Publications
Touristification, Depopulation and Urban Change in a Historic City: Evidence from Córdoba, Spain
A recent, intense process of touristification in the Historic Centre of Córdoba (Spain), a UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site, has significantly exacerbated depopulation and residential abandonment. However, no significant socio-demographic gentrification has been detected. The study, which analysed demographic, socio-economic, tourism-related, and property market indicators, concludes that while tourism plays a role in these urban changes, it is not the sole or primary cause. Instead, multiple historical, socio-economic, urban planning, and demographic factors contribute to the observed trends. This research provides foundational insights for further investigation into this culturally significant urban area.
A Vertical Palimpsest. Construction and structural evolution of the Bell Tower of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba
The Bell Tower of the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, standing 54 meters tall, is revealed as a 'vertical palimpsest'—a composite structure where successive historical layers have reshaped its form while preserving traces of past iterations. This study deciphers the tower's evolution through archival analysis, 2D/3D reconstructions, and on-site surveys, uncovering how the original caliphal minaret, later Christian masonry additions, and modern interventions interact structurally. The findings provide a geometric and structural framework essential for future seismic and geotechnical assessments of this complex heritage site.
Optimization of lighting design on façades of residential buildings of heritage interest
Researchers developed a novel algorithm to optimize lighting design for heritage residential buildings, demonstrated on Casa de Doña Jacinta in Córdoba's UNESCO-listed historic center. The approach minimizes intrusive light while maximizing spatial contrast and energy efficiency, leveraging DIALux simulations validated with quasi-real models and MATLAB digital metrics. Analysis of 302 luminaire positions revealed that accent lighting with non-uniform distribution—prioritizing solids over openings—enhances perception without compromising residential functionality. This scientific framework can be generalized to other heritage buildings, advancing evidence-based strategies for balanced illumination that preserves both aesthetic integrity and energy performance.
The Arrabal Alcázar Viejo from Cordoba: Urban, Hereditary and Sustainable Regeneration of the Historic City Centre
Urban regeneration of historic city centers, such as Cordoba's Alcázar Viejo arrabal, must balance residential repopulation with tourism and heritage identity to ensure sustainable development. Current municipal plans, like Cordoba's Historic City Centre Special Protection Plan (PEPCH), often prioritize historical aesthetics over functional needs, threatening the viability of traditional casa patio structures. This study proposes that sustainable regeneration requires adaptive planning that integrates modern societal demands while preserving cultural heritage. By analyzing the Alcázar Viejo arrabal—recently recognized as UNESCO Intangible Heritage—the research highlights the tension between tourism-driven development and residential sustainability, offering a framework for eco-efficient urban regeneration that harmonizes heritage preservation with contemporary living needs.
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