The city of Iquitos (Peruvian Amazon) is composed of flood-prone urban communities that relate collective and economic activities to the river dynamics. The research objective is to describe architecture types of the Belen neighborhood (one of the most commercially and touristically important areas of Iquitos) during the Amazonian fluvial dynamics in the flood and ebb cycle of the Itaya River. Data were collected through observations, interviews, photographs, and hand-drawings. The riverside neighborhoods of Belen show architectural qualities that are adaptable to river dynamics through three types of systems: fixed, pile, and floating. In addition, these neighborhoods are located along the course of six natural streams or 'ca & ntilde;os' that redirect rainwater and wastewater into the Itaya River. The research shows that the urban configuration of the upper, middle, and lower zones undergoes adaptation processes in their commercial, cultural, and constructive dimensions due to the influence of the Itaya River. This social-spatial configuration is supported by the positive attitude of the residents of the Belen neighborhood toward the Amazonian river dynamics.
Cyprus is a divided island that issues in conservation of religious heritage is directly related with politics and internal displacement. As an impact of the inter-communal conflict and division (1958-1974), Turkish Cypriots started to live in the north of the island and Greek Cypriots began to live in the south. Consequently, religious heritage lost their community. The mosques in the south and the churches in the north were left to their fate. This study discusses future of the religious heritage in the context of frozen conflict. Guzelyurt/Morphou district in Cyprus is selected as the main focus of the research. General focus of the research is primarily on churches in the Northern part of the island rather than mosques in the Southern part. The aim of the study is to identify the current condition of the religious heritage in long-term internal displacement. Moreover, the study aims to propose alternative reuse strategies where it is possible. The method of the study includes observation through site survey, archive research and interviews. Current condition and existing use of the religious heritage buildings were investigated and future use possibilities was discussed. Benefits and detriments of the future use of the religious heritage have been discussed.
Heritage or Historic BIM (HBIM), a specialised application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) for the preservation and management of historic buildings, offers transformational opportunities for the heritage conservation sectors. However, this has not been fully explored, with HBIM applications mostly used as mere archival documentation for heritage architecture. As such, this study proposes to investigate the opportunities and challenges in adopting HBIM in preserving and managing heritage buildings. The study adopts a qualitative research strategy comprising literature review and expert interviews to explore the perspective of heritage conservation stakeholders on HBIM. The collected data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify the current state of HBIM adoption, its benefits, and its challenges. Findings reveal that while HBIM offers significant opportunities, such as improved archival documentation, visualisation, and maintenance planning, its adoption remains limited due to high costs, lack of expertise, and resistance to new technologies. This study acts as a reference point illuminating the need for increased awareness, training, and investment in HBIM to fully harness its potential, positioning it as a crucial tool for the sustainable management of heritage assets. This study originality is in its primary focus on HBIM, an application that has been under explored unlike BIM.
The comprehensive study of Estonian medieval interior plasters from the thirteenth to fifteenth centuries, offers new insights into the composition and physical properties of these plasters. Detailed analyses facilitated the identification of binders, aggregates and organic additives used, as well as the probable sources of raw materials. Additionally, the research explores the correlation between the composition, microstructure, and basic properties of the plasters. Fieldwork included visual surveys of the paintings and plasters, providing crucial information on their condition and served as the basis to identify the sampling sites. The samples were examined using advanced microscopic techniques, including polarization optical microscopy in incident and transmitted light, and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive analysis. The mineralogical composition was determined also by using X-ray diffraction analysis. The combination of these methods enabled detailed characterization of the plaster composition and their microstructure. Basic properties such as water uptake, porosity, and modulus of elasticity were evaluated using standard gravimetric methods and ultrasound measurements. The study is a contribution to the knowledge of medieval wall painting techniques in the region, and is providing a basis for comparative studies in the European context. Results can be used to create the future conservation strategies for local medieval murals.
