Search Results (443)

With the rapid development of urbanization and tourism in China, increasing attention has been paid to the protection and utilization of historical and cultural heritage, while tourists’ demands for travel experiences have gradually shifted towards in-depth cultural perception. This paper selects Beijing Fayuan Temple Historic and Cultural District as the research case, and adopts methods such as the LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) topic model, collection and analysis of online text data, and field research to explore the current situation of pedestrian space in Fayuan Temple District and its optimization strategies from the perspective of tourists’ perception. The study found that the dimensions of tourists’ perception of the pedestrian space in Fayuan Temple District mainly include six aspects: historical buildings and relics, tour modes and transportation, natural landscapes and environment, historical figures and culture, residents’ life and activities, and tourists’ experiences and visits. By integrating online text data, questionnaire surveys, and on-site behavioral observations, the study constructed a “physical environment-cultural experience-behavioral network” three-dimensional IPA (Importance–Possession Analysis) evaluation model, and analyzed and evaluated the high-frequency perception elements in tourists’ spontaneous evaluations. Based on the current situation evaluation of the pedestrian space in Fayuan Temple District, this paper puts forward optimization strategies for the perception of pedestrian space from the aspects of block space, transportation usage, landscape ecology, digital technology, and cultural symbol translation. It aims to promote the high-quality development of historical blocks by improving and optimizing the pedestrian space, and achieve the dual goals of cultural inheritance and utilization of tourism resources. Full article

As sustainable tourism practices gain traction globally, immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have emerged as effective tools to enrich visitor experiences while supporting heritage site preservation. Particularly within built cultural environments, these technologies facilitate non-invasive interpretation of architectural spaces, enabling sustainable interaction with fragile historical structures. Despite growing scholarly attention, existing research has primarily focused on the pre-adoption phase or the technical affordances of AR/VR, with limited understanding of user behavior in the post-adoption phase. To address this gap, this study integrates the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) with the experiential attributes of AR/VR-enabled heritage applications, proposing an integrated theoretical model to identify key determinants of tourists’ continuance intention. Based on 434 valid survey responses collected at the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), the results reveal that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, satisfaction, and confirmation directly influence continuance intention, while visual appeal, entertainment, enjoyment, interactivity and confirmation exert indirect effects through mediating mechanisms. The findings contribute theoretically by extending ECM to the heritage tourism domain and empirically by providing robust evidence from a high-profile non-Western site. Practically, this study offers actionable implications for designing immersive experiences that enhance post-visit continuance intention and align with broader sustainability objectives. Full article

This article explores a participatory and Geomedia-based approach to urban planning through the concept of place design. Place design as an approach emphasises the integration of collective knowledge, sociocultural values, and digital representation into planning processes. The integration of Geomedia studies further enriches this approach by examining how media technologies influence spatial experiences, representations, and power relations. By introducing place design as a transformative and participatory approach, physical, digital, and social dimensions of place bridge heritage and future aspirations. Through case studies from Kristinehamn, Sunne, and Sysslebäck in Sweden, the article examines methods for in-depth interviewing, capturing diverse representations. The article advocates for a participatory planning approach, establishing the groundwork for more democratic, inclusive, and context-aware development. It concludes by urging urban planners to adopt working methods that respond to the complexity of place, people and technology, promote new ways of thinking and working with design, and make a clear shift from planning for places to designing with people and places. Full article

As a vital carrier of China’s intangible cultural heritage, restoring damaged embroidery fabrics is essential for the sustainable preservation of cultural relics. However, existing methods face persistent challenges, such as mask pattern mismatches and restoration size constraints. To address these gaps, this study proposes an embroidery image restoration framework based on enhanced generative adversarial networks (GANs). Specifically, the framework integrates a U-Net generator with a multi-scale discriminator augmented by an attention mechanism and dual-path residual blocks to significantly enhance texture generation. Furthermore, fabric damage was classified into three categories (hole-shaped, crease-shaped, and block-shaped), with complex patterns simulated through dynamic randomization. Grid-based overlapping segmentation and pixel fusion techniques enable arbitrary-dimensional restoration. Quantitative evaluations demonstrated exceptional performance in complex texture restoration, achieving a structural similarity index (SSIM) of 0.969 and a peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 32.182 dB. Complementarily, eye-tracking experiments revealed no persistent visual fixation clusters in the restored regions, confirming perceptual reliability. This approach establishes an efficient digital conservation pathway that promotes resource-efficient and sustainable heritage conservation. Full article

With the deepening integration of cultural heritage preservation and tourism, the application of intelligent and digital technologies in industrial heritage tourism has increasingly become a research focus for promoting cultural sustainability. This study takes the Wuhan Iron and Steel Company industrial heritage in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, as the research object. Based on the UTAUT2 model, a structural equation model was constructed to examine the factors influencing users’ behavioral intention, with technology anxiety introduced as an additional variable to explore the acceptance mechanism of intelligent and digital tourism platforms for industrial heritage. Through path analysis and mediation effect testing, the study proposes a platform design strategy of “technological adaptation–emotional resonance–behavioral guidance,” develops the platform interface design, and conducts a multidimensional evaluation using the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to verify its feasibility. The findings not only extend the applicability of the UTAUT2 model in the field of cultural heritage tourism at the theoretical level, but also provide practical pathways for optimizing user experience and guiding functional iteration of industrial heritage tourism platforms. Moreover, the study offers practical support for the revitalization, digital inheritance, and sustainable preservation of industrial cultural heritage, thereby fostering the integrated development of cultural value, social value, and the tourism industry. Full article

Applying embodied cognition theory is essential for the conservation and revitalization of architectural heritage. This paper examines how embodied cognition, architectural design, and local historical resources impact the conservation and revitalization of architectural heritage. Analysis of 435 valid questionnaires through structural equation modeling reveals that embodied experience, immersive environments, architectural atmosphere, and the utilization of historical resourceSSs play critical roles in the conservation and revitalization of heritage, with the utilization of historical resources having the most significant effect. This research demonstrates that embodied cognition theory can effectively integrate historical heritage resources by promoting multi-sensory engagement and spatial experience, facilitating the sustainable use and regeneration of architectural heritage. Based on these findings, the paper further discusses the potential and strategies for applying embodied cognition in the conservation and revitalization of historical heritage resources. Full article

This article proposes a comparative framework for interpreting architectural and armorial artefacts through morphological and symbolic analysis. Focusing on the Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance periods, the study explores how buildings and body armour—though differing in scale and function—encode similar cultural values related to protection, identity, and representation. Rather than seeking direct historical transmission, the research reveals convergent design logics shaped by shared symbolic imperatives. Methodologically, the article combines typological comparison with embodied heritage practices. These include experimental reconstruction, traditional stone carving, and field-based conservation conducted through the Ambulance for Monuments (Ambulanța pentru Monumente) programme. Such experiences support a situated understanding of proportion, articulation, and material behaviour in both architecture and armour. By repositioning historical armour as a culturally meaningful artefact rooted in craft knowledge and symbolic logic, the study contributes to current debates in heritage science. It argues for the inclusion of martial objects within broader frameworks of heritage interpretation. The findings highlight how architecture and armour function as co-expressive elements of a shared design culture, offering new insights for research, conservation, and the communication of historical meaning. Full article

This paper focuses on the study of the famous royal purple dye. It aims to present a holistic approach by researching historical evidence, both for its use and its production, to highlight the importance of the dye within the Greek area. As a substantial part of information concerning the dyeing procedure of purple dye has been lost during the ages, it is crucial to establish points of documentation and identification. The latter can be achieved through chemical analysis, but as this dye is found on precious’s cultural heritage items, which cannot always be sampled, a non-destructive approach should be considered as more appropriate. At first, the history of the dye purple is presented within the Greek area. Then, samples of purple dye are created based on traditional recipes from the Greek area, in order to compose a profile with the characteristics of purple using non-destructive and imaging techniques, thus emphasizing the importance of applying these techniques for the study of dyes on textiles. The results of the experiments show differences in behavior between the pure gland and the dyed samples, as well as the intensity of the color depending on the dyeing procedure. Full article

This study explores the dual functionality of cadmium-based pigments (CdS, CdSe, and CdS_1−xSe_x solid solutions) as historical colorants and visible-light photocatalysts. Synthesized pigments here replicated hues of traditional cadmium reds. At the same time, their photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated using model dyes, such as indigo carmine (anionic) and fuchsine (cationic), as a representative of heritage materials. Structural and optical characterization confirmed tunable bandgaps (1.63–2.28 eV) and phase-dependent microstructures, with CdS_1−xSe_x composites exhibiting compositional heterogeneity. Photocatalytic tests revealed specific degradation mechanisms. Indigo carmine degradation was dominated by superoxide radicals (O₂^•−), while fuchsine degradation relied on photogenerated electrons (e′). Scavenger experiments highlighted the synergistic role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and charge carriers, with CdS and CdSe showing the highest activity. Intermediate composites displayed selective reactivity, suggesting trade-offs between phase homogeneity and surface interactions. Reduced photocatalytic efficiency in composites aligns with cultural heritage needs, where pigment stability under light exposure is critical. This work bridges material science and conservation, demonstrating how the compositional tuning of CdS_1−xSe_x can balance color fidelity, photocatalytic activity, and longevity in art preservation. Full article

The integration of sustainability competences into education presents significant challenges, particularly in embedding Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) into contextually relevant learning experiences. This study presents the design and validation of the Art Nouveau Path, a Mobile Augmented Reality Game (MARG) developed within the EduCITY ecosystem to foster competences, such as sustainability values, systems thinking, and future literacy. Grounded in the GreenComp framework and employing a Design-based Research (DBR) approach, the intervention was validated with 33 in-service teachers through a simulation-based workshop and a curricular review and complemented by a diagnostic questionnaire was administered to 221 students. This questionnaire (S1-PRE) provided the baseline data on sustainability awareness, digital readiness, and heritage-related learning interest. The teachers confirmed the MARG’s curricular adequacy value and interdisciplinary potential, while the students’ diagnostics revealed mixed conceptions; although 73.30% considered sustainability competences important, only 61.10% expressed interest in learning more about them. Also, 72.40% showed interest in learning about sustainability through local Art Nouveau heritage, and 79.60% considered the theme attractive, indicating potential for emotional and cognitive engagement. The Art Nouveau Path provides an exploratory and replicable model of curriculum-integrated ESD, connecting cultural heritage with competence-based learning for the operationalization of the GreenComp framework in support of SDG 4.7. Full article

Automated landmark recognition represents a cornerstone technology for advancing smart tourism systems, cultural heritage documentation, and enhanced visitor experiences. Contemporary deep learning methodologies have substantially transformed the accuracy and computational efficiency of destination classification tasks. Addressing critical gaps in existing approaches, we introduce an enhanced Samarkand_v2 dataset encompassing twelve distinct historical landmark categories with comprehensive environmental variability. Our methodology incorporates a systematic multi-threshold pixel intensification strategy, applying graduated enhancement transformations at intensity levels of 100, 150, and 225 to accentuate diverse architectural characteristics spanning from fine-grained textural elements to prominent reflective components. Four independent YOLO11 architectures were trained using original imagery alongside systematically enhanced variants, with optimal epoch preservation based on validation performance criteria. A key innovation lies in our intelligent selective ensemble mechanism that conducts exhaustive evaluation of model combinations, identifying optimal configurations through data-driven selection rather than conventional uniform weighting schemes. Experimental validation demonstrates substantial performance gains over established baseline architectures and traditional ensemble approaches, achieving exceptional metrics: 99.24% accuracy, 99.36% precision, 99.40% recall, and 99.36% F1-score. Rigorous statistical analysis via paired t-tests validates the significance of enhancement strategies, particularly demonstrating effectiveness of lower-threshold transformations in capturing architectural nuances. The framework exhibits remarkable resilience across challenging conditions including illumination variations, structural occlusions, and inter-class architectural similarities. These achievements establish the methodology’s substantial potential for practical smart tourism deployment, automated heritage preservation initiatives, and real-time mobile landmark recognition systems, contributing significantly to the advancement of intelligent tourism technologies. Full article

This study explored the Erasmus+ project ’H2OMap: Innovative Learning by Hydraulic Heritage Mapping’, integrating environmental awareness and cultural heritage into secondary education through interdisciplinary, ICT, and STEM-based approaches. Focused on water-related heritage in the Mediterranean, the study pursued three aims: integrate ICT-supported participatory mapping bridging history/geography subjects with digital innovation; identify learning benefits and implementation conditions; and generate transferable outputs and datasets for classroom reuse. Intellectual outputs include a methodological guide, an e-learning course, and an educational multiplatform comprising a mobile mapping app for in situ geocataloguing, an online database, and a geoportal with interactive StoryMaps. Evidence came from classroom testing across age groups, teacher feedback from the e-learning course, student mobilities in Spain, Italy, and Portugal, and platform usage records. More than 390 students and teachers participated, documenting over 100 hydraulic heritage elements. Additionally, dissemination through nine multiplier events and conferences reached over 550 external attendees. Findings show increased student engagement and ICT/GIS skills, clearer cross-curricular integration, and a replicable open workflow supported by structured coordination that strengthens school–university partnerships. Learner experience emphasised hands-on, place-based exploration and collaborative documentation of water heritage. Recommendations include using open geospatial standards, providing teacher training, and maintaining geoportals for classroom reuse. Full article

Against the backdrop of rapid digitization of cultural heritage, assessing the public’s genuine perception of digital heritage has become a critical issue in the study of cultural sustainability and communication. This study takes the “Digital Dunhuang Museum” exhibition in Guangzhou as a case, focusing on the differences and underlying mechanisms in public aesthetic perception of digital Dunhuang murals. Integrating eye-tracking experiments, subjective image evaluations, and semi-structured interviews, the research innovatively introduces multimodal visual behaviour and physiological data as core indicators in the field of digital cultural heritage. It systematically compares the explicit attitudes and implicit responses of audiences with different artistic backgrounds during the aesthetic perception process. The results reveal that participants with an art-related background show significantly higher scores in subjective dimensions such as pleasure, attraction, and visiting intention. They also demonstrate stronger visual engagement and emotional arousal in physiological dimensions, including the number of fixations, total fixation duration, and pupil diameter changes. This study constructs a mechanism of aesthetic perception for digital cultural heritage based on “visual attention–cognitive processing–emotional arousal”, enriching the public’s understanding of digital cultural heritage conservation and communication from both cognitive and emotional perspectives. The findings provide empirical support for the design of digital exhibitions of cultural heritage and expand the methodological and cognitive approaches in cultural sustainability research, offering important theoretical and practical implications. Full article

Immersive technologies are increasingly acknowledged as powerful tools in sustainability education, capable of fostering deeper engagement and emotional resonance. This study investigates the potential of 360° VR storytelling to enhance learning through embodied knowledge, attitudinal change, and emotional awareness. Conducted within the EMOTIONAL project, the research explores a first-person narrative told from the perspective of a ceramic object rooted in Italian cultural heritage, designed to facilitate meaningful, affective learning. The present study addresses the following research questions: RQ1 Can 360° VR story-living narrations effectively promote embodied learning and semantic and attitudinal shifts in the context of sustainability education? RQ2 What added insights can be gained from integrating subjective assessments with physiological measures? To this end, a hybrid assessment framework was developed and validated, combining subjective self-report tools (including attitudinal scales, semantic differential analysis, and engagement metrics) with objective physiological measures, specifically Electrodermal Activity (EDA). Sixty participants, including students and entrepreneurs, experienced the immersive narrative, and a subset underwent physiological tracking to evaluate the effectiveness of the experience. The findings show that immersive storytelling can enhance emotional and cognitive engagement, producing shifts in semantic interpretation, self-perceived knowledge, and attitudes toward material culture. A convergence of high emotional engagement, embodied learning, and technology acceptance was observed, although individual differences emerged based on prior experience and disciplinary background. EDA data offered complementary insights, identifying specific moments of heightened arousal during the narrative. The study demonstrates that emotionally driven immersive narratives (supported by integrated assessment methods) can make abstract sustainability values more tangible and personally resonant, thereby fostering more reflective and relational approaches to sustainable consumption and production. Full article

LexTALE has emerged as a popular measure of language proficiency in research studies. While it has been widely validated for L2 learners across multiple languages, its applicability to heritage language learners (HLLs)—who often show distinct language development from L2ers—has not been established. Here, we evaluate the Spanish version of LexTALE (LexTALE-Esp) as a predictor of writing proficiency among college-aged HLLs in the United States. We show that LexTALE-Esp scores significantly correlate with ACTFL-rated functional writing levels and outperform self-assessment as a predictor of proficiency. Our results suggest that, despite concerns about HLLs’ limited experience with written texts in the heritage language, vocabulary-based tasks capture core aspects of written language ability. These findings indicate that vocabulary-based tests like LexTALE-Esp capture proficiency-relevant lexical knowledge across speaker profiles and may tap into dimensions of both core and extended language competence. Full article