Mapungubwe Cultural Landscape
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2019 —
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A novel integrative management planning framework has been developed to address the complex challenges of balancing development pressures with conservation needs in Sub-Saharan African World Heritage cultural landscapes. This framework, derived from a comparative study of Mount Mulanje (Malawi) and Mapungubwe (South Africa), offers strategic solutions for long-term, holistic management by integrating land use planning, stakeholder collaboration, and resource management. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative approaches among key stakeholders to ensure sustainable development while preserving significant cultural and natural attributes. The framework provides a comprehensive technical tool to support decision-making in these vulnerable landscapes.
City of Quito
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2019 —
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An Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) for Quito, Ecuador, leverages crowd-sensing and IoT to improve real-time traffic situational awareness by up to 30%. The system integrates Sensor Web Enablement (SWE-SOS) standards with MQTT-based notifications, utilizing smartphones as primary data sources alongside Arduino and Raspberry Pi modules. This approach enhances communication efficiency while addressing Quito's significant urban mobility challenges, offering a scalable model for smart city solutions.
Quanzhou: Emporium of the World in Song-Yuan China
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2019 —
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A new method enhances the understanding of land change by combining Intensity Analysis with a three-component model (quantity, exchange, and shift) to compare regions over equal time intervals. The study reveals that the Coastal region of Quanzhou City, China, experienced more intense land changes than the Inland region between 1995 and 2010, with 'Cultivated' land losing and 'Built' land gaining more intensively than uniform change in both regions. Notably, Built's gain primarily targeted Cultivated land, especially in the Coastal region where Cultivated size explained most transitions to Built, raising concerns about food security due to the loss of Cultivated land. The approach is illustrated using GIS maps and free software for broader application.
Golestan Palace
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2019 —
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A key finding from this study is that Qajar-era artists deliberately selected pigments for their durability and visual impact, with Lapis Lazuli blue being the only exception—its weather resistance and fluorescence were intentionally chosen to enhance the artwork's longevity. The research used Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) to analyze samples from three royal mural paintings at Golestan Palace, revealing that the artist's intent was reflected in material choices, particularly the use of stable pigments. This approach provides critical insights for conservation efforts, addressing challenges like pigment deterioration and oxidation over time.
Tongariro National Park
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2019 —
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A novel interaction between climate warming and plant invasion, previously undescribed, is revealed: competition for pollination with the invasive shrub Calluna vulgaris can reduce sexual reproduction of native plants, an effect potentially exacerbated by climate change. The study also identifies a previously unknown pattern where the impact of C. vulgaris on native plant species richness becomes increasingly facilitative along elevational gradients, depending on invader biomass. Using Tongariro National Park (TNP) as a model, the research combines experimental, observational, and modeling approaches to quantify these interactive effects. It demonstrates that including invasive species density in distribution models significantly reduces predicted native plant distribution under future climate scenarios compared to climate-only models. The findings suggest that human activity may drive discrepancies in invasion success between New Zealand's North and South Islands, rather than climatic or edaphic factors. This study underscores the non-linear, complex outcomes of global change drivers on biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics, emphasizing the need for interactive approaches in conservation management.
Meteora
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2019 —
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A novel framework for interactive online visualization of high-resolution 3D models has been developed, addressing the limitations in user interaction and multimedia integration of existing cultural heritage datasets. By leveraging the 3D Heritage Online Presenter (3DHOP) and Three.js library, this approach enables lightweight, WebGL-based visualization of complex geometries, particularly suited for archaeological and architectural environments. The system enhances 3DHOP's capabilities with advanced functionalities, incorporating multiple 3D model viewers, a metadata repository, and interconnections to ortho-images, photographic documentation, videos, and text. Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Greece, serves as the case study, demonstrating the framework's potential for multi-dimensional documentation of archaeological sites.
Site of Palmyra
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2019 —
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Coral-based climate reconstructions at Palmyra Atoll face significant intercolony variability, with offsets in mean Sr/Ca and δ18O values introducing uncertainties of up to ±1.3 °C (1σ) for sea surface temperature (SST) estimates. Despite this, monthly to interannual variability in these proxies is consistent among colonies, suggesting that composite records from multiple corals can reduce reconstruction errors by 2.5 times—achieving a precision of ±0.6 °C (1σ). The study analyzed five <em>Porites</em> spp. coral cores spanning 1980–2010, revealing variability in proxy sensitivity to climate, with Sr/Ca-SST slopes ranging from −0.06 to −0.1 mmol mol⁻¹ °C⁻¹ and δ18O-SST slopes from −0.25 to −0.35‰ °C⁻¹. These findings underscore the need for multi-colony approaches to improve the robustness of coral-derived climate reconstructions in the tropical Pacific.
Upper Svaneti
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2019 —
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A century and a half of dialectal interference between the Upper Bal and Lower Bal Svan dialects in the Kodorian Gorge has produced a distinct speech variant, characterized by phonetic, grammatical, and lexical deviations from standard Svan. This phenomenon, documented through extensive fieldwork despite logistical challenges—including military conflicts and population displacement—reveals how prolonged contact between closely related dialects reshapes linguistic structures. Preliminary findings suggest that Kodorian speech retains unique traits even among dispersed communities, posing questions about its classification as a dialect or independent variant. Ongoing research aims to track these changes over time, with support from the Rustaveli Foundation enabling long-term observation of Svan speakers across Georgia.
Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
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2019 —
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Ukraine hosts two critical ecoregions from the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) Global 200 list: the European-Mediterranean Montane Forests and the Danube River Delta, both under significant threat. The study identifies 12 priority ecoregions in Ukraine, including terrestrial (e.g., Carpathian montane forests), freshwater (e.g., Dniester–Lower Danube), and marine (Mediterranean Sea) ecosystems. International cooperation has successfully protected the Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians but faces challenges in annexed territories like Crimea, where unique beech forests remain unprotected. The research underscores the need for Ukraine to develop a National Geospatial Data Infrastructure (NGDI) to enhance transnational biodiversity conservation efforts, highlighting both achievements and gaps in global ecoregional collaboration.
Old Havana and its Fortification System
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2019 —
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In Old Havana, Cuba's UNESCO-listed colonial old town, the government-driven expansion of international tourism has led to significant urban restructuring that prioritizes tourist needs over those of local residents. Despite some economic benefits for locals, this transformation is characterized by the displacement of dwellers and resident-oriented functions in favor of tourism-oriented ventures. The study analyzes these spatio-structural changes, highlighting the Cuban government's dual role as both a facilitator of tourism and an implementer of controlled market-based developments, even within its socialist framework.
Historic Centre of Kraków
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2019 —
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Zoomorphic symbols in the architecture of Kraków's historic center offer rich symbolic potential and visual appeal, making them highly effective for personalizing guide narration and thematic sightseeing routes. This study demonstrates that such symbols can enhance the interpretive experience for tour guides while catering to diverse tourist groups across ages. The research employs historical, cultural, and semiological analysis to decode the pragmatic patterns of these symbols, providing practical insights for both professional guides and independent route planners. While the analysis is primarily focused on the city center—with occasional references to notable outlying examples—the findings underscore the broader applicability of this method in heritage interpretation.
Auschwitz Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp (1940-1945)
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2019 —
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Auschwitz represents more than just a symbol of mass atrocity; it is a multifaceted site encompassing historical, educational, and moral dimensions. This study challenges the reductive use of 'Auschwitz' as shorthand for the Holocaust, highlighting its complex history and symbolic currency. Drawing from discussions at the 2017 European Association for Holocaust Studies conference in Kraków, the research explores the nuances of identity, memory, and morality associated with the site. While acknowledging inevitable overlaps due to shared themes, it introduces novel perspectives that enrich existing scholarship on Auschwitz, moving beyond simplistic ethical binaries.
Historic Ensemble of the Potala Palace, Lhasa
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2019 —
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Tibet, known as the 'roof of the world,' is a high-altitude region that has historically dominated Asia's political and religious landscape. Lhasa, home to the Potala Palace and seat of the Dalai Lama’s government, served as Tibet’s central hub in these domains. The study examines Tibetan Buddhism’s influence on governance, referencing Max Weber’s theoretical framework, while questioning the historicity of Thonmi Sambhota, a key figure in Tibetan tradition due to the absence of contemporary records. It also highlights the Karmapa sect’s significant political role in Tibet. The research combines geographical analysis with historical and sociopolitical insights, offering a multifaceted view of Tibet’s cultural and administrative heritage.
Costiera Amalfitana
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2019 —
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A comprehensive inventory of landslides triggered by the devastating storm of October 1954 on the Amalfi Coast, southern Italy, reveals significant insights into the spatial distribution and morphometric characteristics of these slope failures. The study utilized stereoscopic aerial photographs and high-resolution LiDAR-derived topography to map over 300 landslide source areas, providing a detailed characterization of one of the most catastrophic historical events in Campania Region. By analyzing rainfall distribution alongside the density of landslide sources, researchers identified key patterns linking precipitation intensity to slope instability, offering critical data for understanding and mitigating future risks in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kinabalu Park
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2019 —
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Tourist engagement significantly boosts satisfaction and loyalty at UNESCO World Heritage Sites, particularly in Kinabalu National Park. The study reveals that deepening tourist involvement enhances both immediate satisfaction and long-term destination loyalty, with satisfaction acting as a strong mediator between engagement and loyalty. Researchers used advanced statistical modeling—confirmatory composite analysis combined with consistent partial least squares path modeling—to analyze data from visitors. These findings provide actionable insights for local authorities to sustain tourism development while preserving heritage integrity.
Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing
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2019 —
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A critical threshold for network load (δ < 0.7) can prevent large-scale cascading failures in tourist traffic networks, such as the Summer Palace in Beijing, which exhibits small-world characteristics. The study reveals that increasing the capacity of high-risk nodes—ranked by cascading failure rate (CFR)—can reduce failure scale by up to 63.66%. Researchers simulated emergency events using load-capacity models and attack strategies, identifying key factors like node capacity, adjacency relationships, and load distribution as significant influencers on failure dynamics.
Lower Valley of the Awash
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2019 —
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A seven-year evaluation of irrigation water quality in the Middle Awash River Basin, Ethiopia, reveals that the river's water is consistently suitable for irrigation, with electrical conductivity (ECw) values below FAO guidelines and no significant salinity-related risks. The study found that ECw was higher during June and decreased during the rainy season, inversely correlating with river flow. Sodium levels showed a strong correlation with ECw and adjusted sodium adsorption ratio (Adj.RNa), but specific-ion toxicity hazards were non-existent. While the combined effects of ECw and sodicity on permeability remained within recommendable ranges, downstream areas in drought years require caution for salinity-sensitive crops. Sedimentation and siltation during rainy seasons pose growing concerns for canal maintenance and drainage projects.
Historic Cairo
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2019 —
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A rare glimpse into the transnational exchange of Islamic thought during the interwar period reveals how Rashīd Riḍā's fatwas to China, overlooked by historians, illuminate Sino-Muslim debates and the global spread of Salafism. These legal responses, translated into Chinese, demonstrate Riḍā's meticulous adaptation of his methods and values for a predominantly Ḥanafī Muslim audience in China. The study provides a concrete, historical understanding of Salafism's origins in China by analyzing the specific questions posed by Sino-Muslim nationalists and the nuanced answers provided from Cairo between 1930-1932.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
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2019 —
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A significant public health risk arises from open defaecation practices in Australia's outdoor recreation and camping areas, where limited or no sanitation infrastructure exists. A literature review identified only three relevant studies, highlighting a critical gap in research on this topic. These studies revealed that faecal contamination of soils and watercourses poses a substantial threat to visitors' health, particularly in high-use camping areas. The findings underscore the need for targeted health promotion strategies, environmental management policies, and tailored sanitation solutions based on ecological conditions and visitor numbers. With outdoor recreation activities increasingly popular in Australia, addressing human waste management is essential to mitigate public health risks and preserve natural areas.
Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church
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2019 —
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A challenge to long-standing assumptions about the House of Commons' role, this lecture argues that its power may not be in decline but rather too dominant within the UK's constitutional framework. Contrasting historical narratives—from Lord Bryce's 1921 observation on legislative decline to contemporary debates—the analysis questions whether the Commons has become an overreaching institution. The lecture draws on seminal legal scholarship, including that of Lord Bingham, whose advocacy for a Supreme Court and rule of law provides a lens for reassessing legislative authority. While acknowledging opposition to relocating the Law Lords from Westminster, the focus remains on re-evaluating the Commons' constitutional balance, offering a provocative counterpoint to established views.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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2019 —
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Monarch butterflies' fall migration to Mexico is influenced by the sun's position, with successful migrants adhering to a 'migration window' defined by the daily maximum vertical angle of the sun (SASN). This study analyzed over 1.38 million tagged monarchs from 1998 to 2015, revealing that those reaching overwintering sites typically migrated within an SASN range of 46° to 57°. The migration follows a slow-fast-slow pattern, consistent with monarchs targeting latitudes with matching SASN. Migration timing may impact population success, as years with low overwintering abundance showed higher late migrant percentages. The findings suggest environmental factors like temperature and daylength interact with SASN to shape migration dynamics.
Shark Bay, Western Australia
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2019 —
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Researchers have identified novel quorum-sensing active bacteria in the microbial mats of Shark Bay, Western Australia. The study, published in FEMS Microbiology Ecology, isolated 30 unique bacterial strains from a library of 165, belonging to Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, which activated an AHL biosensor. Notably, several of these isolates, including members of Virgibacillus, Halobacillius, Microbacterium, and Brevibacterium, have not been previously shown to produce signal molecules. The presence of multiple signaling molecules was further confirmed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). This is the first study to delineate AHL-based signaling in Shark Bay's microbial mats, suggesting that quorum sensing may play a significant role in coordinating complex phenotypes within these communities.
Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui – Xidi and Hongcun
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2019 —
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Hongcun Traditional Village's artificial water system, a critical yet often overlooked cultural landscape, faces significant conservation challenges due to modernization and local policies. This study identifies key issues arising from the past 20 years of interventions and proposes a methodological approach for its preservation, drawing on European experiences. The research highlights the need to shift focus beyond historic buildings to include open spaces and environments, which are equally valuable components of heritage conservation. By analyzing the impacts of current practices, the paper offers practical strategies to safeguard this unique water system while ensuring sustainable development.
Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome)
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2019 —
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Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's leadership in Japan has significantly strengthened the bilateral military alliance with the United States, positioning Japan as a stabilizer for the U.S.-led system in the Indo-Pacific. This study highlights how Abe cultivated strong relations with both President Barack Obama and Donald Trump, achieving historic firsts such as addressing a joint U.S. Congress and escorting a sitting U.S. president to Hiroshima's ground zero. The research argues that Japan's strategic focus on bolstering its own defense capabilities while maintaining close ties with the U.S. is crucial for regional stability amid growing geopolitical uncertainties, including threats from North Korea and China. The study emphasizes the enduring importance of the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security, underscoring Japan's reliance on the U.S. nuclear umbrella for national security.
Bisotun
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2019 —
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Achaemenid inscriptions, including the Cyrus cylinder and Behistun, are often misclassified due to attempts at rigid categorization. Research suggests that the Second Isaiah may belong to the genre of oral (dictated) poetry rather than being a direct prophetic source. This challenges traditional interpretations by emphasizing the fluidity and contextual nature of ancient texts. The study employs comparative analysis of well-known examples to highlight how genre classification can distort scholarly understanding, advocating for a more nuanced approach that considers the dynamic nature of written evidence from this period.
Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din
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2019 —
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A new book, 'Le Crac des Chevaliers. Chroniques d’un rêve de pierre,' edited by Jean-Marc Hofman and Emmanuel Pénicaut, sheds light on the historic significance of the Crac des Chevaliers in Syria, a symbol of modern Syrian architecture. The publication draws from the archives of Paul Deschamps, housed at the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine in Paris, to revisit this monumental fortress that had previously been the subject of a seminal work by P. Deschamps. Through meticulous archival research and historical analysis, the book offers an in-depth exploration of the Crac des Chevaliers' architectural grandeur, its strategic importance during the Crusades, and its enduring legacy as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Monticello and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville
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2019 —
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Jefferson’s Body: A Corporeal Biography by Maurizio Valsania offers a novel approach to understanding Thomas Jefferson's personality and worldview through the lens of corporeality. The study reveals that Jefferson, while presenting an idealized image of moderate masculinity rooted in Enlightenment principles, harbored paradoxical views on 'others,' particularly Native Americans, African Americans, and women, reflecting the racialized and gendered hierarchies of his era. Valsania's method combines historical narrative with insights from anthropology, psychology, and whiteness studies to analyze Jefferson's physical presence, medical conditions, and social interactions, arguing that his body both shaped and was shaped by his beliefs.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2019 —
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Excavations in the northwestern part of Jerusalem's Western Wall Plaza have revealed 15 distinct strata spanning 2700–2800 years, providing unprecedented insights into the area's history from the Late Iron Age to the Byzantine period. This is the first excavation in this region, located approximately 100 meters west of the Temple Mount, and has uncovered significant architectural remains, including Roman and Byzantine structures such as the Eastern Cardo. The findings include quarries, architecture, and artifacts that shed light on the development and use of this strategically important area over millennia.
Historic Centre of Florence
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2019 —
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Historic cities, including Florence, face challenges and opportunities in the era of globalization. While Florence's unique environmental qualities have made it a top tourist destination, its long-term sustainability depends on strategic urban planning to attract global economic investment and skilled labor. A study involving 384 randomly selected participants in Florence's historic center revealed that creating a precise and distinctive city image is crucial for historic cities to thrive globally. The research used descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis to assess the feasibility of this transition, highlighting the need for balanced urban development to maintain cultural heritage while embracing global integration.
Masada
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2019 —
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A reevaluation of Josephus Flavius' account of the events at Mount Masada in 74 CE challenges the prevailing view that he was an unreliable historian. This study argues that, despite his tendency to embellish narratives, Josephus' portrayal of the Masada events can largely be trusted for historical accuracy. By analyzing his track record across multiple historical accounts, the research suggests that while rhetorical strategies may have influenced his writing, they do not invalidate the core details of his Masada narrative. This finding offers a nuanced perspective on one of history's most debated events, balancing skepticism with a measured assessment of Josephus' credibility.
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
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2019 —
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A comprehensive analysis of metal artifacts from Ban Chiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeast Thailand, reveals significant insights into early metallurgical practices and trade networks. The study, edited by Joyce C. White and Elizabeth G. Hamilton, employs advanced techniques to examine the composition, craftsmanship, and provenance of metal objects dating back thousands of years. Findings highlight the sophisticated skills of ancient metallurgists and their connections with distant regions, contributing to a deeper understanding of Southeast Asia's prehistory.
Vatican City
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2019 —
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Vatican City State's judicial system stands out globally due to its unique structure, shaped by the absolute and elective monarchy where the Supreme Pontiff holds full legislative, executive, and judicial authority. This research highlights how the Vatican's power distribution differs significantly from other nations, leading to an original judicial framework. The study delves into the development and organization of this system, providing insights into its complexities and distinct characteristics.
Chartres Cathedral
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2019 —
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A geometric-astronomical correlation between Chartres Cathedral's rose window and its labyrinth has been identified, suggesting that the labyrinth was purposefully aligned with the Taurus constellation during the cathedral's construction (J1200–). The study projects the daily orbits of Taurus stars through the rose window, revealing their paths on the cathedral floor plan. Notably, 'Elthor,' the central bull of the constellation, aligns with the labyrinth's center, hinting at mythological motivations behind this alignment. This discovery sheds new light on the intentional design and symbolic significance of medieval architecture.
Ogasawara Islands
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2019 —
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A secret agreement allowing the United States to store nuclear weapons on the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands persisted even after Japan regained control of the archipelago in 1968, challenging the narrative that its reversion was purely an act of U.S. generosity. This diplomatic study reveals mutual benefits for both nations during negotiations, contrasting with previous research that primarily focused on Okinawa's reversion. By analyzing the Ogasawara case, the author identifies continuity between the two revertion processes and critiques the oversimplification of Japan-U.S. postwar relations, emphasizing the need to consider strategic interests beyond goodwill.
Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia
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2019 —
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Research identifies drainage properties as critical factors shaping the unique badlands morphology and fairy chimneys of Göreme National Park and Cappadocia. The study reveals that ignimbrite and tuff formations exhibit the highest drainage density (15.3 km/km²), significantly influencing landform development, while plateau surfaces like basalt, dacite, and andesite show markedly lower densities. Using GIS-based analysis of 1/25,000 scale topography maps, the team digitized valley thalwegs and applied Strahler order methods to quantify stream orders, finding that 53% and 22.7% of streams belong to first and second orders, respectively. These findings underscore the determinant role of drainage conditions in sculpting Cappadocia's iconic landscapes.
Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape
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2019 —
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Archaeological excavations at Karabalgasun, the capital of the early Uyghur Empire (c. 744–840 CE), reveal significant insights into urbanism and sedentary practices in the Inner Asian steppes during the Turco-Mongol era. The study, led by Burkart Dähne, utilized LIDAR technology to map the extensive city layout, covering over 30 km², and conducted excavations from 2009 to 2011. Findings challenge traditional assumptions about nomadic lifestyles, suggesting a complex transition towards sedentism in this region. The research focuses on architectural features, providing a detailed analysis of urban structures that were previously largely unknown or unpublished. This work contributes to the broader understanding of urbanization and cultural shifts in Inner Asia, an area often neglected in historical and archaeological studies due to its inaccessibility and focus on pastoral nomadic practices.
Zagori Cultural Landscape
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2019 —
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A study of the Vikos Gorge and Tymphi Mountain region in Greece reveals that while karst terrains typically experience low population density due to harsh natural conditions, the establishment of national parks and the rise of geotourism may mitigate depopulation trends. The research highlights significant geological features, including a maximum gorge depth of 1144 meters, width of 2420 meters, and a depth-to-width ratio of 0.76, alongside unique spherical rock concretions. Digital terrain analysis provided precise morphometric data. Demographic analysis showed that while the Zagori region suffers from rural depopulation, settlements near Vikos Gorge exhibit relative population stabilization due to tourism. However, this has introduced new conflicts between growing geotourism and nature conservation goals.
Babylon
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking collection of essays, 'Keeping Watch in Babylon,' offers unprecedented insights into the Astronomical Diaries of ancient Babylon, a vast archive of nearly 1000 clay tablets spanning five centuries (6th to 1st century BCE). These meticulous records not only document celestial observations but also provide invaluable data on the economy and history of Mesopotamia and its surrounding regions. The volume delves into the identities of the scholars who maintained these diaries, their motivations, and how their observational practices evolved over time. Drawing from diverse disciplines such as Assyriology, Classics, ancient history, and the history of science, this interdisciplinary work sheds light on the intellectual and cultural dynamics of Babylonian scholarship during its golden age.
Komodo National Park
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2019 —
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Gender inequality significantly disadvantages women in the tourism sector of Komodo National Park, limiting their access to opportunities and reinforcing marginalization. Women's participation is confined largely to low-skilled roles such as food vending, while men dominate higher-value positions and decision-making processes. The study highlights systemic subordination, where men benefit disproportionately from the park's economic potential, despite women comprising a substantial portion of the workforce. Using qualitative methods, including purposive sampling and thematic analysis (Miles & Huberman), researchers in Komodo Village uncovered patterns of exclusion that underscore broader issues in gender equity within protected area management. These findings advocate for targeted interventions to promote equitable development and welfare outcomes for women in tourism-driven conservation contexts.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
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Between 1880 and 1930, the Kew Museum of Economic Botany significantly influenced educational reform by supplying schools with botanical specimens for object-based learning. This initiative was highly popular, with demand exceeding supply, leading to alternative solutions being developed. The distribution of specimens extended Kew's ethos into classrooms, offering diverse curricular benefits from nature study to geography. The research suggests that these objects held additional meanings and uses beyond their intended educational purposes. The study also highlights the movement of museum expertise and practices across professional and institutional boundaries during this period, proposing new avenues for further exploration.
Curonian Spit
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2019 —
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Aesthetic appeal of coastal dunes and forests on the Curonian Spit varies significantly among visitors, local inhabitants, and experts. The most appealing landscapes include white mobile dunes and combinations of white and grey (grassland) dunes, with visual coherence being a key factor for locals. Experts, however, emphasized stewardship, naturalness, imageability, and visual scale as defining scenic appeal, while disturbance and complexity diminished attractiveness. This divergence in perceptions suggests potential management conflicts. The study used paired comparison surveys of 45 landscapes, semi-structured interviews with locals, and a Delphi technique involving experts to elicit key aesthetic concepts.
Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem
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2019 —
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A significant archaeological discovery near Bethlehem reveals that Tomb A7, initially identified as an Iron Age burial site, was originally constructed during the Early Bronze IVB period and subsequently modified for use during the Middle Bronze and Iron Ages. This finding, uncovered by a joint Italian-Palestinian team in 2019, suggests a continuous cultural and ritualistic use of the necropolis spanning over a millennium, from the 4th millennium BC to the 8th-7th century BC. The excavation focused on Tomb A7, employing rescue archaeology techniques to document its structure and associated artifacts, providing new insights into the funerary practices and historical continuity in this region near the Church of the Nativity.
Trans-Iranian Railway
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2019 —
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A comparative analysis of bank notes from the Pahlavi and Islamic Republic eras reveals a significant shift in Iran's cultural and ideological representation. During the Pahlavi reign, bank notes prominently featured pre-Islamic architecture, modern industrial achievements like the Trans-Iranian Railway, and portraits of the monarch, reflecting a pro-Western ideology. In contrast, post-revolutionary notes under Ayatollah Khomeini's influence depicted traditional Islamic symbols, marking a departure from the glorification of pre-Islamic Iran and Western-oriented development. This visual transition on currency serves as a tangible record of Iran's political and cultural transformation.
Hwaseong Fortress
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Hwaseong Fortress, originally conceived as a separate capital (別京) by King Jeongjo of the late Joseon Dynasty, was intended to serve as a distinct administrative and military hub alongside Hanyang. This study reveals that King Jeongjo envisioned Hwaseong as a 'capital for the retired king,' leveraging state-of-the-art information systems and maximum national resources to establish a dual-capital system aimed at expanding royal authority and fostering national revival. However, post-Jeongjo, political factions thwarted this vision, reducing Hwaseong's status to that of a temporary palace fortress and a provincial government seat, far from its original grand design.
Studenica Monastery
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2019 —
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This study reveals that while both Prince Vladislav and King Radoslav, heirs of King Stefan the First-Crowned, engaged in significant ktetorial (patronage) activities, their approaches and impacts differed markedly. Vladislav founded a new monastery, Mileševa, around 1220, which became the second most important Serbian monastery after transferring St. Sava's relic there, whereas Radoslav upgraded Studenica Monastery, already an endowment of his grandfather St. Simeon. The research compares their ktetorial activities, highlighting Vladislav's greater financial burden and the influence of St. Sava on both projects. It also notes that Mileševa was later regulated by St. Sava's Law, contrasting with Studenica's earlier regal regulation under St. Simeon.
Rideau Canal
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking highway bridge project, the Kingston Third Crossing, has successfully integrated complex environmental, stakeholder, and heritage considerations while adopting North America's first Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model. This innovative approach enabled a radical redesign within strict funding deadlines, addressing affordability gaps and maintaining project timelines. The resulting 100-meter weathering steel arched bridge not only serves as a functional two-lane highway but also acts as a dynamic gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Rideau Canal. The IPD model's efficiency in navigating challenging circumstances highlights its potential for future infrastructure projects.
Historic Cairo
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2019 —
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Historic Cairo's traditional craftsmanship, such as stonemasonry and plasterwork, is at risk due to rapid urban pressures but holds significant potential for heritage conservation. This study identifies key influences on these skills and explores their reintegration into architectural rehabilitation efforts. Using a holistic approach rooted in doctoral research at the Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation, it examines how preserving craftsmanship can revitalize local communities while safeguarding cultural identity. The findings highlight the urgent need to address challenges threatening these living traditions, offering actionable insights for sustainable heritage management.
Komodo National Park
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2019 —
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Komodo dragons, despite being apex predators, do not primarily attack humans due to habitat loss or food scarcity. A 2013 study on Rinca Island, Komodo National Park, challenges the prevailing notion that such attacks stem from ecological disruptions caused by human economic expansion. Instead, it argues that these incidents arise from fundamental shifts in human-environmental relationships within conserved spaces. The research, conducted in a protected area designed to sustain dragon prey, found that attacks persist even when natural food sources are secure, suggesting that conservation efforts alone do not prevent aggression. This insight reframes the understanding of predator-human conflicts, emphasizing social and behavioral dynamics over ecological pressures.
Historic Centre of Kraków
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2019 —
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Tourism significantly boosts Kraków's economy, contributing over 8% to the city's GDP and generating nearly 40,000 jobs when accounting for multiplier effects. In 2018 alone, Kraków welcomed 13.5 million visitors, including 3 million international tourists, who spent approximately PLN 6.5 billion during their stay. The study analyzes tourism's economic impact by examining visitor numbers, income, and employment trends over the past decade, alongside shifts in tourist perceptions of the city's offerings. It also explores changes in visitor satisfaction and themes related to their experiences in Kraków.
Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn
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2019 —
WHEA0A3073286
Estonian poetry during the Stalinist era (1940–1955) reflects a highly standardized and ideologized depiction of urban spaces, particularly focusing on Moscow, Leningrad, and Tallinn. The study reveals that while Socialist Realism prescribed aesthetic principles, local authors developed a unified aesthetics through imitation to avoid ideological missteps. Representations of cities were politicized, with Moscow and Leningrad serving as symbolic centers of Soviet power, while Tallinn was portrayed as a reflection of Moscow's authority, often emphasizing its medieval heritage alongside socialist reconstruction themes. The research analyzes 93 poetry collections from this period, identifying implicit rules governing urban imagery, such as the sacralization of Red Square in Moscow or the prominence of Toompea hill's Tall Hermann tower in Tallinn. The study also highlights the marginalization of smaller cities and outskirts, which were deemed politically insignificant compared to city centers.
