Publications
St Laurence's at Bradford-on-Avon, St Michael's at Hildesheim and the Use of Squares in their Planning
Two early 11th-century churches, St Laurence's at Bradford-on-Avon and St Michael's at Hildesheim, employ squares in their architectural planning but with distinct approaches. St Laurence's dimensions are uniformly tied to two key lengths, while St Michael's west transept comprises three equal squares. The study proposes a novel explanation for the nave's unequal sections, challenging prior interpretations. This analysis underscores St Michael's potential as an early Romanesque prototype, bridging geometric precision and stylistic evolution.
St Michael's Church in Hildesheim – a Magic Machine
St. Michael's Church in Hildesheim, founded by Bishop Bernward in the early 11th century, represents an extraordinary 'magic machine' designed to secure his eternal redemption through a meticulously arranged system of sacred objects and relics, including his own body post-mortem. This study reveals how Bernward's ambitious vision, though initially faltering after his death, persisted due to its inherent power, as evidenced by ongoing restorations and reconstructions. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recent times, the church now embodies global cultural significance, transitioning from religious to broader symbolic importance. The research explores the historical context, architectural innovations, and the enduring legacy of Bernward's design, highlighting its unique blend of spiritual intent and material craftsmanship.
Young People’s Perceptions of World Cultural Heritage: Suggestions for a Critical and Reflexive World Heritage Education
A qualitative study of 43 German secondary school students aged 14–17 revealed Eurocentric biases in their perceptions of World Cultural Heritage (WCH), highlighting imbalanced global recognition. Using focus groups and hermeneutic photography, researchers explored both universal and personal values attached to WCH, including a site visit to St Mary's Cathedral and St Michael's Church at Hildesheim. The findings underscore the need for critical and reflexive education approaches that foster sustainability literacy, empowering young people to engage more thoughtfully with cultural heritage beyond Western-centric narratives.
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