Publications
From Mining to Tourism: Assessing the Destination’s Image, as Revealed by Travel-Oriented Social Networks
User-generated content on travel platforms significantly influences the perceived image of post-mining tourist destinations, offering valuable insights for shaping tourism development strategies. This study analyzes data from Google Maps and TripAdvisor to assess the destination's image, focusing on three former mining regions: Jiu Valley and Ștei in Romania, and La Louvière in Belgium. The research reveals that travellers' content can highlight both strengths—such as natural settings or well-preserved industrial heritage—and areas needing improvement, such as perceptions of decay. By treating travellers as key stakeholders, this approach provides actionable recommendations for enhancing the attractiveness and sustainability of post-mining tourism destinations.
« Rupture » : surréalisme révolutionnaire 1935
A groundbreaking analysis reveals the pivotal role of La Louvière, Belgium, as the epicenter for the revolutionary surrealist group 'Rupture' (1934–1937), challenging conventional narratives about its formation and influence. The study employs geocritical methodology to demonstrate how the group's strategic localization in this UNESCO-listed industrial site—home to the Four Lifts on the Canal du Centre—fueled its radical artistic and political endeavors, including the launch of the avant-garde journal Mauvais Temps (1935) and the groundbreaking 1935 International Surrealist Exhibition. By integrating socio-historical, political, and literary frameworks, the research uncovers how Rupture's brief but transformative existence was deeply intertwined with post-war Belgium's cultural upheaval, offering new perspectives on surrealism's roots in industrial landscapes.
Un siècle d'histoire des cercles et des groupes artistiques dans le Hainaut belge (1884-1984)
Over a century, the Walloon province of Hainaut in Belgium witnessed the flourishing of numerous artist societies, marking a significant chapter in regional artistic history. This study reveals that these groups emerged in waves, starting with early 19th-century circles in Tournai, Mons, and La Louvière, followed by an expansion during the interwar period, particularly in Charleroi and Châtelet. Post-1945, the landscape diversified further, with groups reflecting varied ideologies, techniques, and esthetic movements, from collective heritage preservation (Cuesmes 68) to individualism (Hainaut 5) and protest art (Maka). The research synthesizes this historical trajectory, highlighting how these societies shaped regional taste and contributed to the formation of a distinct artistic patrimony. Methodologically, it employs archival analysis and historical documentation to trace the evolution of these groups from 1884 to 1984.
Detection of Buried Mine Shafts by Ground Conductivity Mapping - Two Examples from the Walloon Coalfield (Belgium)
Ground conductivity mapping effectively detects buried mine shafts, offering precise relocation and uncovering previously unknown shafts. This method proved highly successful in two Walloon coalfield sites (Sambreville and La Louvière), with results varying based on local geology and shaft abandonment conditions—backfilled or unbackfilled shafts. The study highlights its potential for future development projects, marking a significant advancement in using geophysical surveys to mitigate post-mining hazards and geotechnical risks in the region.
The Impact of User Participation Methods on E-Government Projects: The Case of La Louvière, Belgium
User participation methods significantly enhance e-government projects by addressing stakeholder challenges and delivering tangible benefits, as demonstrated in the case of La Louvière, Belgium. The study found that integrating citizen and business involvement through participatory approaches improved project outcomes, leading to more innovative and locally embedded solutions. It also highlighted key differences between traditional e-government models and smart city paradigms, emphasizing how participation methods can bridge governance gaps. The research employed a one-year action research approach, providing practical insights for practitioners while proposing an enhanced e-government implementation process that prioritizes stakeholder engagement.
From one shore to the other: Baume & Marpent’s Egyptian bridges
Baume & Marpent's Egyptian bridges, constructed between 1894 and 1909, represent a significant advancement in bridge engineering, particularly for railway infrastructure. These structures showcased innovative techniques such as the use of compressed air for piling sinking and metal deck designs that were later replicated globally, including in China and Brazil. The research highlights their technical prowess, demonstrated through detailed plans and elevations, which were ahead of their time. By analyzing historical documents and engineering drawings from the Baume & Marpent collection, the study underscores their contribution to global bridge construction, bridging gaps not just physically but also in technological exchange between regions.
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