Publications
Geotourism Aspects of Building Stone Use (Romanesque Style and the Onset of Gothic) in UNESCO Heritage Sites of the Historic Centre of Prague for Construction and Architectural Purposes
Prague's Historic Centre stands out for its architectural evolution reflecting Romanesque and Gothic styles. A key insight from this study is the significant role of building stones in shaping the city's iconic landmarks, such as St. Vitus Cathedral and Charles Bridge, which are major tourist attractions. Despite their importance, the sources and types of these stones remain largely overlooked in tourism narratives. This research bridges that gap by linking architectural development with detailed descriptions of the stones used during the Romanesque and Gothic periods, including their source areas. By doing so, it not only advances architectural research but also proposes new forms of geotourism that integrate geological and historical perspectives, enriching visitor experiences.
The role of shading on biometeorological conditions in the historic centre of Prague, Czech Republic.
Researchers found that the historic centre of Prague, particularly the Náplavka area along the Vltava river, experiences significant heat stress during summer due to a lack of greenery and shading. While morning conditions were comfortable, afternoon thermal comfort indices such as Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) and Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) showed high heat stress levels, exacerbated by limited shade. The study used meteorological measurements from eight sites between Charles Square and Náplavka, collected over 14 days in 2019 and 2022, alongside fisheye photographs to quantify shading effects. Findings suggest relocating day-long events to shaded areas like Charles Square or providing adequate sun protection could mitigate heat stress in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Romanesque Prague Monuments – Dimension Stone and Its Cutting
Prague's Romanesque monuments, predominantly built with the local stone 'opoka,' exhibit unique stone-cutting techniques that distinguish them from European counterparts. A systematic study reveals that Prague stonemasons favored rock face cutting, gradually shaping blocks from corners to center without decorative patterns, unlike Western Europe's use of innovative tooth tools. This research, employing 3D modeling and mechanoscopy, reconstructs the tools used by analyzing surface traces and hit dynamics, uncovering the evolution of stonework from simple block modeling in the 9th century to sophisticated cutting by the 12th century. The study also highlights the influence of European craftsmen on Prague's stone-cutting traditions.
What do we visually focus on in a World Heritage Site? A case study in the Historic Centre of Prague
Newly constructed high-rise buildings with large heights and strong contrasting colors pose significant visual threats to the integrity of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Historic Centre of Prague. This study used eye-tracking technology to generate visual heatmaps, revealing that people's attention is primarily drawn to complex artistic elements like facades, domes, mural paintings, and sculptures, while greenery, roofs, and floors attract minimal focus. The research also identified that buffer zones around main attractions help maintain unobstructed views, but pedestrian flow and transportation planning can introduce visual concerns. These findings provide actionable insights for the design, conservation, and management of World Heritage Sites to prevent artificial constructions from endangering their Outstanding Universal Values.
Impact of IPPC Scenarios on indoor environment quality of historic buildings
Climate change is expected to increase cooling demand in historic buildings, posing significant challenges for maintaining indoor environment quality. A study analyzing the multi-purpose building in Prague's historic center found that global warming scenarios from the IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report lead to higher overheating risks and increased energy efficiency demands. Using the BSim simulation tool, researchers evaluated permitted refurbishment methods under strict heritage protection guidelines, proposing structural and technical modifications to mitigate solar heat gains while adhering to legal constraints.
The city of one hundred souvenir shops: authenticity of souvenirs in Prague
A significant portion of souvenirs sold in Prague's historic center, particularly along the highly trafficked 'Royal Way,' are found to be 'falsely authentic' or 'geographically displaced.' This study reveals that while some locally specific souvenirs exist, the prevalence of banal, globalized products diminishes the overall quality and cultural significance of Prague's souvenir market. The research attributes this trend to the interplay between communist-era heritage and post-1990s transformation processes in tourism. To uncover these insights, the authors conducted a comprehensive analysis of shops and their offerings along the 'Royal Way,' supplemented by structured interviews with sellers and questionnaires targeting tourists. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of how historical and socio-economic factors shape the authenticity of souvenirs in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
90 years of systematic archaeological research of Prague historic centre and the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the specialised department for Prague archaeological heritage management in the context of the state and potential of research of Prague beginnings
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.
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