Publications
Exploring the Link between Street Layout Centrality and Walkability for Sustainable Tourism in Historical Urban Areas
Research on the Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro reveals that street network design significantly influences tourist distribution, with areas exhibiting low betweenness centrality being less accessible despite high closeness centrality. This finding underscores the importance of integrating street layout considerations into urban planning for sustainable tourism in historical contexts. The study employed a two-phase approach: first, measuring tourist density in historical areas, and second, assessing street network centrality using spatial design network analysis (sDNA). These insights suggest that optimizing walkability through strategic urban layout can enhance social sustainability and visitor engagement in heritage sites.
Development and characterization of lime-based stucco for modern construction and restoration applications based on ancient stuccoes from the “El Cerrito” pyramid, Querétaro, Mexico
Researchers have successfully developed and characterized a new lime-based stucco formulation inspired by ancient techniques used in the 'El Cerrito' pyramid, Querétaro, Mexico. The study revealed that these historic stuccoes contain calcite, labradorite, quartz, volcanic lithics, and natural fibers, providing a unique chemical fingerprint. By analyzing the physical-chemical properties of two samples using SEM, EDS, ICP, and X-ray diffraction, the team replicated the ancient material's composition, incorporating calcium hydroxide, pozzolan (alunite-kaolinite), fine quartz sand, volcanic lithics, and nopal pad fibers. The new stucco demonstrates a pozzolanic effect, reacting with atmospheric CO2 to form calcite, making it suitable for both modern construction and archaeological restoration. A step-by-step methodology for its preparation and application was also documented.
Patrimonio cultural y componente natural. De la revalorización a la regeneración
A critical shift is needed in the conservation of Latin American historic centers, particularly in Mexico, where natural elements have been overshadowed by architectural heritage. This study challenges the conventional prioritization of built environments over natural spaces within UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Querétaro's Historic Monuments Zone. By analyzing archival documentation, cartography, and urban planning tools, researchers reveal that integrating natural components into patrimonial value frameworks can enhance sustainability in these preserved areas. The findings advocate for a revaluation of the relationship between urban development and natural landscapes, suggesting that pre-Hispanic and colonial-era ecological patterns hold potential for future sustainable regeneration strategies.
Assessing the sustainable development of the historic urban landscape through local indicators. Lessons from a Mexican World Heritage City
A novel methodology identifies 34 key development areas where synergies with heritage conservation can be leveraged, revealing incompatibilities across sectors and managerial levels. This approach demonstrates the potential of local indicators to bridge gaps between urban development factors and heritage conservation, supporting evidence-based policy-making and adaptive governance for sustainable urban heritage management. The study, using Querétaro, Mexico, as a case, advances the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG11 and SDG13) by providing operational tools to monitor progress and ensure coherence across strategic areas.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Historic Monuments Zone of Querétaro