Search Results (135)

The implementation of Vertical Greening Systems (VGS), like green façades, on historic building facades is approached with caution due to concerns regarding material compatibility, visual impact, and potential compromises to cultural significance. However, VGS can offer significant contributions to urban sustainability when integrated with knowledge and care of historic buildings by reducing the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, fostering a green economy, and creating greener environments. These tensions highlight a critical research gap: how can VGS contribute to urban sustainability while respecting the values of historic building façades? This study addresses this gap by exploring professional interest groups’ opinions on implementing VGS on historic buildings, focusing on the perceived benefits and concerns from environmental, social, economic, cultural, legal, and technical aspects. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining the findings from the literature review with a survey targeting individuals involved in VGS implementations or heritage conservation. The survey included both open- and closed-ended questions. Of the 165 individuals contacted, 83 valid responses were analyzed. Results from the open-ended questions showed that 89% of respondents recognized the environmental benefits of VGS, while 85% raised technical issues, particularly regarding material compatibility. An important insight emerged from comparing open-ended and closed-ended responses: respondents were more likely to acknowledge the benefits of VGS when prompted. This indicates that raising awareness about the use of VGS on historic buildings is essential. The findings offer practical implications for early-stage planning, stakeholder engagement, and the design of heritage conservation policy. They illustrate a need for an informed decision-making process for the integration of VGS onto historic building facades, aligning with conservation ethics and urban sustainability. Preface: This study aims to create a discussion on the potential synergies between vertical greening and historic buildings, with the intention of guiding future conservation strategies to enhance urban sustainability. We do not advocate for vertical greenery as a universal solution, but rather seek to explore under which conditions vertical greening may be compatible with conservation practice. For the purposes of this study, “historic buildings” refer to structures that possess cultural, architectural, or historical significance, whether they are formally protected or informally valued by their communities. We acknowledge that the term may vary in meaning across different national and cultural contexts. Moreover, our analysis focuses on cases where both the vertical greening and historic façades are presumed to be in structurally sound and well-maintained condition. Full article

The structural health monitoring of historic buildings represents one of the most significant challenges in contemporary structural analysis, particularly for large-scale structures with accumulated damage. Obtaining reliable diagnostics is crucial yet complex due to the inherent uncertainties in both geometric definition and material properties of historic constructions, especially when structural stability may be compromised. This study presents a comprehensive structural assessment of the Bullring of the Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda (Spain), an emblematic 18th-century structure, through an innovative multi-technique approach aimed at evaluating its structural stability. The methodology integrates various non-destructive techniques: 3D laser scanning for precise geometric documentation, operational modal analysis (OMA) for global dynamic characterisation, experimental modal analysis (EMA) for local assessment of critical structural elements, and sonic tests (ST) to determine the elastic moduli of the principal materials that define the historic construction. The research particularly focuses on the inner ring of sandstone columns, identified as the most vulnerable structural component through initial dynamic testing. A detailed finite-element (FE) model was developed based on high-precision laser-scanning data and calibrated using experimental dynamic properties. The model’s reliability was validated through the correlation between numerical predictions and experimental observations, enabling a thorough stability analysis of the structure. Results reveal concerning stability issues in specific columns of the inner ring, identifying elements at significant risk of collapse. This finding demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed methodology in detecting critical structural vulnerabilities in historic buildings, providing crucial information for preservation strategies. Full article

This study examines the architectural ceramic corpus—comprising azulejos (tiles) and alicatados (tiling mosaics)—preserved in the Alhambra Museum, with the aim of elucidating its historical, artistic, and technical significance. Through a systematic methodology combining visual analysis, documentary research, and typological classification, a representative selection of ceramic artefacts was assessed. This article explores the artistic characteristics and technological principles of pieces produced using painted, relief, metallic lustre, incrustación, alicatado, cuerda seca, and arista techniques and reconstructs the historical trajectory of these decorative practices, tracing their origins in the pre-Islamic world to their adaptation within the Alhambra Palatine City. This diachronic perspective contextualises the innovations observed in the citadel, where production strategies reflect both inherited traditions and local adaptations across different historical phases. The findings highlight the richness and diversity of the Nasrid (mediaeval era) and Christian (modern era) ceramic legacy in the Alhambra and contribute to a more nuanced understanding of manufacturing processes and conservation challenges associated with these architectural elements. This preliminary characterisation establishes a basis for future material analysis and supports broader initiatives in documentation and heritage management. Full article

The Cathedral of Beauvais remains one of the most enigmatic and ambitious architectural undertakings of the Gothic era. Conceived to surpass all other cathedrals in height and grandeur, it achieved unprecedented verticality but collapsed under the weight of its own aspirations. This article reexamines Beauvais as a case study in Gothic engineering—its structural daring, tragic failures, and enduring legacy—through a multidisciplinary approach combining historical research, technical analysis, and philosophical interpretation. Structured in accordance with standard academic conventions, the article outlines its methodology, presents a detailed reconstruction of the cathedral’s history, and discusses its broader cultural and conservation implications. A dedicated discussion section explores not only the engineering and symbolic significance of Beauvais but also the limitations of the present study and potential avenues for future research. Ultimately, the cathedral is framed not merely as a failed monument, but as a lasting testament to the human drive to build beyond known limits. Full article

During the Modern Age, Seville was known as the Port of the Indies due to its key role in transatlantic trade, although the actual port was located in Triana, a riverside quarter outside the city walls along the Guadalquivir River. This area was essential for maritime and commercial activities, shaping Seville’s economic and social development. This study analyses Triana’s urban layout, social composition, and architecture in the 16th century using historical sources and graphic representations. The quarter combined defensive structures, religious buildings, and residential complexes, reflecting both its strategic importance and distinct identity. Its streets and architecture supported defense, commerce, and daily life, while its diverse community (including sailors, merchants, craftsmen, and dockworkers) was central to its mercantile and manufacturing activity. Architecturally, Triana featured traditional dwellings, corrales de vecinos, mesones, and posadas, that facilitated trade and travel. Examining these elements reveals Triana’s adaptability to economic and social conditions, highlighting its resilience, diverse population, and rich architectural heritage within Seville’s historical context and Atlantic trade. Full article

This study presents an integrated approach for assessing the risk of damage to cultural heritage due to climate change, applied to five selected European cultural sites. Future changes in climate parameters and indices associated with climate pressure on cultural heritage sites are analyzed using a set of EURO-CORDEX high-resolution Regional Climate Model (RCM) simulations under three different future emission scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5). Our results are reported for three different time periods, 1971–2000 (reference period), and two future periods, 2021–2050 and 2071–2100. The aim of this study is to apply the Heritage Outdoor Microclimate (HMR_out) and Predicted Risk of Damage (PRD) indices to quantify the risk of damage to inorganic materials resulting from future long-term changes in temperature and relative humidity (RH). Projections show a significant rise in temperature leading to increased HMR_out values and higher heat stress across CH sites. The projected temperature increase results in a rise in HMR_out index across all studied cultural heritage sites, with the rate of increase varying by period and scenario. Overall, as a result of the rising HMR_out index, the predicted risk of damage to monuments made from inorganic materials due to heat stress is expected to increase. The PRD index is projected to increase by up to 87% in certain CH sites by the end of the 21st century according to the RCP8.5 scenario. Conversely, as the climate becomes warmer, the RH and the associated risk are expected to decrease. This work highlights the necessity for continuous monitoring of future climate and the timely detection of the predicted risk of damage for monuments, to take immediate protective measures to preserve cultural heritage in the face of climate change. Full article

This work explores issues related to traditional heritage, its evolution, and its transmission within construction practices. It focuses on a case study concerning the reintroduction in Tamentit, an oasis in southwestern Algeria, of a nearly forgotten construction technique: the use of a local stone known as “Agharf”, composed of saline pebbles, bound or assembled with a clay mortar enriched with salt, allowing the construction of robust structures adapted to their environment. Traditionally used in certain specific areas of the Sahara, it was notably employed in isolated regions such as Siwa in Egypt. After a long period of disuse, this technique is experiencing a renewed interest and appears to be gradually reintegrating into the local practices of artisans. This raises several questions: What justifies the return of this technique? What role does contemporary society assign to it, and what actions are being taken to ensure its sustainability? Fieldwork, consisting of on-site observations and semi-structured interviews with artisans and master artisans, the ma‘alem, was conducted to analyze their perception of this heritage, to understand the tangible and intangible aspects of the construction process, and to explore the challenges related to its transmission. The interviews reveal that, despite the challenges and reservations expressed by the community, the Agharf remains for the artisans a symbol of identity and craftsmanship, far from being a lost intangible heritage. The conditions and benefits of its use are also discussed. Full article

This article explores the methodological framework and examines the learning and scientific outcomes of a workshop activity centred on the innovative integration of digital heritage approaches with design thinking methodologies. The workshop was developed in the Italian central Apennines and it investigated the design implications of working on heritage contexts in marginal areas using innovative digital tools, as well as the impact of this approach on the community. The activities engaged international students and professors, employed a multidisciplinary, transdisciplinary, and trans-scalar approach encompassing field research, data processing, dialogue, and collaborative visioning. The findings are both methodological and thematic. Methodologically, the workshop introduced a novel approach to architectural education by integrating digitalization in the design process and by fostering an urban vision that bridges research with local needs. Thematically, the outputs explore new uses for “potential spaces”, sustainable mobility, heritage-led strategies, and tourism, emphasizing community involvement. The workshop’s originality lies in its cognitive, narrative, and design processes, where digital data are part of the creative process. Despite the workshop’s compressed timeline, it successfully fostered creative thinking and practical solutions, demonstrating the value of intense, interdisciplinary collaborative visioning for heritage regeneration. The workshop’s broader implications include potential spin-offs into future community engagement and knowledge-transfer activities, highlighting its social and practical relevance. Full article

The concept of value seems to have capital importance both in the scientific literature and in various heritage actors’ professional discourse. The actions undertaken to develop the built environment inherited from previous generations seem to depend on the value we assign it. In this essay, the concepts of value, assessor, and heritage assessment are discussed. Two historical contexts are compared: the classical axiology of the 19th century based on the Enlightenment search for rationality and the typologies of contemporary values struggling with complexity. This historical reassessment shows a complexification and multiplication of evaluation grids, as well as the need to question the subjectivity inherent in heritage actors’ decisions. In order to not sink into excessive relativism definitively discrediting any attempt to make the process of heritage assessments more objective, a dynamic point of view is proposed, linking the constructivist approach with the use of a criteria-based value grid. Full article

The purpose of this paper was to identify the types of stone used in the “Resthouses” along the Northwest Royal Road connecting Angkor in Cambodia and Phimai in Thailand and to determine their sources through magnetic susceptibility measurements and chemical composition analyses. Laterite was the primary building material for the “Resthouses”, except for Pr. Ku Sila Khan in Thailand. Pr. Ku Sila Khan, located at the northernmost point of the Northwest Royal Road, was primarily built with fine-grained red sandstone. Based on the magnetic susceptibility and the V, Sr, and As contents of the laterite, the following pairs of “Resthouses” were likely sourced from the same quarries: Pr. Sampov and Pr. Saman Teng, Pr. Kok Ac Chring and Pr. Kok Mon, Pr. Ta Muan and Pr. Thamo, and Pr. Ban Bu and Pr. Non Kong. Fine-grained red sandstone, white siliceous sandstone, red siliceous sandstone, and gray sandstone were used for the frame material of the openings. The Rb vs. Ti diagram and magnetic susceptibility measurements suggest that the fine-grained red sandstone and siliceous white sandstone used in the “Resthouses” in Thailand were likely sourced from the Khok Kruat Formation and the Phu Phan Formation, respectively. However, the red siliceous sandstone and white siliceous sandstone used in the “Resthouses” in Cambodia are presumed to have been sourced from the Sao Khua Formation and the Phra Wihan Formation, respectively. Gray sandstone from the Phu Kradung Formation was uniquely used in the frame material of the openings of Pr. Sampov and Pr. Kok Mon in Cambodia. In conclusion, the sandstone used in the door and window frames of the “Resthouses” appears to have been determined by the surrounding geology. Laterite was used as the primary building material for the “Resthouses” along the Northwest Royal Road, whereas valuable sandstone was used for those along the East Royal Road. This suggests that the Northwest Royal Road was of lesser importance compared to the East Royal Road. Full article

This field statement reviews the sources, issues, approaches, and missions of Dunhuang architectural studies from 1926 to the present. The studies of Dunhuang architecture constitute a subfield at the intersection of Dunhuang studies, Silk Road archaeology, and studies of Chinese architectural history. Dunhuang architectural studies primarily investigate three corpses of materials, i.e., the images of architecture represented in mural paintings, the cave typology, and the timber-framed façade screening the caves. This study outlines the three phases in which scholarly concerns evolved from images to their material carriers, from forms to spaces, and from disciplinary to interdisciplinary. The first phase, 1926–1950, features Chinese, Japanese, and German scholars’ early explorations of the images of architecture, mostly based on photographic reproductions of murals and timber façades. They established connections between the Dunhuang materials and the modern studies of art and architectural histories. In the second phase, 1950–2000, scholars, mainly Chinese, explored the majority of the primary materials and managed to establish a research framework for research that is still valid today. Some others conducted refreshing studies from the perspective of spatial conception. The third phase, from 2001 to the present, witnesses the emergence of new materials, perspectives, and technologies, which stimulate interdisciplinary and innovative studies of the Dunhuang materials. Finally, this review reflects on the received conceptions the field has brought us to consider the architecture of a Dunhuang cave temple and points out issues of space for future investigations. Full article

Reducing the energy consumption of the existing building stock is of paramount importance in the race to reach national and international climate goals. While multiple initiatives are in place and provide guidance, heritage-protected buildings are often not part of the equation. Protected buildings make up a large share of the existing building stock and therefore offer large savings potential. In Trondheim, Norway, alone, that share is close to 10%, which demands the establishment of representative retrofitting cases. A case study of the central buildings on the NTNU campus was established to specifically test passive retrofitting measures, which are greatly affected by heritage protection. The application of measures selected in collaboration with heritage authorities led to overall energy savings of 16% to 18%, while the energy for heating alone was reduced by 34% to 40%. The reductions were especially prominent during cold winter months, where overall consumption peaks were reduced by up to 37%, greatly decreasing the dependence on cold outdoor temperatures. The results make a case for the application of passive retrofitting measures to heritage-protected buildings despite them not reaching deep energy retrofitting goals, especially in cold climates and alongside other energy-saving or -producing measures. Full article

Old Cairo, also known as Islamic Cairo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing a rich tapestry of history and culture. Today, among various significant aspects, its cultural heritage necessitates the elaboration of a proactive conservation strategy, which should take advantage of the intrinsic support provided by the efforts documented in the literature that have been made in several scientific fields, disciplines, and directions over the years. Most historic religious monumental buildings in Old Cairo, in particular, not only face the effects of local seismic hazards, which are emphasized by damage by past earthquakes, but also suffer the consequences of several influencing parameters that are unique to the Cairo city context. In this sense, it is known that the structural retrofitting of these monumental buildings requires sound knowledge of technical details and criticalities, based on inspections, numerical simulations, the in-field integration of technologies, and laboratory tests. Many other gaps should also be addressed, and a sound conservation strategy should be elaborated on the basis of a multi-target approach, which could account for the structural engineering perspective but also contextualize the retrofit within the state of the art and the evolution of past events. This is the target of the contemporary “Particular Relevance” bilateral Italy–Egypt “CoReng” project, seeking to define a multidisciplinary strategy for conserving Old Cairo’s cultural heritage and focusing primarily on the case study of the Religions Complex. To this end, a review analysis of major oversights and challenges relating to historic monuments in Old Cairo is presented in this paper. Learning from past accidents and experiences is, in fact, the primary supporting basis for elaborating new operational steps and efficient approaches to mitigating challenges and minimizing the consequences of emergency events. As such, this review contribution specifically focuses on the structural vulnerability of historic monumental buildings in Old Cairo, reporting on past efforts, past strategy proposals, research experiences, and trends. Full article

The capture of 3D reality has demonstrated increased efficiency and consistently accurate outcomes in architectural digitisation. Nevertheless, despite advancements in data collection, 3D reality-based modelling still lacks full automation, especially in the post-processing and modelling phase. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a significant focus, especially in computer vision, and tasks such as image classification and object recognition might be beneficial for the digitisation process and its subsequent utilisation. This study aims to examine the potential outcomes of integrating AI technology into the field of 3D reality-based modelling, with a particular focus on its use in architecture and cultural-heritage scenarios. The main methods used for data collection are laser scanning (static or mobile) and photogrammetry. As a result, image data, including RGB-D data (files containing both RGB colours and depth information) and point clouds, have become the most common raw datasets available for object mapping. This study comprehensively analyses the current use of 2D and 3D deep learning techniques in documentation tasks, particularly downstream applications. It also highlights the ongoing research efforts in developing real-time applications with the ultimate objective of achieving generalisation and improved accuracy. Full article

Ivo Radić (Split, 1930–Split, 2006) is a prominent Croatian architect who contributed mostly to the field of residential architecture and tourism facilities. The most important buildings that he designed were realised in Split, a city in the Mediterranean part of Croatia. Buildings that he designed have many features of the International style. Nevertheless, in their design, the architect also successfully introduced the elements of regional Mediterranean vocabulary, using contemporary materials and technology. This paper is focused on three formative projects of architect Ivo Radić, analysing them by their urban context, architectural design and technical innovation of their architectural elements, trying to outline the architect’s discourse. The aim of the research is to emphasise the importance of Ivo Radić’s work in the context of the modernist urban and architectural heritage of Split and Croatia and to underline the need to define an appropriate approach in the evaluation and protection of the heritage of modernist residential architecture and urbanism. Full article