present paper looks at the global performance of tourism, comparing its performance measured by the [...] Read more.

A country’s development is crucially determined by its cultural and natural heritage, and it is reflected in its industrial structure and its success in the global marketplace. The present paper looks at the global performance of tourism, comparing its performance measured by the Normalised Revealed Comparative Advantage (NRCA) index to the components of natural and cultural heritage, analysing 117 countries of the world. Natural and cultural heritage indicators were derived from the tourism competitiveness reports of the World Economic Forum for the years 2011–2013–2015–2017–2019–2022. Panel regression analysis was applied, with NRCA as the dependent variable and eight indicators of natural and cultural heritage as independent variables, comparing regions of the world. The main findings show considerably differing patterns between regions; Europe and Eurasia being similar to the Americas, with decreasing competitive advantage associated with more focus on endangered species and observance of environmental treaties, while the Middle East and North Africa show a strongly opposite pattern. Cultural heritage has a positive impact only in Sub-Saharan Africa, while Asia and the Pacific benefit mainly from the increase of protected areas and abundance of species. These differences shed light on differences in tourism competitiveness in the global market and may guide policymakers towards utilising heritage items for improving tourism performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)

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22 pages, 28071 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling Vernacular Features: Interdisciplinary Knowledge for the Conservation of Villa Murat in the Sorrento Peninsula

by Andrea Pane, Raffaele Catuogno and Maria Parente

Heritage 2024, 7(9), 5210-5231; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090245 - 17 Sep 2024

The Sorrento Peninsula is characterized by a significant occurrence of examples of vernacular architecture, which exhibit distinctive morphological and constructive features. These have been the subject of numerous studies. However, some buildings have undergone a process of transformation over time, the details of [...] Read more.

The Sorrento Peninsula is characterized by a significant occurrence of examples of vernacular architecture, which exhibit distinctive morphological and constructive features. These have been the subject of numerous studies. However, some buildings have undergone a process of transformation over time, the details of which have yet to be investigated. Architectures that initially held a rural character were enlarged and ennobled, thereby becoming what could be termed as “villas of delights”. However, these clearly manifest their origin based on the permanence of some vernacular features. This paper focuses on the analysis of a case study, Villa Murat, which is exemplary in illustrating this process. This thorough interdisciplinary research combines historical investigation, based mainly on archival documents, with a direct examination of the Villa. This has enabled the retracing of the building’s evolution and of the events that occurred in it. An integrated survey, which employed photogrammetry and laser scanning, enabled the assessment of the current state of conservation. The ultimate objective of this research is to propose conservative interventions which, in conjunction with the suggested new intended use, could ensure the preservation of the Villa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management)

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36 pages, 15749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Domestic and Productive Earthen Architecture Conserved In Situ in Archaeological Sites of the Iberian Peninsula

by Sergio Manzano-Fernández, Camilla Mileto, Fernando Vegas López-Manzanares and Valentina Cristini

Heritage 2024, 7(9), 5174-5209; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090244 - 14 Sep 2024

For past societies on the Iberian Peninsula, one of the most prolific architectures was earthen construction, with a wealth of typologies and solutions derived from the legacy of local construction and materials. However, its study within the field of archaeology has been limited. [...] Read more.

For past societies on the Iberian Peninsula, one of the most prolific architectures was earthen construction, with a wealth of typologies and solutions derived from the legacy of local construction and materials. However, its study within the field of archaeology has been limited. The challenges posed by conservation, archaeological identification and social recognition have traditionally limited the dissemination of this type of architecture. Its low profile is perceived as fragile once the original protections collapse. The ethnological information preserved and linked to past ways of life and societies is crucial to the interpretation of the cultural development handed down over generations by different communities and now transmitted to the general public through archaeological sites. This research aims to provide an overview of the main earthen vestiges from domestic, productive and funerary architecture dating from the prehistoric, protohistoric, Roman and medieval periods. For this, a bibliographical review and data collection through fieldwork were conducted for numerous case studies. These included the classification of materials, compositions and construction techniques, creating an integrated comprehensive database with information on geography, measurements and the general state of conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conservation of Vernacular Heritage: Materials, Techniques and Project Management)

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26 pages, 9714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applying Classic Literature to Facilitate Cultural Heritage Tourism for Youth through Multimedia E-Book

by Kittichai Kasemsarn

Heritage 2024, 7(9), 5148-5173; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090243 - 13 Sep 2024

The majority of cultural heritage tourism globally lacks the diversity of young tourists since there is a universal trend among youth worldwide considering that cultural and heritage stories are unrelated to their lifestyles and not designed for them. This research therefore makes use [...] Read more.

The majority of cultural heritage tourism globally lacks the diversity of young tourists since there is a universal trend among youth worldwide considering that cultural and heritage stories are unrelated to their lifestyles and not designed for them. This research therefore makes use of classic Thai literature that the target group (grade 12) has studied, “Khun Chang Khun Phaen (KCKP)”, which includes actual heritage places in the province of Suphan Buri. It aims to create and evaluate design guidelines applying classic literature to facilitate cultural heritage tourism and interest in learning classic literature and history, specifically for youth, in three phases. In Phase 1, design guidelines are developed based on the answers of on-site questionnaires distributed to 600 young people. In Phase 2, a multimedia KCKP e-book is created, and in Phase 3, this multimedia KCKP e-book is evaluated using the results from 100 on-site questionnaires—serving as the research’s success criterion. The findings indicate that this e-book may spark a strong interest in youth for KCKP literature (mean = 4.53/5), cultural heritage tourism (mean = 4.56/5), and history (mean = 4.72/5). These findings affirm that the design guidelines effectively engage young tourists and promote an appreciation for cultural heritage, history, and classic literature. Full article

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28 pages, 10508 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Interdisciplinary Analysis and the Role of Experiments in Raw Materials and Technology Identification for Prehistoric Pottery in the Bistrița River Basin (Romania)

by Ana Drob, Neculai Bolohan, Viorica Vasilache, Bogdan-Gabriel Rățoi and Mihai Brebu

Heritage 2024, 7(9), 5120-5147; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7090242 - 13 Sep 2024

The paper presents an interdisciplinary study based on an experimental model for investigating clay sources to identify prehistoric human behavior regarding resources. The study focuses on the Middle Bronze Age (1955/1773–1739/1614 cal. BC) settlement of Siliştea-Pe Cetățuie in eastern Romania, where archaeological [...] Read more.

The paper presents an interdisciplinary study based on an experimental model for investigating clay sources to identify prehistoric human behavior regarding resources. The study focuses on the Middle Bronze Age (1955/1773–1739/1614 cal. BC) settlement of Siliştea-Pe Cetățuie in eastern Romania, where archaeological materials from the Costișa and Monteoru cultures were discovered. Standard criteria for macroscopic analysis and analytical techniques, such as optical microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Micro-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (µ-FTIR), and thermal analysis (DTA and TG), were used to investigate the ceramic material from multiple points of view. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the ceramics of the two communities. Putting together the data obtained from macroscopic and physico-chemical analyses helped in partially reconstructing ancient human behaviors related to the production and use of ceramic vessels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress in Cultural Heritage Diagnostics)

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