Temple of Preah Vihear
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2016 —
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Leaked US diplomatic cables reveal the intricate hyperconnectivity of heritage, demonstrating how the Temple of Preah Vihear in Cambodia became entangled with international politics, border wars, and economic negotiations following its 2008 UNESCO World Heritage inscription. The study highlights that globalization transforms specific sites into transactional commodities, transcending their historical or material characteristics to serve broader international interests. By analyzing these cables, the research underscores the complex linkages between seemingly unrelated spheres, offering an unprecedented vantage onto the site's contested status and its role in global power dynamics.
West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou
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2016 —
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This study reveals that Chinese governments, while pursuing World Heritage listing for the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, strategically adapt to Eurocentric UNESCO criteria by omitting values incompatible with Western heritage discourses. Through extensive fieldwork in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, researchers mapped tensions between local governmental perceptions of heritage value and UNESCO/ICOMOS standards. The findings demonstrate a cynical approach where Chinese authorities recognize the 'rules' of World Heritage listing but selectively conform to them, prioritizing international legitimacy over indigenous cultural narratives. This adaptation, driven by the desire for global recognition, reshapes site management while perpetuating a disconnect between local heritage values and UNESCO's 'outstanding universal value' framework.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park
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2016 —
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World Heritage Management and Human Rights introduces a transformative approach to preserving UNESCO sites by integrating human rights principles into their management. The publication argues that cultural heritage should not be treated as a static entity but as a dynamic practice that reflects and upholds human dignity, diversity, and identity. It explores how rights-based frameworks can enhance the interpretation, protection, and conservation of World Heritage Sites, particularly in contexts of conflict or indigenous land disputes. Through case studies—ranging from Kalwaria Zebrzydowska’s Mannerist landscape to Timbuktu’s intangible heritage—the book demonstrates practical applications of this approach, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and the recognition of shared cultural heritage. By bridging theoretical considerations with real-world challenges, it advocates for a more inclusive and equitable model of World Heritage conservation.
Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
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2016 —
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World Heritage Site (WHS) designation brings both benefits and challenges to historic villages, as demonstrated by Hahoe Village in Korea. While the 2010 inscription boosted tourism, it also accelerated changes in the village's industrial base, degraded residents' quality of life due to overcrowding, and created tension between conservation efforts and tourism development. The study highlights the need for a balanced management plan that prioritizes community sustainability alongside tourism growth, ensuring historic villages remain viable living spaces beyond tourist attractions.
Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
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2016 —
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UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) designation has positively influenced the Kii Mountain Range in Japan, enhancing local identity and cultural revitalization while maintaining minimal negative impacts on tourism. A qualitative study found that local communities, tourists, and experts are actively engaged in heritage management and conservation, with WHS listing fostering pride in culture and place. However, challenges persist due to limited understanding of WHS status and conflicts between heritage management, tourism, and religious practices. The research suggests a more holistic approach, such as establishing a stakeholder forum, could further support Kii's success as both a sacred site and tourist destination.
Tsodilo
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2016 —
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UNESCO World Heritage status significantly influences local communities, particularly through the culturally commodifying effects of tourism. While prior research has largely focused on conservation and management aspects, this study highlights the role of identity politics in shaping social dynamics around Tsodilo Hills. It reveals how tourism, often accompanying World Heritage designation, can alter ethnic and gender identities within nearby communities.
Twyfelfontein or /Ui-//aes
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2016 —
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Namibia successfully integrates contemporary architecture with its natural landscape, preserving the integrity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites while fostering sustainable tourism. The study highlights Twyfelfontein, a site rich in rock engravings and part of Namibia's unique desert and canyon landscapes, as an example where modern visitor centers, designed by Nina Maritz Architects, harmonize with the environment without causing harm. This approach has significantly contributed to Namibia's status as a safe and attractive tourist destination, boosting local economies through responsible tourism development.
Castel del Monte
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2016 —
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Castel del Monte has been the subject of significant architectural and historical research, as documented in Wulf Schirmer's study. The book presents groundbreaking findings from research conducted between 1990 and 1996, focusing on the site's archaeological and architectural history. Schirmer, along with a team of collaborators including Günter Hell, Dorothee Sack, Werner Schnuchel, Christoph Uricher, and Wolfgang Zick, employed a multidisciplinary approach to analyze Castel del Monte. The study incorporates photographs by Rafael Cardenas-Dopf, providing visual documentation that complements the textual analysis. Key insights include the reconstruction of the site's historical layers and an in-depth examination of its unique architectural features, contributing significantly to the understanding of its cultural significance.
Sardis and the Lydian Tumuli of Bin Tepe
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2016 —
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A pioneering study reveals that small-scale marble quarries in central Lydia, western Turkey, played a significant role in ancient social and economic landscapes, challenging previous assumptions about their importance. By analyzing carbon and oxygen stable isotopes from 11 quarries near Sardis and correlating them with artifacts from Sardis and the Bin Tepe tumuli, researchers uncovered distinct patterns in Lydian and Roman-period marble acquisition practices. This approach sheds new light on the historical significance of these quarries, which had previously been understudied despite showing evidence of ancient tool use.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs
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2016 —
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A significant discovery at the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals new insights into the behavior and evolution of xiphosurans, ancient relatives of modern horseshoe crabs. Researchers identified 100 Selenichnites rossendalensis, some with associated trackways, dating back to the Late Carboniferous period (Pennsylvanian). Detailed morphological analysis of these digging traces, particularly lunate casts, indicates that xiphosurans used linear ridges behind their prosomas (heads) during excavation. Statistical analysis of 96 lunate casts from two populations, separated by several hundred thousand years, shows a significant reduction in prosoma size with 99% confidence, suggesting evolutionary changes in body size over time. The smallest known Selenichnites, measuring just 7 mm wide, were also documented. This study highlights the potential of Joggins Fossil Cliffs to uncover factors controlling xiphosuran body-size changes and their temporal scales.
Central Sikhote-Alin
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2016 —
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Researchers have identified the Yakchi chert–volcanogenic formation as a critical fragment of the Jurassic accretionary prism in the Central Sikhote-Alin, providing insights into the tectonic and oceanic history of this region. The study, which combines biostratigraphic analysis and petrogeochemical investigations, reveals that the formation spans from the Late Triassic to the Middle Jurassic, with distinct phases of chert accumulation interrupted by basalt eruptions. These basalts likely formed on both thick, old oceanic lithosphere (Middle–Late Triassic) and thin, newly created lithosphere (Jurassic). The transition from chert to tuffaceous siltstone in the Middle Jurassic marks the onset of subduction along the Asian continental margin, predating the accretion of this formation. This work clarifies the paleotectonic zonation of the Central Sikhote-Alin and suggests that cataclastic gabbroids and granitoids may be analogues of the Okrainka-Sergeevka allochthonous complex.
Stone Town of Zanzibar
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2016 —
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Local women social entrepreneurs in Zanzibar are effectively addressing poverty through innovative strategies that build educational opportunities, adapt to economic changes, and empower vulnerable populations. A qualitative study interviewing 15 women from rural Jambiani and urban Stone Town reveals their ventures' success in alleviating poverty by focusing on human capital development, business evolution, and social empowerment, including for people with disabilities. These findings highlight the potential of local initiatives to drive community sustainability when supported by social workers.
Studenica Monastery
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2016 —
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Zetski Jevanđelistar, or Miroslav’s Gospel, stands as a testament to the fusion of Byzantine and Latin influences during its creation, marking a pivotal moment in the artistic and cultural development of the Raška region, Kosovo and Metohija. This illuminated manuscript, alongside the UNESCO-listed monasteries Studenica and Dečani, exemplifies the distinctive Zeta school's contribution to European art. The Gospel serves as an early indicator of Serbian rulers' orientation towards the West and provides invaluable insights into the history and artistic legacy of the Zeta school, whose craftsmanship is immortalized in these monumental works.
Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park
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2016 —
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Vietnam's oribatid mite fauna, comprising 320 species (including four subspecies) from 64 families, reveals significant endemism and unique geographical distribution patterns. The study identifies six zoogeographical sub-divisions in Vietnam based on oribatid diversity, with 34.68% of species likely endemic. Notably, 155 species were recorded for the first time in Vietnam, contributing to a broader understanding of its biodiversity. This research provides critical insights into the region's ecological partitioning and highlights the importance of sites like Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in global oribatid diversity studies.
Þingvellir National Park
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2016 —
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Þingvellir National Park, a symbol of Icelandic nationalism and national identity, faces a shift in its cultural significance due to commercialization within neoliberal economies. This study critically examines the transformation of Þingvellir from a site of historical importance and recreation into a global tourist destination. It explores how this commodification affects its symbolic potency as a gateway between continents and its role within universalized notions of humanity. The research adopts a postcolonial perspective to analyze these changes, highlighting the tension between heritage preservation and economic exploitation.
Acropolis, Athens
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2015 —
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William J. Stillman's 1870 album, <em>The Acropolis of Athens</em>, showcases a pioneering approach to architectural photography, where his images were noted for their clarity and poise, contrasting sharply with the laborious accompanying text. This study examines the interplay between word and image in Stillman’s work, analyzing it within the context of his intentions and the emerging genre of photo-books. It highlights how this album, as both an object and a genre, set a precedent for future architectural representations, notably influencing later works like <em>Vers une architecture</em>. The research delves into the implications of this duality for architectural history, offering insights into the evolving relationship between visual and textual narratives in documenting heritage sites.
Historic Centre of Naples
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2015 —
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A striking example of classical reception in modern Naples is the symbolic appropriation of ancient ruins within Neapolitan presepi—elaborate Nativity scenes—as demonstrated by Marco Ferrigno's 2009 presepe per L'Aquila. This work replaced classical columns and aqueducts with shattered post-earthquake buildings, embodying the Latin phrase 'Nec Recisa Recedit' ('No retreat, even when broken') to confer redemptive meaning on ruins. The study highlights the dynamic interplay between classical aesthetics and contemporary cultural narratives in Naples, showcasing how ruins are repurposed within the presepe tradition to reflect resilience and renewal.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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2015 —
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A significant portion of Maasai pastoralist youth in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania, demonstrate practical knowledge about soil-transmitted helminth infections and protozoa, despite living in close proximity to livestock and facing unreliable access to water. This finding emerges from qualitative research involving 60 secondary school youth, 6 teachers, and a women's group, conducted as part of a broader One Health initiative aimed at developing youth-driven health promotion strategies. The study highlights local resilience and understanding of 'neglected tropical diseases,' which are prevalent among children in low- and middle-income countries. It also underscores the need for targeted interventions to mitigate disease burden, particularly through school-based water, sanitation, and hygiene education.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2015 —
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A novel approach called 'Economic Heritage Impact Assessment' (EHIA) is proposed to evaluate both cultural and economic impacts of large-scale urban requalification projects on UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This method, developed by the author in their PhD thesis, builds upon the ICOMOS 'Guidance on Heritage Impact Assessments for Cultural World Heritage Properties' (2011) by incorporating cost-benefit analysis to monetarily assess the benefits of investments in historic urban heritage preservation. The case study of Torre Annunziata, a coastal city in the Gulf of Naples and part of the Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata UNESCO Site, demonstrates how EHIA can provide a more comprehensive evaluation than traditional cultural impact assessments alone. This approach aims to support sustainable urban waterfront requalification while preserving and enhancing the historic urban landscape.
Pergamon and its Multi-Layered Cultural Landscape
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2015 —
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A new interpretation of the Pergamon Altar's monumental Hellenistic sculpture reveals its dynamic interplay between myth, theater, and modern art. The study demonstrates that contemporary artist Aleksander A.'s luminous board reconstruction not only restores lost fragments but also reimagines them through a theatrical metaphor, blending historism with poetic depth. This approach offers a system-based view of the Pergamon Altar's artistic significance, synthesizing antiquity, Greek mythology, and modern plastic installation into a cohesive narrative. The analysis highlights the altar's layered cultural landscape as both an archaeological artifact and a performative art piece, bridging historical reconstruction with contemporary artistic expression.
National Archeological Park of Tierradentro
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2015 —
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Research reveals that the Nasa (Páez) people of Colombia's Tierradentro National Archeological Park employ a unique concept of 'territorial hygiene' to manage resource crises, blending traditional medicine and ritual practices. This approach addresses ecological disruptions, social disorder, and cosmic imbalance, aiming to restore harmony through rituals like water purification and symbolic violence expulsion. The study highlights how the Nasa adapt their indigenous cosmology to mitigate environmental degradation caused by demographic growth, anthropogenic pressure, and the aftermath of the 1994 Paez River mudslide. By integrating ecomedicinal practices with political-religious strategies, they construct a neotraditional 'ecosophical' ethos that fosters resilience and territorial equilibrium.
Taos Pueblo
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2015 —
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Carl Jung's brief visit to Taos Pueblo in 1925 revealed a profound cultural and psychological encounter that transcended linguistic barriers. His account, published posthumously, highlighted the meeting of European analytical consciousness with the Pueblo Indians' unconscious, emphasizing mutual fulfillment derived from shared universal comprehension. The study analyzes Jung's narrative as a bridge between aesthetic, emotional, visionary, and rational perspectives, noting how both cultures mirrored each other's inner needs without fully escaping their own linguistic and cultural frameworks. While Mountain Lake, Jung's host, communicated readiness to guide spiritually, the depth of his insights remains intangible due to the limitations of language. This encounter underscores the significance of cross-cultural exchanges in fostering self-reflection and a return to mythical understanding.
Archaeological Areas of Pompei, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata
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2015 —
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A novel approach to evaluating the economic viability of heritage conservation, the Economic Heritage Impact Assessment (EHIA), has been proposed. This method integrates cultural and economic assessments to quantify the monetary benefits of investing in the preservation of historic urban landscapes, particularly in coastal UNESCO sites like Torre Annunziata. The EHIA builds on the ICOMOS Guidance for Heritage Impact Assessments by incorporating cost-benefit analysis, addressing a gap in current heritage evaluation frameworks. Applied to the Grande Progetto Pompei's impact on Torre Annunziata's waterfront, this study demonstrates how economic considerations can enhance decision-making for large-scale urban renewal projects, offering a more comprehensive tool for balancing cultural and financial outcomes.
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
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2015 —
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Archaeological and geochemical evidence reveals that the Yoruba people of West Africa developed a unique glassmaking technology, which persisted until at least the 17th century. This discovery challenges conventional narratives about indigenous technological advancements in Africa by demonstrating sophisticated material science practices among the Yoruba civilization. The study, conducted through collaboration between Black Studies and physical sciences experts, analyzed artifacts from Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove in Nigeria. By integrating field research with laboratory analysis, the researchers identified primary glass manufacture techniques that were previously unknown in the region. This finding underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to uncover and validate Africa's indigenous technological heritage.
Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls
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2015 —
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Jerusalem’s Old City, enclosed by ancient stone walls, offers a unique auditory experience distinct from Western urban environments. A study capturing soundscapes over a year revealed that the absence of vehicular noise dominates the acoustic landscape, with reverberant alleys and marketplaces filled instead by human voices—traders, pilgrims, tourists—and natural sounds like rain on corrugated roofs or crickets at dusk. The research highlights Jerusalem’s warm climate, where public life thrives outdoors, and its layered cultural diversity, evident in concurrent Qur’anic recitations, Hebrew psalms, Russian Orthodox chants, and Arabic pop music. The study’s approach involved immersive field recordings across different days, documenting daily sounds to reflect the city’s dynamic yet harmonious auditory tapestry.
Naumburg Cathedral
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2015 —
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A critical review of the ICOMOS evaluation report for Naumburg Cathedral's UNESCO World Heritage bid reveals significant methodological and conceptual flaws. The report, which recommended against inscription due to perceived shortcomings in integrity and authenticity, was found to rely on distorted interpretations of the application, misleading historical claims, and an exclusionary approach that could reinforce regressive nationalism. Instead of providing a robust justification for rejection, ICOMOS's assessment was criticized for its abstract, unhistorical application of key criteria and its failure to align with modern, globally inclusive standards for World Heritage recognition. The review outlines potential pathways for a more contemporary and contextually appropriate approach to preserving cultural heritage in an era of globalization.
Frontiers of the Roman Empire
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2015 —
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A re-evaluation of Tacitus' 'Annals' reveals that the Red Sea (mare Rubrum) was perceived as a new frontier of the Roman Empire following the annexation of the Nabataean kingdom, rather than a boundary for Roman Egypt. This insight challenges previous interpretations and underscores the significance of this expansion in Roman imperial strategy. The study employs close textual analysis to dissect Tacitus' allusive language, particularly the use of 'nunc,' which hints at recent territorial changes. By focusing on the southern Arabian frontier, the research provides a nuanced understanding of how Rome's imperial ambitions were communicated and perceived during this period.
Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve
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2015 —
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A study analyzing humic substances from Arctic soils on Wrangel Island and Bolshoi Lyakhovsky Island reveals that the humification process in these extreme environments is at an early stage, with humic acids (HAs) more closely resembling fulvic acids (FAs) than their temperate counterparts. This deviation is attributed to the limited vascular flora and lignin content in Arctic ecosystems, which restricts aromaticity and oxygen-containing groups in HAs. The research employed 13C NMR and ESR spectroscopies to compare molecular structures and free radical concentrations across humus horizons, highlighting significant differences between HAs and FAs in these soils. Findings suggest that Arctic soil humification differs fundamentally from temperate regions due to environmental constraints.
Ciudad Universitaria de Caracas
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2015 —
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In 1952, the debates surrounding plastic integration, modern architecture, and urban development took center stage at two prominent universities: the UNAM in Mexico City and the Universidad Central in Caracas, Venezuela. These institutions exemplified contrasting approaches to architectural design—UNAM embodied figurative, legible, and socially conscious art, while the Universidad Central leaned toward abstraction. This publication highlights how these divergent philosophies shaped the development of new city forms, reflecting broader trends in modern Latin American architecture.
Península Valdés
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2015 —
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A copper alloy sheathing fragment and tacks from the 19th-century shipwreck site Puerto Pirámides 1, Península Valdés (Argentina), exhibit unique compositions and microstructures distinct from those found in similar artifacts of the same period. This discovery challenges established knowledge about naval materials used during this era. Researchers employed metallographic analysis via Light Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) alongside chemical composition determination using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS). These findings highlight the diversity in material use for ship protection against wood-infesting organisms, offering new insights into maritime history.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
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2015 —
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Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, hosted the 19th International Corrosion Congress (ICC), highlighting its unique geological significance. The congress, organized by the Corrosion Science Society of Korea (CSSK) on behalf of the International Corrosion Council, brought together experts to discuss advancements in corrosion science and technology. Jeju's volcanic origins, scenic beauty, and diverse ecosystem make it a globally recognized destination for both tourism and scientific research. The event was supported by Korean companies and the government, underscoring its importance in the field. The ICC took place at the International Convention Centre, a striking glass-wall structure perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, which further emphasized Jeju's natural and architectural allure.
Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex
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2015 —
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A pioneering application of oblique photogrammetry has successfully generated a detailed 3D city model for Konya, Turkey, marking the first such effort in the country. This method, leveraging aerial imagery, achieved four levels of detail (LoD), with LoD4 specifically used to texture the interiors of five historically significant buildings: Mevlana Museum, Selimiye Mosque, Şerafettin Mosque, Aziziye Mosque, and İnce Minareli Madrasa. The study highlights the potential of 3D city modeling in urban planning, management, and representation, contributing to advancements in photogrammetry technology. This approach offers a scalable solution for preserving and analyzing architectural heritage within complex urban landscapes.
Al Zubarah Archaeological Site
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2015 —
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Terrestrial laser scanning offers superior geometric accuracy for 3D documentation of historical structures compared to dense image matching techniques. A study comparing both methods at Al Zubarah Fortress, a restored 20th-century Arabic fortress in Qatar, found that laser scanning achieved precision within 1-2 cm, while photogrammetric approaches using open-source and low-cost software could not match this level of detail. The research, conducted as part of the Qatar Islamic Archaeology and Heritage Project, generated high-resolution point clouds and surface models from both techniques, supporting detailed restoration efforts by providing precise 2D/3D documentation.
Amiens Cathedral
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2015 —
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A novel method for enhancing the photometric quality of 3D point cloud models has been developed, significantly improving colorization accuracy through dense registration of digital images. This approach addresses long-standing challenges in heritage documentation by treating image-to-geometry registration as a pose estimation problem, enabling automatic computation of both extrinsic and intrinsic camera parameters without prior camera information. The technique leverages photometric visual and virtual servoing (VVS) to project colors onto 3D models with higher resolution and fidelity. Validated through simulations and real-world experiments on Amiens Cathedral—both indoor and outdoor datasets—the method demonstrates substantial advancements in photometric quality, offering a robust solution for preserving and presenting architectural heritage with unprecedented detail.
Convent of Christ in Tomar
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2015 —
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Using fisheye lenses in photogrammetry can significantly reduce the time needed to survey complex medieval heritage buildings, such as castles, while capturing detailed geometric and radiometric information. This method addresses challenges posed by inaccessible locations, occluded structures, and varied spatial complexities, often encountered in traditional photogrammetric surveys using conventional lenses or laser scanning. The approach eliminates the need for low-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and streamlines data collection across interconnected areas of a building. Researchers demonstrated its effectiveness by surveying the Castle of Sesimbra and the Convent of Christ in Portugal, showcasing its potential to revolutionize digital reconstruction of intricate heritage sites.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park with the Archeological Sites of Paestum and Velia, and the Certosa di Padula
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2015 —
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Advanced 3D surveying techniques, including photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), have successfully generated high-resolution digital models, orthoimages, maps, and geometric representations of Paestum's archaeological area. This interdisciplinary approach, applied to one of Italy's most significant UNESCO-listed sites, provides unprecedented tools for studying the Greek and Roman ruins, including three iconic Doric temples. The integration of these methods enhances archaeological documentation, architectural analysis, and public communication, offering valuable insights into the preservation and interpretation of this historic landscape.
Białowieża Forest
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2015 —
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A 40-year study of breeding bird communities in Białowieża National Park, Poland, reveals remarkable stability in species composition and richness. The research found that 67 out of 85 breeding bird species (79% of the total) recorded between 1974–2014 persisted through 2010–2014, with 49 species (57%) breeding continuously for over three decades. While slight shifts in dominant species occurred—such as the decline of Phylloscopus sibilatrix and the local extinction of Anthus trivialis—overall densities remained consistent but lower than peak levels observed in 2001. The study employed an improved mapping technique across seven plots representing three old-growth forest types, confirming that habitat stability and cross-generational settlement criteria contribute to this constancy. Notably, changes in coniferous habitats due to die-back increased species richness, while reduced forest edges decreased edge-specialist populations.
City of Verona
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2015 —
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Historical aerial photographs, when analyzed using dense image matching algorithms, can reveal significant urban transformations over time. This study demonstrates that by comparing 3D models derived from time-series aerial images, researchers can identify new buildings or demolitions with notable accuracy. The approach leverages photogrammetry to overcome challenges posed by historical imagery, such as varying quality and acquisition geometry, and provides a robust method for studying urban development. Applied to Verona's city center, the analysis highlighted patterns of expansion and changes in urban areas, offering valuable insights into the evolution of historic cities.
Historic Centre of Prague
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2015 —
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Systematic archaeological research in Prague's historic center, spanning nearly a century, reveals significant insights into the city's earliest history. This study, marking 50 years since the establishment of a specialized department for managing Prague's archaeological heritage, highlights the evolution and intensification of research efforts, particularly during periods of urban development. The findings underscore the potential for deeper understanding of Prague's origins through continued archaeological exploration, with special attention to the role of the National Heritage Institute's (NPÚ) department in advancing this field. The study also reflects on the challenges and opportunities in preserving and studying a site of European significance.
Butrint
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2015 —
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Extensive excavations at Butrint, Albania, reveal the revival of a medieval town (10th–11th century) with distinct urban planning, fortifications, and economic structures. The study, based on data from the Butrint Foundation, highlights a 'new' medieval settlement characterized by organized streets, property boundaries, dwellings, churches, and wells, contrasting with its ancient past. This rediscovered town provides insights into the region's post-Byzantine urbanization and maritime trade dynamics in the southern Adriatic Sea.
Macquarie Island
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Macquarie Island, a remote subantarctic site with modest elevation, provides critical insights into Southern Ocean precipitation patterns. A 32-year analysis (1979–2011) reveals that the ERA-Interim reanalysis underestimates annual precipitation by 6.8% compared to ground observations, highlighting significant biases in climate models over this region. Light precipitation dominates (29.7%), while heavy rainfall (≥1.5 mm/h) is rare but often linked to fronts and cyclonic systems, though some events occur without clear meteorological triggers. The study also identifies discrepancies between satellite-derived drizzle data and ground observations, suggesting limitations in reanalysis products for detecting weak precipitation. Two case studies further explore these inconsistencies, emphasizing the need for improved climate modeling in the Southern Ocean.
Arslantepe Mound
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2015 —
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A comparative analysis of pottery from Arslantepe Mound and Mersin-Yumuktepe reveals distinct differences in elemental composition, offering insights into the origin of raw materials and manufacturing practices during the Chalcolithic (ca. 5000 BC) and Late Bronze Age (1650–1200 BC). Using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), researchers identified key inclusions and trace elements, while multivariate statistical methods highlighted similarities and variations between the two sites. The study suggests that contamination during manufacturing may have influenced ceramic properties, providing a deeper understanding of ancient craftsmanship in Eastern Turkey.
Changdeokgung Palace Complex
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2015 —
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A comparative analysis of palace gardens in Korea, China, and Japan reveals both shared cultural influences and distinct regional identities. The study highlights that Korean gardens, such as Changdeokgung Palace, uniquely adapt to natural terrain without destruction, reflecting indigenous styles while incorporating symbolic elements rooted in East Asian ideologies. While Chinese thoughts and techniques significantly influenced Korean garden development, all three regions—Korea, China (Summer Palace), and Japan (Sento Imperial Palace)—demonstrate homogeneity in waterscape utilization but diverge in cultural expression. Changdeokgung's rear garden notably served as a space for artistic appreciation rather than political authority, mirroring trends in Chinese and Japanese imperial palaces. The research underscores how each nation's palace gardens evolved by blending introduced elements with indigenous culture, establishing independent styles despite shared historical connections.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
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A comparative analysis of marine protected area (MPA) management in the Philippines' Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and the UAE's Marawah MPA reveals distinct strategies for success. Tubbataha's effectiveness stems from robust systems, stakeholder engagement, and resilience, while Marawah's sustainability is underpinned by financial stability. Both sites demonstrate unique biodiversity significance—Tubbataha as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with distinctive coral formations, and Marawah hosting 60% of the world's dugong population and critical turtle habitats. The study highlights that collaboration among stakeholders, community participation, environmental education, and long-term institutional support are key to MPA success, alongside ensuring financial stability through monitoring and adaptive management.
Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System
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2015 —
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Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) emerges as the most accurate technique for 3D reconstruction of Qhapaq Ñan with photogrammetry and Kinect sensors achieving sub-centimeter precision. The study compared these methods using a 450-meter section in Lima, Peru, leveraging drone-acquired photogrammetric data, TLS scans, and Total Station measurements. Elevation contour maps and geometric comparisons revealed TLS's superior accuracy, while photogrammetry and Kinect demonstrated practical viability for high-resolution modeling with minimal error. This research underscores the potential of cost-effective, accessible technologies like photogrammetry and Kinect in heritage documentation without compromising precision.
The English Lake District
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A study comparing the diel variability in epilimnetic temperature across five lakes in the English Lake District revealed that the magnitude of daily temperature fluctuations is primarily driven by the depth of the upper mixed layer. Windermere South Basin, the largest lake, exhibited the smallest diel temperature range, approximately half that of Blelham Tarn, the smallest lake. This pattern was attributed to larger lakes experiencing higher wind speeds, leading to deeper mixing and reduced temperature variability during summer months. The research highlights the significant influence of water temperature on lake biology and biogeochemistry, emphasizing the need to recognize its variability across different lake types.
Temple of Heaven: an Imperial Sacrificial Altar in Beijing
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Residents and tourists exhibit distinct spatial and temporal patterns of use at the Temple of Heaven World Heritage Site, with local users primarily elderly individuals engaging regularly for exercise and social purposes, while tourists are more driven by the site's historical and cultural values. The study, which compared motivations, preferences, and experiences across three user groups—residents, domestic tourists, and international tourists—reveals divergent interpretations of heritage significance. Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and observations, researchers identified key differences in how these groups interact with the site, offering practical insights for visitor management strategies to accommodate diverse user needs while preserving the site's universal values.
Cathedral, Alcázar and Archivo de Indias in Seville
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2015 —
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A pioneering 18th-century comparative linguistics project, involving two extensive word-lists—one compiled by Pallas and another initiated by Empress Catherine II of Russia—remains largely unstudied despite its historical significance. The second list, containing around 445 words in Spanish, was translated into approximately fifty languages but remained confined to Spain's archives. This study provides the first comprehensive overview of these translations, preserved in Seville’s Archivo General de Indias and Madrid’s Real Biblioteca, highlighting the innovative selection criteria, structure, and methodology employed by missionaries during this groundbreaking endeavor.
Santiniketan
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2015 —
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Art education can transform mundane tasks into meaningful experiences, even within the challenges posed by capitalism and industrialism. This study highlights the contrasting yet complementary approaches of Rabindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose, two influential 20th-century Indian artist educators at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan. While Tagore's relational aesthetics acknowledged the irredeemable nature of the mundane, Bose developed an immersive aesthetic rooted in Yogic and Far Eastern philosophies, envisioning the transformation of everyday labor through creative activity. The research explores how these dialectical perspectives on art education persist today, offering a framework for reimagining work and aesthetics in modern contexts.
Old Bridge Area of the Old City of Mostar
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2015 —
WHEB9F35E9F2D
This study reveals the profound impact of ethnic segregation on urban life in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting how physical partitions signify a breakdown in security and communal identity. It demonstrates that in divided cities like Mostar, the traditional urban contract—where residents exchange loyalty or taxation for safety and services—is severely disrupted, leading to vulnerability and lack of cooperation. The research analyzes this phenomenon through artistic depictions, including a film, novel, and statue performance, to illustrate the temporal and spatial dimensions of this urban fragmentation. By examining these cultural representations, the study underscores the failure of urban management in fostering unity and security.
