World Heritage Research: Search

Publications

Showing 14781 – 14800 of 15962 publications

Searching for Urban Patterns; An Assessment of Historic Edges and Its Surrounding Context: Historic Cairo as a Case Study

Historic Cairo — 2016 — WHE1AD31176C6

Historic Cairo exhibits repetitive spatial, architectural, and land-use patterns along its urban edges, which create distinct barriers influencing surrounding activities. These patterns suggest potential for learning from successful interventions applied to similar configurations, regardless of cultural or contextual differences. The study develops a quantitative analytical framework capable of measuring micro and macro-level spatial configurations, revealing cause-and-effect relationships between edge structures and their surroundings. This method enables targeted urban planning strategies that leverage identified patterns to enhance intervention success within historic city fabrics.

SMR Geomechanics and Kinematic Analysis near Rasulpur, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

Fatehpur Sikri — 2016 — WHE070F94B8B7

A geomechanical and kinematic analysis of sandstone slopes at Rasulpur, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, reveals that the slopes fall within good stability classes (2a and 2b) according to the SMR Geomechanics classification. However, the study identifies a potential risk of toppling failures due to structurally controlled joint sets, which could pose hazards during excavation. To mitigate these risks, the researchers recommend implementing safety measures such as rock bolting and the installation of nets during excavation. This analysis combines field investigations with laboratory tests to assess slope stability, providing actionable insights for safer mining practices in the region.

Soil macrofauna (invertebrates) of Kazakhstanian Stipa lessingiana dry steppe

Saryarka – Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan — 2016 — WHE52AE992DCE

A study of soil macrofauna in the Naurzum State Nature Reserve, part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Saryarka Steppe and Lakes of Northern Kazakhstan,' reveals that the abundance and biomass of soil-dwelling invertebrates are significantly lower than in northern and western steppe regions. This finding highlights the unique ecological challenges faced by the dry, continental climate of the Turgai Plateau, where remnants of Virgin Stipa lessingiana steppes persist despite historical land-use changes during the Soviet Virgin Land campaign. The research provides a detailed analysis of the faunistic composition and community structure of these invertebrates, underscoring their critical role in the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems.

Solving landscape-related conflicts through transnational learning? The case of transboundary Nordic World Heritage sites

High Coast / Kvarken Archipelago — 2016 — WHE9D805B5AF0

Transnational learning (TNL) can mitigate democratic participation gaps in early stages of UNESCO World Heritage (WH) nomination processes, offering a model for resolving landscape-related conflicts. This study examines the WH sites Laponia and High Coast/Kvarken Archipelago, revealing how TNL facilitates cross-border cooperation among stakeholders despite cultural and legal constraints. The research employs comparative methods and governance theories to analyze challenges in local democratic participation during national and transnational decision-making. It highlights the Nordic tradition of TNL as a tool for incorporating diverse stakeholders into WH governance, demonstrating its potential to bridge gaps between local communities and international conservation efforts.

Species richness and activity pattern of bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) in the restinga area of Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Barreirinhas, Maranhão, Brazil

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park — 2016 — WHEA3E3AD088F

A study in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park revealed that the bee community in coastal dune vegetation exhibits seasonal activity patterns, with increased abundance during the rainy season. Researchers collected 1211 individuals from 59 species using entomological nets and Moerike traps over a one-year period (August 2009 to July 2010). The findings align with known patterns in Maranhão and other northeastern Brazilian coastal areas, highlighting the dominance of species such as Trigona sp. gr. fulviventris, Apis mellifera, and Centris spp. This research contributes to understanding bee diversity and ecological dynamics in unique restinga ecosystems, which are critical for biodiversity conservation.

State support policy concerning the conservation of traditional architectural heritage in Safranbolu, Turkey

City of Safranbolu — 2016 — WHEB0BD19A62E

Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and a well-preserved Ottoman city, offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of state-supported financial tools for conserving traditional architectural heritage. This study reveals that grant-aided subsidies and loan systems, administered by the central government, have significantly influenced the protection, conservation, and restoration efforts in Safranbolu. By evaluating these policies, researchers found that while they provide essential funding mechanisms, their impact varies depending on factors such as accessibility, implementation efficiency, and alignment with local needs. The study highlights the importance of tailored financial strategies to ensure sustainable heritage conservation, offering a model for other World Heritage Sites facing similar challenges.

Stone pillar rockfall in Danxia landform area, Mt. Langshan, Hunan Province, China

China Danxia — 2016 — WHE40D82B11EC

A significant rockfall event at the UNESCO World Heritage site of China Danxia, specifically at Mt. Langshan, was triggered by the rapid weathering and retreat of soft, intercalated rock layers within the Lanlong Formation. This process altered the stress state within the rock body, leading to compressive or tensile stresses exceeding the rock's strength limits, resulting in partial or complete collapse. The study analyzed 44 sandstone and conglomerate cores from the formation, assessing their mechanical properties, resistance to sulfuric acid, and freezing-thawing effects, while also examining rock slices under a polarizing microscope. A 3D finite-element model was used to reconstruct the pre-collapse geometry and restraint conditions of the stone pillar, providing insights into the stress dynamics that led to its failure.

Structural characterization and performance assessment of the Villa d'Este Palace in Tivoli

Villa d'Este, Tivoli — 2016 — WHE1DE80B3387

A comprehensive structural and seismic assessment of the Villa d'Este Palace in Tivoli, Italy, reveals critical insights into the preservation challenges faced by this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study highlights significant uncertainties in material properties and structural details, complicating accurate modeling and analysis. Notably, the palace's North-East side, which collapsed during World War II, required substantial post-war restoration efforts. The research also uncovered remnants of a monastery that predated the villa, adding historical depth to the site's significance. This assessment underscores the importance of advanced techniques in safeguarding architectural heritage in seismically active regions.

Structural Strengthening of the Portico of the Santa Maria Dei Servi Church in Bologna

The Porticoes of Bologna — 2016 — WHE2EC99D3F4E

A critical analysis of the Portico of Santa Maria Dei Servi in Bologna reveals that traffic-induced vibrations significantly contribute to its structural deterioration, necessitating urgent strengthening interventions. The study identifies key vulnerabilities and prioritizes conservation strategies while emphasizing the importance of compatibility with historical structures. To quantify this impact, researchers from the Italian National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (INGV) conducted noise measurements to assess stress levels on the portico's columns. This approach underscores the need for targeted interventions that balance preservation integrity with modern engineering solutions, ensuring the long-term stability of one of Bologna's most culturally significant architectural elements.

Studying Languages in the Linguistic Landscape of Lijiang Old Town

Old Town of Lijiang — 2016 — WHE3500AA0161

Linguistic landscape research reveals significant differences between the language use patterns on Fuhui Street and Xinhua Street in Lijiang Old Town. The study highlights variations in bilingual and multilingual signage, particularly involving Chinese, Dongba scripts, and English, alongside differing attitudes among local stakeholders and tourists towards these languages. Employing both quantitative and qualitative methods—digital photography for data collection, supplemented by questionnaires and interviews—the research provides insights into the complex interplay of language use in a culturally rich urban setting.

SWOT Analysis of Safranbolu City in Terms of Tourism

City of Safranbolu — 2016 — WHED8C68652DB

Safranbolu, a UNESCO-listed Ottoman city renowned for its classical wooden architecture and streets, holds significant untapped potential to enhance its tourism sector. A SWOT analysis reveals that while Safranbolu attracts visitors, it does not fully leverage its strengths—such as its unique heritage—to compete effectively with rivals. The study, based on surveys of touristic enterprise owners and administrators, identifies key opportunities for growth, including better utilization of its cultural assets to attract more tourists and generate higher revenue. Addressing weaknesses and threats, such as underdeveloped infrastructure or seasonal tourism fluctuations, could further boost Safranbolu's economic benefits from tourism.

Synchronous location-aware media and augmented visualization for real world tourist (SMART): An application for Khalifatabad heritage site, Bagerhat, Bangladesh

Historic Mosque City of Bagerhat — 2016 — WHEA3FF6E0F6C

A novel approach to enhancing tourist engagement with UNESCO World Heritage Sites is demonstrated through the development of the SMART framework, which integrates synchronous location-aware media and augmented visualization. This study presents a four-step conceptual model designed to provide real-time, contextually relevant information about Khalifatabad in Bagerhat, Bangladesh, addressing gaps in accessibility and understanding for visitors. By leveraging location-based services (LBS) and interactive data structures, the framework aims to create an immersive and memorable experience that deepens appreciation of the site's cultural significance. The prototype application, tailored specifically for handheld devices, offers seamless access to authentic historical details, setting a precedent for future heritage preservation efforts in Bangladesh.

Tallum’s Syncretic Topography: To Death – To Life

Skogskyrkogården — 2016 — WHE103F9A7738

Skogskyrkogården, designed by Sigurd Lewerentz and Erik Gunnar Asplund, exemplifies how syncretic topography can bridge the living and the dead. This study reveals that the cemetery's design, rooted in a profound preoccupation with the site's actual ground, was not merely stylistic but a deliberate attempt to re-establish meaningful linkages between life and death within a modern socio-cultural context. By examining the architects' alignment of the site's topography with contemporary efforts to create more authentic realities, this research sheds light on how physical spaces can facilitate existential renewal. The approach involved analyzing the site's ground as a dynamic element rather than a static backdrop, offering insights into its role in shaping human experience and memory.

Temporal and spatial dynamics of insular Rusa deer and wild pig populations in Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park — 2016 — WHE0587D2C8D6

A 12-year study on Komodo National Park revealed that the population dynamics of Rusa deer and wild pigs are strongly influenced by density-dependent factors, with island-specific patterns and spatial synchrony. While Rusa deer populations declined slightly on two larger islands (Nusa Kode and Rinca) but increased on Gili Motang, wild pig populations showed contrasting trends, declining on Komodo Island and increasing on Rinca. These findings highlight the critical role of density dependence in tropical large herbivore populations, which are vital prey for the endangered Komodo dragon. The study used dung counts along transects to estimate abundance, confirming the need for continued monitoring to ensure the conservation of both ungulate species and their apex predator.

Teotihuacan Empire

Pre-Hispanic City of Teotihuacan — 2016 — WHE3D40DFD0DB

Teotihuacan, a sprawling pre-industrial city founded around 150 BCE in highland Central Mexico, rose rapidly to become the dominant political and economic power of its time. Its influence extended beyond its urban core, absorbing and controlling neighboring regions, possibly even distant ones. The city's decline was marked by a catastrophic fire around 600 CE, which destroyed its core and signaled the end of Teotihuacan's prominence as a major pre-Hispanic urban center. This summary synthesizes key findings from Robertson (2016), highlighting Teotihuacan's significance as an early complex society and the abrupt nature of its collapse.

Testing the island effect on phenotypic diversification: insights from the Hemidactylus geckos of the Socotra Archipelago

Socotra Archipelago — 2016 — WHEBECA0B7FC9

Island colonization does not universally trigger extreme phenotypic diversification, as demonstrated by the Hemidactylus geckos of Socotra. While insular species exhibit more pronounced body size variation and accelerated evolutionary rates compared to continental groups, head proportions show consistent evolution across both environments. This study challenges the assumption that islands always promote higher morphological disparity, revealing complex patterns where different traits evolve differently even within the same mainland-island system.

The Architecture of Transhumance: An Ethnographic Study of Animal Enclosures in a Pastoral Community in Iran

Cultural Landscape of Maymand — 2016 — WHE75EF52AE33

Ethnographic research over 13 years reveals that the vernacular architecture of animal enclosures (āqolhā) in Maymand, Iran, embodies the pastoral lifestyle and social structure of its transhumant community. These enclosures reflect seasonal migration patterns, cultural calendar, and communal organization, offering insights into how architectural design integrates with ecological and social rhythms. The study employs participant observation and informal interviews to decode the spatial and symbolic significance of these structures within their broader cultural context.

The Cistercian glazed tiles of the Monastery of Alcobaça: characterization of the colour palette

Monastery of Alcobaça — 2016 — WHE36852A2536

A rare medieval color palette was identified in the glazed tiles of Alcobaça Monastery, representing some of the earliest examples of tin-opacified glazes in Christian Portugal. The study found that the variety of colors—white, turquoise, brown, and shades of green—arose from different proportions of CuO, Fe2O3, and SnO2 within a lead-glazed matrix, combined with a K-feldspar-rich slip layer. This technology reflects a fusion of Cistercian traditions and Islamic tin-glazing techniques introduced to the Iberian Peninsula in the 10th century. Analytical methods including µ-PIXE, µ-Raman spectroscopy, and optical microscopy were used to characterize the tiles' chemical composition, providing insights into their historical significance.

The Columns of the Heraion at Olympia: Dörpfeld and Early Doric Architecture

Archaeological Site of Olympia — 2016 — WHE104F10BD3C

A groundbreaking re-evaluation of the Temple of Hera at Olympia challenges long-held assumptions about Doric architecture. Contrary to the traditional belief that its columns were initially wooden and later replaced with stone, archaeological evidence, historical testimony from Pausanias, and recent fieldwork suggest the peristyle was likely constructed with stone from the outset. This finding undermines the 'tectonic theory' of Doric origins, which posits a progression from wood to stone in temple construction. The study integrates comparative site analysis and textual sources to reshape our understanding of early Doric architectural development.

The consideration of Lut desert potential in the production of electric energy from solar energy

Lut Desert — 2016 — WHE62EF7AE2B6

Efficient utilization of just 10% of the Lut Desert's area, one of Iran's largest salt deserts and among the world's driest regions, could generate significant solar energy to meet the electrical demands of Kerman province and Iran. This study demonstrates that harnessing solar power in this underutilized landscape offers substantial potential for energy supply, cost reduction, and socio-economic benefits, including job creation and improved living standards for local residents. Additionally, the region shows promise for wind and geothermal energy, though further research is needed to quantify these resources. The findings underscore the strategic importance of renewable energy development in Iran, particularly as a means to mitigate international sanctions on traditional fossil fuel-based industries.