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Writing post-colonial spatial subjects: reading Gorée Island through Frantz Fanon

Island of Gorée — 2019 — WHE7A126F7627

Gorée Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off Senegal's coast, serves as a case study to explore the decolonization of spatial subjects through Frantz Fanon's lens. The research reveals how language and narrative shape the perception and colonization of architectural spaces, particularly in post-colonial contexts. By analyzing competing narratives—ranging from developmental concerns (led by Boubacar Joseph Ndiaye, UNESCO) to historical accounts (by Philip Curtin and Mark Hinchman) and symbolic significance (highlighted by Dionne Brand)—the study traces how these perspectives either perpetuate or resist the colonization of Gorée's architecture and history. Fanon's interdisciplinary approach, which combines poetic voice with resistance to historical instrumentalization, offers a framework for reimagining spaces free from colonial hegemony. This work contributes to broader discussions on post-colonial spatial subjectivity and the ethical dimensions of heritage interpretation.

XAFS study of Sb and As in Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary sediments: an index of soiling of the global environment with dust and ashes from impact ejecta falls

Stevns Klint — 2019 — WHEC390D448E3

Research at Stevns Klint, Denmark, reveals that unusually high concentrations of pentavalent antimony (Sb5+) and arsenic (As5+) in Cretaceous–Tertiary boundary sediments serve as a global environmental indicator. These elements, coprecipitated with iron oxides like ferrihydrite (schwertmannite), suggest widespread contamination by dust and ashes from asteroid impact ejecta falls during this geological transition. The study employed X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy to analyze the chemical states and coordination environments of Sb and As, confirming their incorporation into low-crystalline ferrihydrite structures with an Sb–O interatomic distance of 1.99(1) Å. This finding highlights a unique environmental signature in these sediments, distinct from modern soil contamination.

You are where you build: Hierarchy, Inequality, and Equalitarianism in Mandara Highland Architecture

Diy-Gid-Biy Cultural Landscape of the Mandara Mountains — 2019 — WHE548630DB63

Contrary to the scholarly portrayal of egalitarian societies, architectural landscapes in the Mandara Highlands reveal deeply embedded hierarchies and inequalities among clans and individuals. This study demonstrates how physical structures are ideologically constructed to legitimize social stratification, challenging the assumption of segmentary societal organization in this region. Through fieldwork-based observations, the research interrogates the meaning of egalitarianism in African societies, highlighting the nuanced interplay between material space and ideological representation.

You can choose your relatives: Building marine protected area networks from sister sites

Papahānaumokuākea — 2019 — WHEC3470CACC8

Marine protected area (MPA) networks can effectively bridge jurisdictional boundaries by leveraging ecological and cultural connections, fostering transnational cooperation for ocean resource stewardship. This study highlights the success of sister site partnerships over a decade, demonstrating how collaborative management strategies enhance protection of shared biological resources. Case studies include alliances like Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (USA) with Caribbean sites to protect humpback whales, the Gulf of Mexico Sister Site Network involving USA, Mexico, and Cuba, and the partnership between Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument (USA) and Rapa Nui (Chile). The research underscores the importance of transnational cooperation in strengthening MPA management and safeguarding marine biodiversity.

'A small journey into the country': William Stukeley and the formal landscapes of Stonehenge and Avebury

Stonehenge, Avebury and Associated Sites — 2018 — WHEFF70F0647F

William Stukeley's interpretations of Stonehenge and Avebury reveal these sites as intentionally designed man-made landscapes, meant to engage knowledgeable spectators through complex interactions. His work demonstrates that the Druids' worship in groves was reconciled with stone circles by linking stones and trees in his theory of architecture's origins. Stukeley's approach involved extensive travel, observation, and recording of landscapes, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the sites as if physically present. This perspective shifts the understanding of these monuments from mere observations to dynamic, interpretive experiences that shape viewer engagement.

'The Rise of the Machine': the impact of digital tablet recording in the field at Çatalhöyük

Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük — 2018 — WHEC3B895E387

Digital tablet recording significantly enhances reflexivity and interpretation in archaeological fieldwork, as demonstrated at Çatalhöyük. The study reveals how integrating digital methods—such as 3D recording technologies, SQL databases, and GIS—into existing workflows deepens the relationship between archaeologists and the site's remains. By applying science and technology studies frameworks, researchers assessed the impact of digitized tools on documentation processes, providing insights into broader disciplinary shifts known as the 'Digital Turn.' This approach not only streamlines data collection but also fosters more nuanced interpretations of Neolithic settlements.

‘All Greatness is Simplicity’ (1951–54)

Margravial Opera House Bayreuth — 2018 — WHEB849253AA1

The reopening of the Bayreuth Festival on July 29, 1951, marked a significant cultural and political milestone, symbolizing a 'Reconsecration of the House' after six years of silence during American occupation. This event, conducted by Wilhelm Furtwängler, linked to historical performances, including Wagner's 1872 debut and a controversial Nazi-era performance in 1942, highlighted the festival's complex legacy. The new administration under Wieland Wagner, son of Winifred Wagner, aimed to break from the extravagant stagings of the Nazi period with austere, psychoanalytical productions, though this shift was not as definitive as it seemed. Furtwängler's return to works like Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Mozart's Don Giovanni underscored his enduring influence despite lingering controversies from his Nazi-era associations.

‘An Imaginary Troy’: Homeric Pilgrimage, Topography and Archaeology

Archaeological Site of Troy — 2018 — WHE0483EAF6FA

A fierce debate over the authenticity of Troy and its relevance to Victorian society erupted in 1873, challenging the practical value of Homeric pilgrimage. The controversy highlighted societal skepticism toward classical antiquity, contrasting it with more tangible historical resources like Druidical standing stones. This debate gained unexpected significance when Heinrich Schliemann's excavations at Hisarlik revealed Priam's treasure shortly after, exposing the irony of the Chancellor's decision to deny funding. The study examines this pivotal moment in British cultural history, illustrating how public discourse on archaeology and literature intersected with political and economic priorities.

‘Beauty in the foreground, science behind the scenes’: families’ views of science learning in a botanic garden

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — 2018 — WHE2BB5B5D339

Families primarily perceive botanic gardens, such as the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as aesthetically beautiful spaces rather than as venues for science learning. However, interpretive guidance can help them recognize and appreciate the scientific aspects of these environments. A study involving 24 families at Kew found that while families initially focused on the garden's beauty, interpretation linked science to the plants, enabling families to engage with science learning more effectively. This suggests that enhancing interpretive provision in botanic gardens could significantly improve visitors' understanding and appreciation of scientific concepts.

‘Boundary’: mapping and visualizing climatically changed landscapes at Kaskawulsh Glacier and Kluane Lake, Yukon

Kluane / Wrangell-St. Elias / Glacier Bay / Tatshenshini-Alsek — 2018 — WHE8B02CDA916

A dramatic shift in landscape boundaries at Kaskawulsh Glacier, Yukon, was captured through a unique collaboration between geoscientists and a visual artist. The research revealed the sudden subcontinental-scale reorganization of drainage caused by climate-induced glacier retreat, leading to the disappearance of Slims River. Using scientific mapping, historic comparative photography, and site-specific sculptural installations, the team documented the significant geological changes that occurred in 2016. This interdisciplinary approach combined on-site artistic interpretations with satellite imagery and historical photographs, providing a comprehensive visual and scientific narrative of the landscape transformation.

‘Durham Cathedral can be whatever you want it to be’: Examining the negotiation of space and time

Durham Castle and Cathedral — 2018 — WHE0E368B35E5

Durham Cathedral serves as a dynamic space where community actions reshape both physical and temporal dimensions, creating 'malleable assemblages' that allow it to function simultaneously as a place of worship, tourism, and community events. This study reveals how spaces become places through enacted negotiation, challenging traditional notions of sacred time and spatial fixedness. Building on Bergson’s concept of duration, Munn’s space-time framework, and Eliade’s sacred time theory, the research uses ethnographic examples to demonstrate that time and space in Durham Cathedral are fluid constructs, constantly redefined by community interactions. The findings highlight the cathedral's adaptability, embodying a multifaceted identity that evolves with its diverse user needs.

‘Inner Gardens’ of Tel Aviv: The Implementation of Urban Utopia by Patrick Geddes

White City of Tel-Aviv – the Modern Movement — 2018 — WHEE3D1E23B89

Research reveals that Patrick Geddes' vision for Tel Aviv, conceived as a Garden City in 1909, included approximately twenty 'Geddes Gardens'—residential structures with inner gardens—that align with his urban planning ideas. These features, characterized by their shape, urban connectivity, pedestrian lanes, and landscape design, were identified through archival research, map analysis, and on-site exploration. The study highlights the implementation of Geddes' urban utopia in Tel Aviv, contributing to the understanding of its historical significance within the context of Garden City and Modern Movement ideals.

‘No past, no future?’ An ICOMOS perspective on cultural heritage and the sustainability agenda

Town of Bamberg — 2018 — WHE4A14B948B4

Bamberg's World Heritage status is not just about preserving its historical significance but also about integrating it with intangible cultural heritage, such as urban gardening traditions, to foster sustainable development. The study highlights how Bamberg addresses environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and peace and security, demonstrating that inclusive social development and economic growth are key outcomes of heritage conservation efforts. Bamberg's high degree of social cohesion and safety further underscores its model for balancing cultural preservation with broader societal benefits. This perspective, rooted in ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites) principles, shows that sustainable development can be achieved by connecting tangible and intangible heritage, making it a relevant case for global World Heritage sites.

‘Overtourism’? Understanding and Managing Urban Tourism Growth beyond Perceptions Volume 2: Case Studies

Old City of Dubrovnik — 2018 — WHE61BCEF035F

Dubrovnik's rapid tourism growth, with a 17% increase in tourist arrivals in 2017, has led to significant challenges such as crowding and congestion, particularly in the Old Town and its fortresses. This study highlights that seasonal peaks (June–September) and film-induced tourism threaten Dubrovnik's cultural identity and reputation. It presents measures taken by stakeholders to manage these pressures, offering insights into balancing urban tourism growth with preservation of heritage value.

‘Under the shadowe of the Church’? The Abbey and the town of Westminster 1530–1640

Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey including Saint Margaret’s Church — 2018 — WHE4C246A72E1

Westminster Abbey's transformation during the 16th and early 17th centuries was intricately linked to the profound changes in its surrounding town, particularly post-Reformation. The study reveals that the Abbey's role, organization, religious functions, and interior decoration underwent significant shifts, mirroring the broader societal transformations in Westminster. These included the rise of the royal court, London's urban expansion, and alterations in the town's population and social structure. The research highlights how the Abbey's dean and chapter actively sought to retain their secular power and influence amid these changes, shaping both the Abbey's development and its relationship with the evolving town. This study focuses on the interplay between the Abbey's environment and its institutional efforts to maintain prominence during a pivotal period of British history.

"And God Saw the Light, That It Was Good": Personifications of Light Western European Iconography of the Creation (11-13 Centuries)

Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura — 2018 — WHE5D3B0F99C2

The study reveals that the iconography of Creation in Western Europe (11th–13th centuries) was influenced by earlier traditions, particularly those from San Paolo Fuori le Mura and early Christian texts like Genesis of Lord Cotton and Pentateuch of Ashburnham. By analyzing the personification of Light during the First Day of Creation, the research suggests possible reconstructions for lost frescoes and traces iconographical borrowings. The findings highlight mutual interactions between key elements—Light and Darkness, Sun and Moon—in 'roman-type' compositions, indicating a dynamic interplay that shaped visual representations of creation narratives.

"To trade in the sofa for a pair of walking shoes and... to leave a mark..." : pilgrimaging and religious tourism of academic youth

Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: the Mannerist Architectural and Park Landscape Complex and Pilgrimage Park — 2018 — WHEF6064D38BE

A significant decline in pilgrimage activity among Polish academic youth is evident, with 68% reporting marginal engagement in religious tourism and over half not participating in a pilgrimage within the past year. The study highlights that family pilgrimage traditions during childhood or adolescence correlate with higher adult activity, whereas their absence leads to diminished interest. Additionally, youth involvement in major events like World Youth Day (2016) and the Jubilee Year of Mercy was notably low, with 77% not engaging in such activities. Data from key sanctuaries, including Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, show a post-2005 drop in religious youth groups, while interest in the Camino de Santiago remains minimal (4% abroad). The research underscores a broader trend of declining religiousness among Polish youth, as documented by the Catholic Church's statistics.

“A labor of love”: on the perils and seductions of writing about Iran. An Interview with Jill Worrall

The Persian Caravanserai — 2018 — WHE01E6949E45

Jill Worrall's travelogue, Two Wings of a Nightingale: Persian Soul, Islamic Heart, challenges and subverts dominant Orientalist stereotypes about Iran through a deeply personal and immersive narrative. Published in 2011, the book recounts her journey across Iran with her guide, Reza, along ancient caravanserai routes, offering rich insights into Iranian culture, history, literature, and arts. Worrall's work stands out for its attempt to humanize Iran, contrasting with a global publishing industry often complicit in perpetuating dehumanizing narratives about the region. Conducted as an interview in 2016, this discussion sheds light on her writing process, her disillusionment with stereotypical portrayals, and her commitment to presenting authentic, alternative perspectives.

“Do Our Bodies Know Their Ways?” Villagization, Food Insecurity, and Ill-Being in Ethiopia’s Lower Omo Valley

Lower Valley of the Omo — 2018 — WHE4F86995791

A comparative analysis of food security and well-being in Ethiopia’s Lower Omo Valley reveals stark discrepancies between quantitative survey data and qualitative ethnographic findings. While surveys suggest better household food access in newly established villagization sites than in non-villagized communities, long-term ethnographic research indicates that villagers rely heavily on food aid due to inadequate irrigated plot allocations, leading to widespread indignity, bodily discomfort, and social disconnection. This tension challenges dominant narratives of development, exposing how state-led resettlement policies may perpetuate impoverishment while claiming progress. The study underscores the limitations of methodologically divergent data in capturing complex socio-economic realities.

“I Do Not Know Anything about Your Hospitalization”: The Need for Triage at Psychiatric Hospitals

Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem — 2018 — WHED5D9DC6F03

This first-person account highlights the critical need for standardized triage protocols in psychiatric hospitals, drawing from the author's personal experiences with mental health care in the Netherlands. The narrative underscores how the absence of clear communication and medical knowledge among administrative staff can exacerbate distress for patients during acute psychotic episodes. Key incidents—such as a telephonist's refusal to acknowledge agreed-upon hospitalization or the lack of access to deputy psychiatrists—illustrate systemic gaps that undermine patient care. The author advocates for triage systems in psychiatric settings, paralleling those in somatic medicine, to ensure timely and appropriate medical responses. Additionally, the piece reflects on the intersection of mental health, political activism, and personal resilience, culminating in a successful visit to Israel for peace negotiations, which the author links to her recovery journey.