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Publications

Showing 701 – 720 of 15962 publications

Making Futures: Utopias, Projections and Bombs of the Avant-Garde

Rietveld Schröderhuis (Rietveld Schröder House) — 2026 — WHEBB9F535D59

Historic avant-garde works, including Gerrit Rietveld’s model for the Rietveld Schröder House, function as aesthetic technologies or 'time machines' that condition audiences to perceive the future differently. This study shifts focus from Western scholars to underrepresented Cold War theorists—Andrzej Turowski, Aleksandar Flaker, and Juri Lotman—to analyze how avant-garde artifacts shape phenomenological encounters with time. By modeling alternative futures, these works challenge conventional temporal narratives, while Rietveld’s design underscores the need for historical contextualization to understand both projected and realized futures. The research bridges theoretical speculation with material history, revealing the avant-garde's enduring influence on futurity.

Making knowledge and making wilderness: The politics of introducing the social sciences into conservation in the Manu National Park, Perú

Manú National Park — 2026 — WHECB1E3B8060

Conservation efforts in the UNESCO-listed Manu National Park, Peru, have historically relied on Western ontologies that separate humans from nature, sidelining social sciences. This study reveals how conservation practitioners and organizations often instrumentalize social science tools to reinforce wilderness narratives and portray Indigenous communities as environmental threats. Conversely, critical social science research challenging these colonial notions faces hostility and exclusion from decision-making processes. Despite the potential for reflexive conservation practices that could reshape conservation approaches, their influence remains limited within dominant paradigms.

Mamíferos medianos y grandes que habitan Balam Kú

Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul, Campeche — 2026 — WHED5BBE1E6D6

A recent study identifies the medium to large mammals inhabiting Balam Kú, a critical component of the UNESCO-listed Ancient Maya City and Protected Tropical Forests of Calakmul. These species play vital roles in maintaining ecological balance within one of Mesoamerica's largest tropical forest mosaics, the Selva Maya. The research highlights the biodiversity significance of this protected area, emphasizing its importance as a refuge for wildlife amid extensive natural reserves in Campeche, Mexico. The study employs field observations and data analysis to document the presence and distribution of these key mammalian species.

Management Effectiveness Evaluation of the Saloum Delta National Park Using the Integrated Management Effectiveness Tool (IMET), Senegal, West Africa

Saloum Delta — 2026 — WHE146B3C5690

A management effectiveness evaluation of the Saloum Delta National Park (PNDS), Senegal, reveals progress but persistent challenges. Using the Integrated Management Effectiveness Tool (IMET) over three cycles (2020–2025), PNDS achieved an overall index of 55.65% in 2025, showing improvement in Planning (64.6%) and Outcomes and Impacts (63.0%), while Inputs (46.7%) and Outputs (44.7%) remained weakest. The study highlights a U-shaped trajectory, masking continuous deterioration in Context despite progress in other areas. Comparative analysis with Niokolo-Koba National Park (PNNK) and Langue de Barbarie National Park (PNLB) placed PNDS within a satisfactory range but underscored common weaknesses in Inputs across all three parks. This research emphasizes the need for resource security, program strengthening, and adaptive management to address ecosystem pressures effectively.

Managing Archaeological Heritage in the Land of Frankincense: The Al Baleed Archaeological Park as a Model for Sustainable Valorisation

Land of Frankincense — 2026 — WHED7C7214719

A sustainable model for managing archaeological heritage has been successfully demonstrated through the Al Baleed Archaeological Park in Oman, part of the UNESCO Land of Frankincense site. This approach integrates stratigraphic excavation, digital recording, 3D modeling, and augmented reality to enhance public accessibility while preserving scientific documentation. The study highlights how combining these methodologies fosters community engagement, promotes sustainable territorial development, and balances preservation with social use of heritage. This holistic strategy offers a scalable template for other UNESCO World Heritage Sites seeking to valorize archaeological assets responsibly.

Managing Archaeological Heritage Sites: A Comparative Analysis Across Cultural Contexts

Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas) — 2026 — WHE8BE0B77539

Archaeological site management effectiveness is significantly shaped by cultural context, governance structures, and local stakeholder involvement. A comparative study across the Giza Necropolis (Egypt), Madain Saleh (Saudi Arabia), and Al-Ain's archaeological sites (United Arab Emirates) reveals that regions with strong community participation, such as Al-Ain, achieve more sustainable preservation outcomes by integrating local knowledge. In contrast, state-dominated systems face bureaucratic constraints and limited local engagement. The research employs mixed-methods—field observations, interviews, and archival analysis—to identify cross-cultural patterns and best practices. Findings underscore the critical role of governance, funding mechanisms, and cultural attitudes in heritage management, offering actionable insights for Arab countries aiming to enhance community-driven preservation strategies.

Managing the Unseen: Cumulative Human Risks and Heritage Governance in Ghadames, Libya

Old Town of Ghadamès — 2026 — WHE0976D0548A

Ghadames, Libya faces significant long-term threats to its cultural heritage due to systemic neglect and fragmented governance. Research reveals that cumulative human risks—such as weak conservation policies, centralized management, and reactive measures like temporary restorations—gradually erode the city's tangible heritage, including Roman ruins, an Ottoman fortress, and traditional mud villages. Unlike direct damage, these threats stem from indirect factors, leading to irreversible harm if unaddressed. The study proposes a sustainable model for heritage protection in Libya, emphasizing community-based governance, long-term policy reform, and participatory risk management. By analyzing official documents and interviews with local stakeholders, the research highlights the need to treat human risks as ongoing processes rather than isolated events to ensure the preservation of Libyan cultural landscapes for future generations.

Managing Viewpoints Priority for Heritage Sites' Visual Integrity: A Case Study of the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta

The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta and its Historic Landmarks — 2026 — WHEFEA882BD24

A study on the Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta (CAY) reveals that visual integrity, crucial for Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), is not solely dependent on geometric alignment but also on visual clarity and legibility. The research identifies 32 priority viewpoints from an initial 42 GIS-mapped points, proposing a three-tier classification system to guide heritage management amid urban development pressures. This approach combines spatial analysis, field observations, and expert validation, addressing the lack of standardized technical parameters for viewpoint prioritization in World Heritage Sites.

Mapping Austrofascism in situ: a design exploration of augmented storytelling for contested historical events and sites

Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn — 2026 — WHE8FC270A51F

A novel approach to augmented storytelling for contested historical events and sites has been explored through the development of site-specific design probes, extending digital-cartography platforms into physical spaces. The research demonstrates how multi-perspective on-screen mediation can be translated into situated, in-place narratives, while navigating risks and benefits. Using the 'Mapping Austrofascism' platform as a reference, three augmented-reality prototypes were designed to mediate the Austrofascist 'Turks Deliverance Celebration' of 1933 in Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace gardens, focusing on historically significant media such as public-address systems, sound-film newsreels, and information visualization. The findings are framed as a design exploration rather than a validated model, emphasizing the partial trajectory of experiments and the questions they leave open. These prototypes, though not yet deployed or evaluated, propose potential effects on visitor experience.

Mapping Global Patterns and Trends in Wellness-Tourism: A Systematic Review for the Development of Rural Tourism in Zimbabwe

Great Zimbabwe National Monument — 2026 — WHE7E7DE2E844

Zimbabwe is emerging as a significant destination for wellness tourism, leveraging its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. The Great Zimbabwe University Medical School (GZU), established in 2023, plays a pivotal role by integrating traditional medicine with modern healthcare, attracting both local and international patients. This systematic review highlights the intersection of medical tourism with rural development strategies, including infrastructure improvements, sustainable practices, and stakeholder interventions. The study identifies key factors such as demographic changes, economic structures, and gastronomy that enhance the competitiveness of rural medical tourism. By establishing supply chains within rural communities and addressing natural disasters, Zimbabwe can position itself as a holistic destination for health and wellness seekers, aligning with its Education 5.0 philosophy and Vision 2030.

Mapping gully erosion susceptibility in Babai Basin, lumbini Province, Nepal, using machine learning algorithms

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha — 2026 — WHEB7D8607411

A study identifies areas highly susceptible to gully erosion in the Babai Basin, Lumbini Province, Nepal, using optimized machine learning models. The research leverages high-resolution satellite imagery and multi-source geospatial data, including 14 key predictors like geomorphological, topographical, and hydrological variables. Among the models tested—Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boost, and Support Vector Machine—the RF model demonstrated superior performance with an AUC of 0.82, effectively detecting complex spatial patterns. The resulting susceptibility map provides actionable insights for targeted land-use planning and erosion mitigation strategies, enhancing the precision of conservation efforts in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Mapping hidden heritage: Self-supervised pre-training on high-resolution LiDAR DEM derivatives for archaeological stone wall detection

Budj Bim Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHED068863FB8

A novel self-supervised learning framework, DINO-CV, achieves high accuracy (68.6% mIoU) in mapping hidden archaeological stone walls using high-resolution LiDAR DEM derivatives, even with limited labeled data (63.8% mIoU at 10%). This approach addresses vegetation occlusion and data scarcity challenges by learning invariant geometric features from multi-directional hillshade and topographic visualization. Applied to the UNESCO-listed Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in Australia, it demonstrates potential for scalable, automated heritage mapping in complex environments, with implications for environmental monitoring and preservation.

Mapping landscape qualities across the inner Bradano valley by integrating GIS and RS applications to support sustainable tourism strategies

Via Appia. Regina Viarum — 2026 — WHEFCB28CBDEF

A novel approach integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) reveals the hidden potential of the inner Bradano Valley, southeastern Italy, for sustainable tourism. The study demonstrates how seasonal landscape phenomena—such as cropland color contrasts—transform this otherwise uniform hilly region into a visually dynamic and culturally rich destination. By mapping static heritage elements alongside dynamic seasonal changes using multispectral satellite imagery, the research identifies key infrastructure like the UNESCO-listed Via Appia Regina Viarum and historical routes that enhance accessibility and slow tourism opportunities. This method supports interactive map-based strategies to promote knowledge, conservation, and development in inner areas, offering a model for balancing heritage preservation with economic growth.

Mapping of "Rani-ki-Vav" a UNESCO World Heritage Site through Information Design

Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat — 2026 — WHEE3425CED6F

A designed print and digital interpretive brochure for Rani-ki-Vav significantly enhances visitor engagement with the stepwell's sculptures. The brochure employs a numbered mapping system linking sculptures to precise locations, walking distances, cardinal orientations, and viewing sides, supported by iconographic explanations and QR codes for additional information. This approach fosters longer stops, more focused questions, and improved interpretive confidence among visitors. The study identifies gaps in pre-visit information, site signage, and narrative consistency while offering a scalable model that integrates traditional knowledge with contemporary graphic communication, aligning with UNESCO's guidelines for heritage information design.

Mapping Transnational Gentrification in the Porto Metropolitan Area (Portugal): Development and Validation of a Multidimensional Index

Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar — 2026 — WHE68725A8758

A multidimensional index successfully quantifies transnational gentrification in the Porto Metropolitan Area, revealing spatial clustering centered on Porto's historic core. The index, built from 16 variables including tertiary education levels, white-collar employment, foreign residents, short-term rentals, and housing rents, shows strong associations with neighbourhood deprivation, property values, tourism, and rising costs. Validated against census data, property tax records, and resident perceptions, it offers a reproducible tool for monitoring gentrification's social, environmental, and health impacts, addressing a gap in metropolitan-scale analysis.

Maritime Cultural Heritage in the Time of Rising Sea Levels

Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia — 2026 — WHEDD8543432E

Rising sea levels pose significant threats to both tangible and intangible maritime cultural heritage, particularly in small island states. A comprehensive analysis reveals that the intersection of cultural heritage law and international maritime law is critical for effective protection of sites like Nan Madol, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Federated States of Micronesia. The study emphasizes the need for a holistic evaluation of these legal regimes to mitigate risks to cultural practices and heritage sites amid accelerating sea level rise.

Maritime Exchange and the Development of Port cities along the Southern Coast of the Korean Peninsula, 4th~6th Centuries CE

Gaya Tumuli — 2026 — WHEA52F24E484

A significant reexamination of the 'Rebellion of the Eight Port Polities' reveals it was not an internal Gaya conflict but a large-scale, multi-polity struggle spanning the southern Korean Peninsula's coast. This finding challenges prior assumptions and draws parallels with Southeast Asian maritime interactions, emphasizing the need for comparative historical and archaeological approaches. The study identifies Sogaya as a central player in diplomatic and military engagements along this coast during the 4th–6th centuries CE, with its influence radiating outward through concentric spheres of political, cultural, and material exchange. Evidence from Japan—including Korean-origin artifacts and Sueki ware—alongside Japanese-style tombs on the peninsula, underscores extensive maritime networks linking southern Korea to Kyushu and Kinai regions during this period.

Martorana- Palermo , Sicily

Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalú and Monreale — 2026 — WHEE61319413D

The Martorana Church (Santa Maria dell’Ammiraglio) in Palermo, Sicily, stands as a testament to the island’s complex religious and cultural history. Originally an Orthodox church founded by Georgios d’Antiochia in the 12th century, it was later forcibly converted to Roman Catholicism during the Norman conquest of Sicily. This transition reflects the broader historical process of Latinization imposed on Sicily between the 12th and 16th centuries, a period marked by violent religious and political shifts. The church’s significance extends beyond its architectural heritage; it also serves as a symbol of the enduring Greek-Sicilian identity that predates both Arab and Norman influences. Additionally, Georgios d’Antiochia’s contributions include the Admiral’s Bridge (Ponte dell’Ammiraglio), a UNESCO-listed structure that played a pivotal role in Sicily’s Risorgimento movement during Garibaldi’s 1860 campaign for Italian unification.

Más allá del parque arqueológico: un estado del arte de la investigación arqueológica en la región de Tierradentro, Cauca

National Archeological Park of Tierradentro — 2026 — WHE0EB616C29B

Archaeological research in the Tierradentro region, Cauca, has been predominantly focused on the San Andrés creek basin, leaving significant gaps in knowledge about other areas such as the upper Páez River basin. This review highlights the need for expanded investigations to better understand the region's archaeological landscape, integrate Nasal perspectives on territory and material culture, and analyze post-16th-century social transformations and interactions. The study emphasizes the importance of broadening research beyond the established archaeological park to encompass a more comprehensive understanding of Tierradentro's historical significance.

Material Characterization and Chronological Framework of the Boyukdash Monument Based on Archaeometric Methods

Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape — 2026 — WHED5B779AB1E

A groundbreaking archaeometric study of the Boyukdash monument in Gobustan reveals its palimpsestic nature, with deposits spanning from the Late Pleistocene to the late prehistoric or early historic period. The research employed a multi-proxy approach, combining radiocarbon dating, thermoluminescence (TL), electron spin resonance (ESR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for the first time at this site. This integrated method confirmed distinct phases of occupation: an early Late Pleistocene presence (~14.4 ka BP) in the Anazaga shelter, a terminal Pleistocene to earliest Holocene hearth use (~12.6 ka BP), and a later Holocene settlement phase (~6.8 ka BP). Additionally, mineralogical and spectroscopic analyses revealed a consistent manufacturing process in ceramic samples, providing new insights into the site's complex stratigraphy and material culture.