Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
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2019 —
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Das Bauhaus stands as a groundbreaking institution that redefined the boundaries between art, design, craftsmanship, and technology during its brief 14-year existence (1919–1933). Founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar, it became a hub for pioneering figures like Wassily Kandinsky, Paul Klee, Marianne Brandt, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The Bauhaus movement integrated aesthetic innovation with functional design, leaving an indelible mark on architecture and art across three sites: Weimar, Dessau, and Bernau (near Berlin). Through its holistic approach, the Bauhaus challenged traditional norms, fostering a synthesis of creative disciplines that continues to influence modern design practices.
Chengjiang Fossil Site
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2019 —
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Three iconic fossil sites—Burgess Shale (Canada), Chengjiang Biota (China), and Fezouata Shale (Morocco)—exhibit distinct preservation patterns for anatomical structures, offering insights into Cambrian and Ordovician paleo-biodiversity. The study categorizes preserved features into mineralized, sclerotized, cuticularized parts, soft tissues exposed to seawater, and internal organs, revealing significant differences in their proportions across sites. This dataset, compiled from publications, books, and museum collections over three months, serves as a benchmark for assessing new fossil localities and mitigating preservation biases in biodiversity reconstructions.
Kaiping Diaolou and Villages
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2019 —
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A comparative analysis of perceived authenticity and place attachment at two UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Yongding earth buildings (tulou) and Kaiping watchtowers (Diaolou)—revealed nuanced differences in visitor experiences shaped by cultural significance, architectural heritage, and seasonal tourism dynamics. Data collected during low-tourism periods (July 2017 for Yongding; April 2019, during China's Tomb Sweeping Festival for Kaiping) demonstrated that perceived authenticity was strongly linked to place attachment, with variations influenced by site-specific cultural narratives and environmental factors. The study employed rigorous factor analysis (SPSS 19.0), structural modeling (AMOS 21.0), and mediation effect analysis (PROCESS) to quantify these relationships, providing a data-driven framework for understanding visitor engagement in heritage contexts.
Gordion
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2019 —
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A major conflagration in the late 9th century BCE at Gordion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and pivotal archaeological site in central Anatolia, marks a significant political transformation from Hittite hegemony to the rise of the Phrygian polity. This study presents fifteen new radiocarbon dates that revise the chronology of this transition, challenging previous assumptions about the timing of cultural shifts. The research employs advanced absolute dating techniques to establish a precise framework for understanding the collapse of the Hittite Empire and the subsequent emergence of Phrygia as a dominant political force in Anatolia from the 9th to 7th centuries BCE. These findings reshape our perspective on the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age transition, highlighting Gordion's precocious development into an early Phrygian capital.
Ban Chiang Archaeological Site
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2019 —
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Radiocarbon dating of human bone, freshwater shell, charcoal, and rice grains from Ban Chiang Archaeological Site confirms the arrival of rice and millet farmers in mainland Southeast Asia by the end of the 3rd millennium BC, with bronze casting emerging around 1100 BC. This challenges recent claims that question the integrity of Bayesian-modelled radiocarbon results, reinforcing the established chronological framework for the region's Bronze Age. The study highlights the rapid social transformations following metallurgy's introduction, providing a robust foundation for understanding Southeast Asian prehistory.
Pasargadae
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2019 —
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Achaemenid monumental art at Pasargadae draws significant inspiration from Assyrian models, particularly evident in the architectural and sculptural elements of Cyrus the Great's palace. The study identifies the influence of Assyrian motifs, such as winged taurine guardians and demonic figures (lulal, ugallu, apkallu), which were likely incorporated to assert continuity with the Assyrian imperial tradition. This approach highlights how Pasargadae served not only as a political capital but also as a symbolic extension of Assyrian power, reinforcing Cyrus's legacy as an heir to that empire.
Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis
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2019 —
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Archaeological evidence from the Middle Kingdom necropolis of Dayr al-Barshā reveals a sophisticated ritual landscape designed to facilitate religious processions from Khemenu, the capital of the Hare nome, to associated cemeteries. This infrastructure included a river crossing, landing stages with cult places for provincial rulers, and processional roads leading to tombs, suggesting deliberate landscaping on a grand scale. The study argues that such processional features were initially linked primarily to royal pyramids but expanded during Mentuhotep II's reign to include temples and private cemeteries, potentially influenced by his grand-scale projects in Abydos and Thebes.
Paris, Banks of the Seine
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2019 —
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A shift from industrial and agricultural use to recreational tourism has reshaped the marginal territories along the Seine River in the Paris region, integrating them into urban leisure spaces. This transformation, driven by post-war population growth and policy initiatives, created outdoor leisure centers that prioritized nature access for Ile-de-France residents. The study reveals how state and regional policies facilitated this transition, blending marginal lands into the urban fabric while addressing recreational needs. By analyzing policy implementation and territorial integration, researchers highlight a model for balancing development with environmental preservation in densely populated areas.
Taj Mahal
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2019 —
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The gardens of the Taj Mahal, traditionally viewed as representations of Quranic paradise and imperial power, are reinterpreted through their cultural and literary significance. This study challenges the singular perception of these gardens by highlighting their multifaceted nature, blending dynastic identity with Persian poetic landscapes of love and longing. By analyzing plantings, perspective, and sensory engagement, it reveals that the gardens evoke not only paradise but also the emotional and political narratives embedded in Mughal culture. The research employs a cultural memory framework to explore the interplay between physical and imaginary landscapes, offering a more nuanced understanding of how these spaces were experienced and remembered.
Hegmataneh
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2019 —
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A Persian architectural fragment, acquired by the Ackland Art Museum in 1998, has been recontextualized through comparative analysis with similar fragments from major Euro-American collections and the Hegmataneh Hill Museum in Hamadan, Iran. This study challenges the museum's emphasis on aesthetic qualities by examining the fragment as part of a broader network of architectural pieces, rather than an isolated decontextualized object. The research approach involves cross-collection analysis to trace origins and reconstruct historical context, providing new insights into Persian architectural heritage beyond conventional narratives.
Western Caucasus
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2019 —
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Research reveals that the Anapa flexural–rupture zone in the Western Caucasus exhibits deep structural roots extending into the lower crust and upper mantle, distinct from near-surface faults. These findings, derived from microseismic sounding (MSM) conducted between 2007 and 2017, highlight the zone's role in separating major tectonic blocks, including the pericline of the North-Western Caucasus from the Taman Peninsula and adjacent depressed blocks. The study also differentiates deep faults with significant seismogenic potential from shallow ones confined to the sedimentary cover, providing critical insights into the region's seismic activity.
Tomioka Silk Mill and Related Sites
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2019 —
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A geotechnical study of the East Cocoon Warehouse at Japan's Tomioka Silk Mill, built during the Meiji era using imported technology, reveals remarkable structural stability after 145 years. Despite significant differential settlements—up to 44 mm among foundation stones and 33 mm in the silk reeling mill—the warehouse has maintained its original state without notable pillar inclinations. The research, measuring deformations across 92 foundation stones spanning 233.4 meters, demonstrates that early Meiji-era geotechnical practices were sophisticated, comparable to modern standards. These findings highlight the durability of the warehouse's simply yet suitably designed foundation.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2019 —
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A study of Bezymianny Volcano, Kamchatka, reveals that precursory lava dome growth is driven by complex interactions between magma supply rates and shallow conduit solidification. Using TerraSAR-X satellite data, webcam imagery, and seismic records, researchers identified significant morphometric changes—including local deformations exceeding 30 meters—up to seven months before eruptions, often without detectable seismicity. The findings suggest that intrusive and extrusive processes occur in tandem, with solidification deflecting magma intrusions toward the dome's uppermost regions. This integrated approach enhances understanding of precursory activity and dome-building dynamics at hazardous volcanoes like Bezymianny.
Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch
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2019 —
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Agrarian land claims and clearances in the eighth and ninth centuries, as documented in the charters of Abbeys Wissembourg, Lorsch, and Fulda, reveal a diverse and complex system with features distinct from later Central Middle Ages communities. This study reinterprets territorial and chronological distributions of evidence by analyzing landscape descriptions and agricultural practices, uncovering varied mechanisms of land appropriation across different forms of exploitation. The findings challenge conventional understandings of medieval agrarian systems, particularly in the social logic behind terms like 'stirpare,' suggesting a more nuanced and dynamic process than previously assumed.
The Historic Centre of Odesa
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2019 —
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A balanced approach to urban port development can foster sustainable regeneration while addressing the complexities of economic and geopolitical conditions. This study identifies the most effective strategy for developing the interface between Odesa's port and its historic center, drawing on case studies from European cities like Bilbao, Barcelona, and Oslo. It integrates insights from urban planning, economics, transport geography, and sociology to propose a model that equitably shares port territories while moving cargo functions away from historical areas. The research highlights the potential for ecological, social, and transportation benefits in coastal cities of developing nations, offering a framework for sustainable development under current challenges.
Lord Howe Island Group
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2019 —
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A multidisciplinary tele-therapy model using video-conferencing technology effectively delivered autism-specific allied health services to regional and remote participants, including one on UNESCO-listed Lord Howe Island. The study found that staff training, collaboration among families, educators, and therapists, and access to specialized autism support were key to success, while mixed views existed on the need for in-person sessions. Barriers included scheduling challenges but technology itself was not a hindrance. This research supports tele-practice as a viable alternative when local services are unavailable, though blended models may optimize outcomes.
Taï National Park
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2019 —
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A nearly four-decade study of wild chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, reveals critical insights into their demography and life-history strategies. By tracking five communities (North, South, Middle, East Groups), researchers uncovered key reproductive metrics such as age at first birth, interbirth intervals, and longevity, providing a rare long-term dataset for chimpanzee ecology. The study highlights adaptations in Taï chimpanzees' reproductive success and fitness, offering comparisons with other long-term sites to elucidate species-specific responses to environmental challenges.
Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
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2019 —
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Coniferous forests within the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve (MBBR) experience frequent fires, with return intervals averaging two years across all elevations and forest types. Contrary to expectations, these fires do not correlate with drought or El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events, nor do they influence tree establishment patterns, which remain continuous regardless of fire frequency. The study, using dendrochronological techniques on 110 cross-sections from 23 sites spanning 1925–2015, suggests that natural fire regimes in these forests may have been drastically altered by human activities. While frequent low-severity fires could potentially harm tree regeneration and the integrity of the monarch butterfly's overwintering habitat, continuous tree regeneration indicates such impacts have not yet materialized.
Blue and John Crow Mountains
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2019 —
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A population survey of the Black-billed Streamertail (Trochilus polytmus scitulus), an endemic hummingbird subspecies found in Jamaica's Blue and John Crow Mountains, reveals a significantly larger population than previously estimated. Using distance sampling methods in 2014, researchers estimated a density of 955 individuals per km², translating to a global abundance of approximately 314,100 birds within the 329 km² survey area. An independent calculation using the variable circular plot method yielded a slightly lower estimate of 108,017 individuals, both indicating a much larger population than anticipated. These findings support the current IUCN Least Concern status for this species but underscore the need for continued monitoring to better understand its habitat preferences and future population trends.
Chartres Cathedral
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking study challenges the long-held assumption that chanoines were necessarily interred within their cathedrals, particularly during the late Middle Ages. Focusing on Chartres Cathedral and other French sites, the research reveals that no chanoine or bishop from Chartres was buried within its walls between 1200 and 1500, contrary to common belief. Instead, their remains were dispersed across the city and its outskirts. This practice was justified by an 'interdit'—a religious prohibition on burials within the cathedral's precincts due to its pre-Incarnation origins, which demanded the preservation of its soil's virginity. The study further uncovers that this phenomenon was not unique to Chartres but extended to other cathedrals like Saint-Jean de Besançon and possibly Le Puy, indicating a broader cultural shift in burial practices during this period. By analyzing numerous chanoine testaments and historical records, the research redefines our understanding of medieval ecclesiastical traditions.
Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves / La Amistad National Park
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2019 —
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Researchers have identified two new endemic scarab beetle species, Onthophagus humboldti and Uroxys bonplandi, from Costa Rica's Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserves. Notably, O. humboldti is the tenth brachypterous (short-winged) species in the genus Onthophagus globally, showcasing extreme brachyptery within this group. The study also reveals that tropical mountain ranges like the Cordillera de Talamanca exhibit higher levels of endemism and brachyptery than lowland rainforests, challenging conventional beliefs. By analyzing mitochondrial DNA, the research supports the distinctiveness of two closely related Onthophagus species groups: O. dicranius and O. clypeatus. Additionally, a biogeographical model suggests that stable environments in deeply incised valleys during the Last Glacial Maximum may have promoted brachyptery in scarab beetles.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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2019 —
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Research reveals that Panteleimon Kulish's novel 'The Commoners’ Council' (1846) relied heavily on Mykhailo Maksymovych’s 1840 paper, 'On Tombstones in Pechersk Monastery,' rather than Afanasii Kalnofoyskyi’s 'Teraturgema' (1638), for epitaph translations from the Assumption Cathedral of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The study also found that other quotations attributed to 'Teraturgema' were borrowed from metropolitan bishop Yevhenii’s 1826 work, 'Description of Kyiv Perchersk Lavra.' Kulish's Kyivan episodes were primarily based on Maksymovych’s works in the 'Kiievlianin' almanac (1840), yet he omitted these sources in his novel’s footnotes. This challenges traditional scholarly perceptions and underscores Kulish’s unique approach to historical fiction, where he prioritized direct testimonies and observations over intermediary historians.
Surtsey
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2019 —
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A subsurface observatory at Surtsey, Iceland's youngest volcanic island, offers unprecedented insights into microbial life and hydrothermal processes in young basaltic tuff. The 2017 ICDP SUSTAIN Expedition drilled three boreholes through the active hydrothermal system, with one equipped to monitor water-rock interactions and microbial activity under sterile conditions. Using filtered seawater and UV sterilization, researchers maintained a contamination-free environment, enabling experiments at temperatures from 25°C to 125°C—approaching the upper limit of functional life (~121°C). The observatory provides a natural laboratory for studying fluid-rock-microbe interactions over time, with comparisons to 1979 and 2019 drill cores offering a 50-year perspective on hydrothermal evolution. This design bridges field observations and experimental validation, advancing understanding of submarine microbial processes.
Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst
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A significant decrease in cave floor ice volume has been observed in the Silická ľadnica cave, part of the UNESCO-listed Slovak Karst, over a three-year monitoring period. This finding suggests long-term changes in the hydrological-climatic regime of the region. Researchers employed a selective cloud-to-cloud approach using laser scanning technology to map and analyze ice dynamics with ultra-high resolution. By registering point clouds from multiple scanning campaigns into a unified coordinate system, they tracked continuous inter-seasonal changes, including repeated cycles of ice degradation and formation. While the study highlights a notable reduction in ice volume, it underscores the need for extended observations to fully understand the underlying mechanisms driving these changes.
Archaeological Site of Olympia
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Researchers have successfully identified and localized multiple Mycenaean chamber tombs in the environs of ancient Olympia, Greece, using non-invasive geophysical methods. By combining electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) with ground-penetrating radar (GPR), the study detected ten previously unknown tomb candidates near the village of Epitalio, expanding knowledge of an uncharted cemetery. The approach was validated at the Mageiras-Kioupia necropolis, where excavated chamber tombs provided a reference for interpreting geophysical data. While no comparable tombs were found on the Dartisa plateau, this study demonstrates the potential of ERT and GPR to uncover hidden archaeological features in regions lacking systematic excavation records.
Ajanta Caves
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A light-based approach emerges as a promising, environmentally friendly solution to combat insect pests that are rapidly degrading the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ajanta Caves. This study highlights the significant impact of biological agents, particularly insects and microbes, on cave monuments like Ajanta, which face increasing stress due to anthropogenic pressures and changing climatic conditions. The research emphasizes the need for integrated pest management strategies to protect these invaluable archaeological sites without disrupting surrounding biodiversity or ecosystems. By focusing on light-based interventions, the study offers a novel method to preserve cave paintings and other heritage structures while maintaining ecological balance.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
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A collaborative effort between TU Wien, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and local authorities has developed a monitoring workflow for the temples of Java using 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry. This approach aims to provide reliable and cost-effective continuous observation of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are vulnerable to earthquakes. The study tested this workflow by measuring ten temples, demonstrating its potential for structural stability assessment under local conditions. The findings highlight the importance of advanced surveying techniques in preserving Indonesia's rich cultural heritage, even as Buddhism and Hinduism have faded from everyday life.
Prambanan Temple Compounds
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2019 —
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Researchers established eight deformation monitoring control points at the Prambanan Temple Compounds to assess structural stability. Using GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) measurements over 24 hours and processed with two strategies—regional binding points (IGS BAKO and JOG2 stations) and global binding points (multiple IGS stations)—the study determined precise coordinates and standard deviations for the control points. The smallest standard deviation was 0.0036 meters on the Z-axis, while the largest was 0.0141 meters on the Y-axis. This work provides a robust framework for long-term monitoring of Prambanan Temple's geometric integrity, critical due to its location in a seismically active area with labile soil conditions.
Fanjingshan
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2019 —
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A shift towards sustainable development in China, marked by the rise of Xi Jinping's presidency and the adoption of environmentally conscious policies, is examined through a decade-long study (2008–2018) at Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve. The research highlights two contrasting development projects—one within the reserve and another outside—revealing divergent outcomes in balancing conservation with local needs. By integrating perspectives from Arturo Escobar, Rosi Braidotti, and Xiaobo Su, the study argues for a sustainable ethics that prioritizes marginalized farmers' voices and local politics amid rapid change. The findings underscore the potential of inclusive, place-based sustainability to mitigate authoritarian environmental policies while fostering circular economic growth.
Hwaseong Fortress
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2019 —
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An augmented reality (AR) mobile application for cultural heritage tourism, tested at UNESCO World Heritage Site Hwaseong Fortress, demonstrates significant potential to enhance visitor engagement and learning. The app integrates navigation, AR visualization of historical details, and interactive serious games, yielding positive user feedback while identifying areas for refinement. This study provides a model for designing AR tour applications that balance usability with immersive experiences, offering valuable insights for future mobile tourism tools.
Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
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2019 —
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A significant shift in educational and pedagogical practices at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra during the 18th–19th centuries is highlighted, marking a transition from purely religious to more secularized higher education. This evolution was driven by the integration of philosophical and moral theology courses, increased emphasis on pedagogical subjects, and the development of high-quality teaching materials that influenced both contemporary and future generations of educators. The study underscores the Lavra's role as a pioneering center of educational innovation in Ukraine, demonstrating its adaptability and effectiveness even under challenging socio-political conditions. This period saw the establishment of comprehensive educational complexes, including seminaries, libraries, temples, hospitals, and parochial schools, all united by a shared commitment to elevating both spiritual and secular education standards in Central Ukraine.
Landscapes of Dauria
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2019 —
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Five transboundary protected areas have been established in the Asian part of Russia through interstate agreements with Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Landscapes of Dauria. These areas are crucial for preserving biotic and landscape diversity across administrative borders. The study identifies ten additional promising territories for future protection, emphasizing their high environmental significance. Cooperation with neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, North Korea, Japan, and the United States is expected to further expand this network of protected zones.
Bagan
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2019 —
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Severe physical damage to murals and structural elements in the Payathonzu Temple at Bagan, Myanmar, was identified through advanced diagnostic techniques. The study revealed critical vulnerabilities, including cracks, delamination, exfoliation, and contamination of mural layers, as well as gaps between base layers and plastered walls, which require urgent conservation intervention. Ultrasonic testing exposed significant degradation in areas with severe cracking and gaps, while moisture measurements highlighted substantial variations linked to environmental humidity. The most pronounced damage was observed in monument 477, necessitating scientific diagnosis-driven conservation efforts to address both structural and aesthetic deterioration.
Volcanoes of Kamchatka
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2019 —
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A study of diamonds found in the lavas of Kamchatka's Tolbachik and Avacha volcanoes challenges their natural origin, suggesting they may instead be synthetic contaminants. The research, published in <em>Russian Geology and Geophysics</em>, analyzed cubic-octahedral diamonds identical to those produced synthetically, raising concerns about potential contamination from human-made materials. Similar diamonds reported from other geologically distinct regions—such as Europe, China, Mongolia, and the Polar Urals—also exhibit striking similarities to synthetic crystals, further implying that such findings require rigorous verification before being accepted as natural. The authors emphasize the need for independent replication of results, open sampling sites, and exclusion of contamination sources (e.g., cutting tools) in future studies. This work underscores the importance of cautious interpretation when diamonds are discovered in unusual geological settings.
Dholavira: a Harappan City
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A catastrophic drought at the onset of the Meghalayan stage (~4300–4100 years BP) likely drove the collapse of Dholavira, one of India's largest Harappan settlements. Radiocarbon dating of archaeological carbonates revealed occupation from ~5500 to ~3800 years BP, with rapid expansion during favorable monsoonal conditions. Oxygen isotope (δ18O) sclerochronology of gastropod shells indicated seasonal mixing of river and seawater, suggesting a humid fluvial landscape that shifted due to drought. This study highlights the vulnerability of ancient settlements to climate change, mirroring modern IPCC predictions.
Neolithic Site of Çatalhöyük
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2019 —
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A groundbreaking study reveals that virtual reality (VR) can effectively recreate the experience of traveling to the past, particularly when incorporating content meaningfulness, responsive characters, enhanced interaction, and multisensory realism. Researchers built six distinct VR reconstructions of Çatalhöyük, a Neolithic site in Turkey, and evaluated them using a novel framework based on Cultural Presence. The findings demonstrate that these elements significantly contribute to achieving successful VR-mediated experiences, offering new insights into how virtual archaeology can bridge the gap between past and present.
Abbey of St Gall
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2019 —
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Research on the Abbey of St. Gall reveals that over 700 early medieval charters, dating from before 983, feature distinct subscription signs integrated into the scribe's line. These signs exhibit varied forms and show a clear evolutionary pattern from the 8th to the 10th centuries. The study provides an initial comprehensive documentation of these subscription signs, offering insights into their development and use in private charters during this period.
Historic Centre of the City of Salzburg
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2019 —
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In Salzburg, financial investments and tourism-induced demand are exacerbating the housing shortage, revealing that such pressures extend beyond metropolitan areas. The study highlights how institutional and private investors leverage real estate for both long-term returns and short-term tourist rentals, while local planning efforts struggle to mitigate these challenges due to existing power dynamics. By analyzing regional housing markets, the research demonstrates that tourism and financialization intersect to intensify housing scarcity, offering new insights into non-metropolitan urban housing crises.
Saloum Delta
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2019 —
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A significant shift in the diet of Slender-billed Gulls (Chroicocephalus genei), a vulnerable species with a restricted breeding range, was observed in the Saloum Delta National Park, Senegal. The study found that while cichlids remained a dominant component, the proportion of mugilid fish in their diet increased markedly between 2000 and 2015. GPS tracking of three individuals in 2014 revealed extensive foraging ranges, with gulls covering up to 96 km daily and utilizing diverse habitats such as mangrove-bordered lagoons, salt pans, creeks, rivers, abandoned rice fields, and the Atlantic coast near a fishing village in The Gambia. Individual foraging behaviors varied significantly, highlighting the need for targeted conservation strategies that account for species-specific ecological requirements.
Cliff of Bandiagara (Land of the Dogons)
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A comprehensive bioarcheological study of the Bandiagara Escarpment reveals that diets among pre-Dogon and early Dogon populations (7th–19th century AD) were neither uniform nor continuous over time. Analysis of stable isotopes (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) in 175 teeth, alongside dental disease records from 220 crania, shows significant temporal shifts—likely due to dietary diversification—and geographical disparities linked to climate, environment, and culture. The findings challenge previous assumptions about stability in Dogon foodways, highlighting a complex history of settlement and agricultural practices.
Taï National Park
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2019 —
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A study on Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire, reveals that seven duiker species exhibit distinct responses to human activities, with some thriving even near illegal human encroachment while others are highly sensitive and avoid such areas. The research used maximum entropy modeling and hierarchical clustering to analyze survey data from 2005–2015, identifying Cephalophus dorsalis and Philantomba maxwellii as the most resilient species, while Cephalophus zebra and Cephalophus sylvicultor showed strong avoidance of human impacts. The findings underscore the need for robust park management to protect this unique duiker community in West Africa.
Paraty and Ilha Grande – Culture and Biodiversity
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A differentiated education model implemented in Caiçara communities of Paraty, Brazil, demonstrates potential to enhance community-based tourism by fostering autonomy and belonging. The initiative, launched in 2016, adapts middle school curricula to local realities while addressing the communities' shift toward sustainable tourism development. Through semi-structured interviews, bibliographic research, and event participation, the study reveals that such education can contribute to organizing tourism in ways that prioritize community empowerment. This approach offers a blueprint for integrating educational innovation with ecological and cultural preservation in UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
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A comprehensive digital database of the geologic map of the middle East Rift Zone (MERZ) geothermal subzone, Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, reveals the distribution and characteristics of 34 late Holocene eruptions over approximately 27 square kilometers. The study provides a detailed framework for understanding lava flow patterns, vent locations, and their relationship to topographic features, with lava flows typically directed northeast or southeast based on vent positioning relative to the rift zone's crest. The database, prepared using ArcGIS and Esri shapefiles, integrates radiocarbon dating, stratigraphic relations, weathering observations, soil development, and vegetative cover to assign numerical ages to rock groups. This resource supports further research into the volcanic processes and geothermal activity of Kīlauea while also offering insights into the tropical rainforest ecosystem's interaction with volcanic terrain.
Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie with “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci
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A digital survey of Bramante's architectural masterpieces within the Church and Dominican Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie reveals the potential for advanced documentation and virtual reconstruction. The study, focusing on areas such as the Chiostro delle Rane, Old Sacristy, and Chiostro del Priore, employs evolving survey techniques to capture both high-detail and simplified representations. This approach aims to balance thoroughness with efficiency, addressing challenges in documenting complex heritage sites. The research also explores comparisons with other Bramante works and the creation of virtual environments, offering insights into preservation and dissemination strategies for cultural heritage.
Memorial sites of the Genocide: Nyamata, Murambi, Gisozi and Bisesero
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A study of the Nyamata Genocide Memorial in Rwanda reveals that the concept of 'agaciro' or dignity, central to Rwandan nation-building, is both a powerful material practice and an uncertain principle. The research examines how preservation efforts at the memorial reflect the state's commitment to dignifying genocide victims' remains, which is intricately linked to restoring dignity for living Rwandans and shaping national identity. Through an analysis of a joint Rwandan-American preservation initiative, the study traces historical and contemporary manifestations of this complex relationship, highlighting its implications for the post-genocide nation's engagement with its defining moment.
Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto)
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A pilot project in Tramonti, Italy, demonstrates that transitioning from traditional low-growing vineyards to higher cultivation methods can effectively revive abandoned terraced landscapes while preserving their cultural heritage. The study, conducted within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Porto Venere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands, found that adopting 'high' viticulture techniques—allowing for controlled mowing around root systems—can balance landscape requalification with the conservation of historical practices. This approach addresses the challenges posed by difficult environmental conditions while offering a sustainable solution to the abandonment of terraced vineyards. The project, led by La Spezia municipality and involving a 20-year concession to an association for maintenance and cultivation, presents a pragmatic alternative to the near-impossible preservation of traditional 'low' viticulture methods.
Virgin Komi Forests
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A new understanding of postfire pine stand dynamics in middle taiga ecosystems emerges from this study, revealing that both stepwise-different-aged and conditionally different-aged stands form under pyrogenic influence. The research demonstrates that while tree distribution is largely random, weak aggregation of young trees occurs at distances of 2–6 meters, with undergrowth and self-sowing exhibiting group distribution at smaller scales (1–2 meters). Notably, the study identifies a shift in crown space towards maximum solar radiation in thinned, high-age stands—a phenomenon absent in other pine forest types. Additionally, young trees show a 'convergence' effect due to snow pressure-induced trunk inclination, leading to denser crown distribution compared to their base positions. These findings were derived from detailed morphometric and spatial analyses of virgin monodominant pine communities with fire histories ranging from 5 to 130 years.
Mount Etna
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A dike intrusion during the December 2018 eruption of Mount Etna triggered the opening of eruptive fissures and activated shallow volcano-tectonic faults, including the Fiandaca Fault, which experienced the strongest seismic event (ML 4.8) on December 26. The study combines DInSAR measurements from Sentinel-1 satellite data with analytical modeling to reveal that fault activation was a response to deformations caused by magma injection. This finding sheds light on the complex interactions between magma intrusion and tectonic structures, offering insights into the dynamics of volcanic crises.
Chief Roi Mata’s Domain
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2019 —
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Cyclone Pam (2015) exposed both risks and opportunities for cultural heritage transmission at Chief Roi Mata’s Domain (CRMD), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vanuatu. The study reveals that while disasters often threaten tangible and intangible heritage, they can also catalyze its redefinition and renewal. By analyzing the disaster's impact through a 'disaster biography' framework, researchers found that repetitive natural hazards reshape cultural practices and heritage narratives, blending destruction with creative adaptation. This approach shifts focus from loss to opportunity, demonstrating how post-disaster cultural reworkings can preserve or transform heritage in dynamic ways.
Bauhaus and its Sites in Weimar, Dessau and Bernau
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2019 —
WHEF936B71CBB
Research by Immanuel Koh challenges traditional architectural design paradigms by demonstrating that iconic structures, including Walter Gropius's Bauhaus building and Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona Pavilion, can be digitally decomposed into discrete figure-and-ground cells. These cells, when reconfigured, retain the spatial features of the original designs without adhering to conventional object-field distinctions. Koh's approach leverages statistical digital patterns to generate new configurations, offering a novel perspective on architectural design and its future possibilities.
