This paper focuses on the seismic assessment and proposed interventions for a reinforced concrete building in a cultural heritage area in the city of Patras in Greece. This building used to be a warehouse, but now only the structural framework remains. The present condition of the building was examined, considering an existing technical report based on which the building was constructed and in situ observations and measurements. The seismic behavior of the building was investigated based on the current seismic codes. The finite element method was used to identify the positions of high stress. Structural elements that need strengthening were identified. A methodology is proposed for the structural enhancement and future use of the building, which reduces developed stresses and improves its ability to withstand future dynamic loads. The proposed strengthening methodology can also be applied to other buildings with similar conditions and used as a guideline.
Museum gardens represent an important component of cultural landscapes, combining historical, aesthetic, and social values that contribute to community well-being and sustainable heritage management. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of museum gardens in Poltava, Ukraine, through the case studies of the Ivan Kotliarevskyi Memorial Museum, the Memorial Museum. The research aims to evaluate how the active conservation and functional use of these heritage spaces can support post-traumatic rehabilitation among civilians and military personnel affected by war-related stress disorders. The methodology integrates analytical and experimental approaches, field observations, photographic documentation, and survey-based investigations. Particular attention is given to landscape planning principles, spatial zoning, and the organization of nature-based activities within museum environments. The results demonstrate that the preservation and adaptive use of museum gardens create favorable conditions for psychological recovery and social interaction, highlighting the beneficial influence of landscape composition, natural elements, and cultural settings on the psychoemotional state of individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress symptoms. The study emphasizes the role of museum gardens as living cultural landscapes whose conservation extends beyond the protection of physical heritage, contributing to human well-being and strengthening the social dimension of heritage sustainability. These findings support the integration of therapeutic and community-oriented functions into contemporary strategies for the conservation and valorization of cultural heritage.
Cultural heritage tourism has gained global prominence amid the postmodern trend of cultural commodification, but the practical development of urban archaeological heritage sites still faces problems of weak attraction to non-local tourists, uneven supporting facilities, and limited integration between visitor experience and heritage protection. This study investigates the practical value of cultural heritage tourism development from the perspective of tourist Guangzhou as a case study. Through questionnaire surveys conducted in 2023, the research collected and analyzed data on tourists' demographics, behaviors, and satisfaction levels. Results indicate that while the museum attracts primarily local visitors, it shows potential for broader tourism development. The experience-based analysis revealed key challenges, including inadequate supporting facilities and limited awareness of surrounding attractions. Based on these findings, the study proposes strategies for sustainable cultural heritage tourism development, including expanding experience-based tourism products, improving supporting facilities, strengthening promotional efforts, and enhancing cultural relics protection awareness. This research contributes to the understanding of the experience economy in cultural heritage tourism and provides practical recommendations for similar sites.
This investigation aims to isolate and identify the wood's microbial infestation to determine the treatment options for these problems in the cavern beneath the National Police Museum in the Citadel of Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi. It could be achieved by evaluating the effect of different solvents (distilled water, ethanol, propanol, and butanol) on the antimicrobial nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs), and nano-chitosan (CS NP) was used with water only. The fungi were cultivated on cellulose agar, while bacteria were cultivated on nutrient agar. The bacteria were Micrococcus lutus, Streptomyces vinaceus, Microbacterium imperial, and Kacurin turfanensis, while the fungi were Aspergillus niger, Humicola fuscoatra, Alternaria alternata, and Penicillium oxalicum. The results showed that nano-chitosan showed the highest fungal inhibition (30 mm) for all isolated microbial organisms, followed by Ag NP in ethanol and Ag NP in propanol, whose effect was for all microbial organisms. Additionally, there was a negative result for Penicillium oxalicum and Humicola fuscorta. The moisture content of the standard sample was 5.8%, while that of the treated samples was between 9.45% and 13.3%. The FTIR analysis of wood showed the degradation by fungi. Nanomaterials were applied using a brush and spray. After applying nano-chitosan and nano-silver to the treated samples, it was demonstrated that the samples treated with nano-silver darkened and turned black. The results of the mechanical properties test indicated that the standard sample measured 2623.83 N, and the sample with the highest mechanical properties of the treated sample was nano-chitosan applied by spray, measuring 6800.23 N.
The article analyzes the experience of reconstructing and restoring one of the former buildings of the Jewish hospital in the city of Kropyvnytskyi. This object is an architectural monument, built in 1910-1914 in the eclectic style with elements of modernism, in interiors with motifs of the traditional "Jewish" style. It is significant that, during its existence, the hospital was used for its intended purpose; however, some buildings were rebuilt and lost part of their original decor. As of the beginning of the restoration work, building No. 2 had signs of disrepair. The article highlights the history of the object, its style characteristics, and characteristics of the original structural roofs and materials. The stages and content of the restoration project are described.
Traditional Ethiopian inks, primarily used in manuscripts and painting, have significant historical and cultural value. However, their production has gradually declined due to competition from fabricated inks. There is also a shortage of written recipes. In parallel, manuscript conservation faces mounting challenges, including ink loss and incompatibility with modern materials. This study aims to address the gap by researching the physical and chemical properties of traditional Ethiopian instant black ink. The methodology involved reconstructing traditional ink using a historical recipe. To ascertain the composition, stability, and authenticity of the produced inks, a range of chemical and physical analyses was conducted. The findings of this study indicate that instant black ink can be readily reproducible and possesses promising chemical and physical stability. This ensures the authenticity and sustainability of manuscript conservation. The study has implications for addressing ink fading in manuscripts by providing a model for integrating traditional materials with modern conservation practices.
The article is devoted to the study of the problems of conservation and restoration of facades of historical buildings, considered on the example of the Salesian Monastery in O & sacute;wi & eogon;cim. The main problems that arise in this case and ways to solve them are highlighted. A comparison of facade restoration technologies adopted in Polish and Ukrainian restoration schools and their development during the 19th-20thcenturies is carried out.
The Semenyih River is a significant water source for human consumption and ecological resilience. Despite the deteriorating quality of the river due to industrial effluents and untreated wastewater discharge, there is a lack of scientific assessment of the river's quality. The present study assesses the physicochemical parameters and Water Quality Index (WQI) of the Semenyih River. Sampling was carried out in October 2024, involving six study sites located along the Semenyih watercourses. Dissolved oxygen (DO) was within the range of 39.3% (St. 3: Sungai Buah) to 95.4% (St. 1: Raw water intake, Sungai Semenyih), showing flexibility in oxygen availability potentially attributed to biological and nutrient loads. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) varied notably, reaching a maximum in St. 6 of Sg. Lalang (68 mg/L), indicating high organic pollutant levels. Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) proved biodegradation processes, while NH4+-N levels evidenced nutrient enrichment. The WQI of the Semenyih River varied from Class II to Class III, reflecting moderate to good water quality. Findings from this study highlighted the need for ongoing and consistent monitoring of the environment, particularly water quality, to protect public health and ensure the sustainability of the Semenyih River as an uncontaminated water source.
This study investigates visitor behavior characteristics at Liangzhu Museum in Hangzhou. Research findings show that the majority of visitors are Hangzhou residents and tourists from within Zhejiang Province. Traveling with friends and family is the predominant visitation pattern; both local and non-local visitors generally have clear visitation purposes, although non-local visitors have lower awareness of Liangzhu Museum and mostly visit during business trips, shopping, or other activities; visitor satisfaction is remarkably high, but repeat visitation intention and rate remain low. The study indicates that the museum currently lacks independent ability to attract non-local visitors and relies on Hangzhou's comprehensive tourism destination image and functions to fulfill its tourism potential. These findings provide reference for cultural attraction development in Hangzhou and offer general guidance for local museum tourism development in economically advanced regions.
This paper explores the complex relationship between universal conservation frameworks and the evolution of heritage practices in the Arab world. It focuses on the conflict between internationally standardized principles and cultural values. It analyzes how foundational global charters, such as the Athens and Venice Charters, have shaped conservation approaches worldwide while challenging specific values across cultures. Through comparative analysis of cases from Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates, the paper demonstrates that conservation practices in the Arab World contribute to global discourse by emphasizing continuity, adaptive reuse, and the integration of tangible and intangible heritage while preserving diverse values. Detailed case studies, including the Nubian monuments relocation, the archaeological sites of Petra and Jerash, and Bait Alnabooda and Faya Palaeolandscape World Heritage Site in Sharjah, illustrate both achievements and challenges of tourism pressures, policy implementation gaps, and the need for enhanced community participation. The paper advocates for context-sensitive conservation models that institutionalize participatory governance while keeping key ethical principles, such as minimal intervention and reversibility. Building on frameworks like the Nara Document on Authenticity, it reinforces the importance of embracing an ethically contextualized approach that recognizes authenticity and integrity as concepts that are deeply rooted cultural and local contexts. Additionally, it contributes to decolonizing conservation theories and advancing an inclusive and sustainable stewardship of heritage that respects cultural diversity. The findings demonstrate that meaningful conservation requires frameworks that are adaptable to local contexts while meeting global commitments.
Indonesia is an international center of diversity for palms. One of the most widely distributed palms in Indonesia is the ivory cane palm (Pinanga coronata). This culturally important plant is wild-harvested for various traditional uses-a trend that appears to be increasing. Here we examine the spatial distribution and habitat suitability for P. coronata to assess conservation priorities. Species occurrence data were obtained from living collections, herbaria, and databases. The data were analyzed using the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model. The model prediction from MaxEnt for P. coronata under two climate scenarios gave AUC values of 0.890 (current climate scenario), 0.889 (future climate scenario ssp126), and 0.886 (ssp585). The AUC value is >0.70, indicating the model is sufficient to quantify the occurrence of P. coronata; we identify high-priority areas across the region. The most important environmental factors contributing to habitat suitability were found to be annual rainfall and temperature. Most suitable habitats for P. coronata are predicted to fall outside protected areas, calling for urgent conservation intervention. We discuss our findings in the broader context of policy-setting and conservation, and call for further work in quantifying the distributions of species under threat
The article describes the process of aesthetic modernization together with the renovation of a modernist villa from 1932 located on the border of Poznan's ‘Abyssinia’ district, which was built in the 1930s. The building has not been fully completed, and its planned original external appearance remains unknown to this day. Thus, the research process is a combination of reconstruction and research hypotheses as to the intended form of the building. In the absence of source material, the decision was made to develop an original research method. This method, hereafter referred to as the "feature catalogue," was implemented in the villa reconstruction project. The catalogue and developed research method showed a 67% agreement between the design proposal (A) and 19% for (B). In view of the results obtained, concept (B) was rejected, while concept (A) was refined to a level of 86%. The conclusion of the article indicates the superiority of statistical research methods over traditional methods in historic architecture research.
Historically, scagliola was used during Renaissance civilization to imitate natural stone inlaid work; the so-called 'stucco marble' became very decorative for wall surfaces as a substitute for colored natural marble. It plays a significant role in the history of interior design in royal palaces in Egypt in the 8(th) and 9(th) centuries. The paper presents an innovative interdisciplinary study focusing on the restoration of the interior decorative elements used during the Baroque and Rococo periods in royal palaces in Cairo, Egypt (restoration project of Zafaran Palace 2018:2025). This work has the objective of presenting a new method to restore scagliola by evaluating the current situation of the decaying scagliola in Zafaran Palace and explaining the alteration mechanisms of deterioration phenomena. A representative number of samples were analyzed by means of visual, microscopic, and laboratory analysis using digital microscopy, SEM-EDX, and XRD techniques. The evaluation study indicates, on one hand, the weakness of the internal structure and the appearance of fine cracks. On the other hand, the SEM-EDX technique shows significant differences in density/porosity detected with a non-uniform distribution of constituents. Moreover, the monological investigation shows that scagliola is composed of calcium carbonate (calcite, CaCO3) as a main component. Otherwise, the paper presents a new method to complete the missing parts in scagliola elements by using glass microballoons, which are mixed with Paraloid B-72 dissolved in toluene. Required colors (color oxides) and zinc were added to the mixture to match the Scagliola's appearance and texture. The analytical investigation proved that the suggested material is very fruitful as a completion method. This is because it is free of defects that affected the archaeological scagliola; moreover, it matches the color, texture, and brightness of the archaeological scagliola.
The aim of the article is to share the author's own experiences of the "Kozie & nacute; Architekci" architectural office in modernizing a slaughterhouse belonging to the Camp Auschwitz I service area and incorporating it into the overall complex, taking into account the historical value of the former Auschwitz camp grounds. The approach to its preservation does not apply the strict rules that are followed at the protected-by-law memorial. The degraded building was adapted to the functional needs of visitors while restoring its wartime character, securing and highlighting historical fragments of its structure. Thanks to this approach, the museum gained a new place to serve visitors, taking it outside the protected area and at the same time incorporating it into the museum complex by recognizing the former slaughterhouse building as the most important point of the whole visitors' center.
Saqqara, the significant cemetery of Memphis, has served as a funerary site for approximately 3,500 years, yielding a wealth of archaeological treasures, including Ushabti statues from the tomb of Iurokhy, the chief army commander during the reign of King Ramesses II. This study focuses on the analysis and consolidation of these Ushabti statues, which are believed to represent different ages of a woman and bear hieratic inscriptions potentially linked to her name. These statues are mainly made of pottery; therefore, considerable damage, including dirt accumulation and fragility of the pottery body, has occurred to their features. The Ushabti statues, which appeared in the tombs since the Middle Kingdom onward, served as funerary figures representing the deceased in the afterlife. These statues are crafted from faience, stone, and burnt clay; their production was peaked during the New Kingdom and became increasingly common by the 21st Dynasty. To ensure the preservation of these antiquities, this research focuses on the consolidation of these found antiquities using a formulation that was tested and had effective results in a previous work to reveal its efficiency in their protection. Many challenges were facing this consolidation process, with the main one being the effective cleaning of the statues, which requires understanding the types of dirt and the changes that ensued in the materials over time. Subsequently, consolidation techniques utilizing both inorganic and organic materials were applied to enhance the durability and waterproofing of the pottery to protect it from any environmental damage. The study mainly aimed to investigate the chemical and mineral composition of the Ushabti statues, then analyze the deterioration characteristics that arose on the statues from the various environmental factors, and finally use the consolidation formulation to ensure the full protection against deterioration factors.
This study presents research carried out on the combination of atmospheric plasma and plasma-activated water (PAW), applied to the conservation of graphic documents. The experiments were conducted on two samples of old paper, and the treatment results were assessed through visual and tactile analysis, transmitted light microscopy, and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The results obtained demonstrate promising potential for treating pathologies associated with paper degradation, namely dirt, chemical alteration, acidification, and oxidation. The treated samples, compared to the reference samples, showed significant improvements in cleanliness and mechanical strength, as well as an apparent reduction in oxidation.
Pollution associated with armed conflicts poses a complex threat to marine environments, including heavy metals, hydrocarbons, persistent organic pollutants, plastic debris, and contaminated sediments. In this context, the article analyses the potential of geopolymer technology as a sustainable solution for remediating contaminants generated by military and industrial activities, with a focus on the conservation of marine ecosystems. Geopolymers, due to their aluminosilicate structure, controllable porosity, and capacity for adsorption, ion exchange, and encapsulation, can contribute to the retention and immobilization of hazardous pollutants. The paper highlights the main mechanisms through which geopolymeric materials can reduce the mobility of contaminants and limit their impact on biodiversity and water quality. The proposed approach supports the development of integrated decontamination and conservation solutions, in line with the current need to protect the marine environment affected by civil and military pollution.
The article analyzes the techniques of landscape design in the castle territories of Oświęcim Castle, Malbork Castle, and Wawel Castle in Kraków. The main features of the territories and the influence of water bodies on the nature of the layout of recreational areas are determined. The common and distinctive features between the applied recreational techniques are analyzed, and on this basis, possible options for transforming the castle territories into park areas with a different set of functions are indicated. Despite the positive consequences, the landscaping of the historical forefield has certain problems, since it contributes to additional moistening of already subsiding soils, which, in turn, affects the soaking of foundations and gradually leads to soaking of masonry, subsidence of parts of buildings, and the appearance of active cracks, especially if part of the castle is located close to the water and not on an elevation (as in the Lower Castle in Malbork).
Nowadays, epidemics related to the excessive emission of viruses and bacteria are very common. Society is becoming increasingly susceptible to viral and bacterial infections, which are becoming more difficult to combat. The increased number of available, not fully tested vaccines and antibiotics produced in the laboratories of pharmaceutical companies does not contribute to solving this problem. 90% of superficially tested medicines are a temporary solution that does not address the problem in a generational or long-term sense. This statement is often controversial, but the safest options are natural or well-tested medications. It should be noted that the human body's defense mechanisms react differently to viral and bacterial infections. The use of antiviral vaccines and antibiotic therapy against bacteria is common. This scientific study will present the issue of transmission of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in places of religious worship, with the greatest emphasis on church objects that are constantly touched by the faithful.
The article analyzes the problems of brickwork in historical fortifications. It is proven that in most cases, the causes and consequences of damage to brickwork are common to objects in different regions and in different countries. The experience of brickwork desalination, tested at objects in Ukraine by specialists of the Ukrrestavratsiia corporation, is described. Salt presence in brick masonry represents one of the key factors in the degradation ofhistoric monuments. The presence of soluble salts leads to the destruction of the porous structure of brick and mortar, initiates the formation ofefflorescence, and contributes to the gradual loss of historic substance. This process is particularly intensive in ground-level zones, where prolonged interaction with moisture drawn capillarily from the ground occurs. Removing salts only from the surface layer of the masonry and strengthening only the outer layer with hydrophobic substances does not solve the problem, since water-soluble salts remain in the masonry thickness. Specialists have developed a technology for desalination of the lower part of a brick wall to a height of 2-3 m from the ground surface in the absence of waterproofing and perimeter paving. The salinity level, salt composition, and causes of salinity (from groundwater, atmospheric pollution, etc.) are previously established.
