Research

18 pages, 9483 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Design for Geotourism Interpretation Centres: Enhancing the Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark Project Experience

by Gilda Rubira-Gómez, Jenifer Malavé-Hernández, María Jaya-Montalvo, Jimmy Candell-Soto, Jhon Caicedo-Potosí, Bethy Merchán-Sanmartín, Maribel Aguilar-Aguilar and Fernando Morante-Carballo

Heritage 2024, 7(1), 499-516; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7010024 - 20 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1444

Abstract

Geosites represent important elements of geoheritage for promoting geotourism sustainable practices aimed at education and conservation. The Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark Project has several locations with geological, cultural and historical richness and the potential for geosites and tourist development. However, these places lack [...] Read more.

Geosites represent important elements of geoheritage for promoting geotourism sustainable practices aimed at education and conservation. The Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark Project has several locations with geological, cultural and historical richness and the potential for geosites and tourist development. However, these places lack infrastructures that improves tourist reception and local geoeducation. In this study, Geotourism Interpretation Centres (GICs) were designed using sustainable and architectural criteria to improve geoeducation and geotourism in geosites of the Santa Elena Peninsula Geopark Project. The work included two stages: (i) selection of the geosites and (ii) design of the GICs. Four geosites were selected for the design: Barrio Ingles Ancon Parish, Manglaralto’s Coastal Aquifer, San Vicente Hot Springs, and San Rafael Mines. A GIC design adaptable to the four sites is proposed based on three zones: recreational–passive, services and cultural. The design prioritises sustainability, considering four criteria: political–economic, social, cultural and environmental. The proposal takes advantage of the area’s natural materials and the natural climatic conditions to offer a space that improves the geotourism experience in mimicry with the environment, promoting cultural roots and community benefit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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23 pages, 1474 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Transportation Networks on Heritage Tourism and New Urbanization—Empirical Research Based on Rich Heritage Sites in a Chinese Province

by Jie Yu, Bahodirhon Safarov, Changming Wang, Makhina Buzrukova and Bekzot Janzakov

Heritage 2023, 6(12), 7293-7315; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6120383 - 21 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1281

Abstract

Accelerating the construction of transportation networks has become an important bridge to promote the urbanization of heritage tourism destinations. Based on the development dilemma of tourism towns in northwestern China, this study collected the panel data of 10 cities in Shaanxi Province from [...] Read more.

Accelerating the construction of transportation networks has become an important bridge to promote the urbanization of heritage tourism destinations. Based on the development dilemma of tourism towns in northwestern China, this study collected the panel data of 10 cities in Shaanxi Province from 2006 to 2019 and used a panel error correction model to investigate the long-term and short-term relationships between heritage tourism and new urbanization. In addition, this paper establishes a regression model of the transportation network’s regulatory effect, revealing the extent of the impact of the transportation network on heritage tourism and new urbanization. The results show that (1) in the short term, the influence of heritage tourism on new urbanization is not remarkable, but in the long term, heritage tourism plays a positive role in facilitating new urbanization; (2) the short-term contribution elasticity of new urbanization to heritage tourism is less than that in the long term; (3) the regulatory effect of the transportation network rectifies the deviation caused by overdeveloped urbanization to moderate development in heritage tourism destinations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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15 pages, 15091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structured-Light 3D Scanning as a Tool for Creating a Digital Collection of Modern and Fossil Cetacean Skeletons (Natural History Museum, University of Pisa)

by Marco Merella, Simone Farina, Patrizia Scaglia, Gaia Caneve, Giada Bernardini, Alice Pieri, Alberto Collareta and Giovanni Bianucci

Heritage 2023, 6(10), 6762-6776; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6100353 - 13 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3402

Abstract

The Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa hosts one of the most important osteological collections of cetaceans all over Europe, as well as a conspicuous paleontological collection, including several holotypes of Archaeoceti (archaic whales), Mysticeti (baleen whales), and Odontoceti (toothed whales). [...] Read more.

The Natural History Museum of the University of Pisa hosts one of the most important osteological collections of cetaceans all over Europe, as well as a conspicuous paleontological collection, including several holotypes of Archaeoceti (archaic whales), Mysticeti (baleen whales), and Odontoceti (toothed whales). In order to valorize these collections, we used 3D technologies to digitize the most relevant specimens, create an online archive, and make the resulting models accessible and shareable with the broadest audience possible through social media profiles and internet browsers. Tens of specimens were surface-scanned using a structured-light scanner, and the resulting 3D models were processed for post-production through the 3D software Blender whenever necessary. All the 3D scans were then gathered in the online repository Sketchfab, which was chosen for its user-friendly interface and common usage among museum institutions. The result is a web page that hosts 35 surface scans of extant and extinct cetacean specimens. This Sketchfab account was linked to the social media (Facebook and Instagram) profiles of the MSNUP to increase the visibility of the museum and promote the dissemination of its outstanding collections of modern and fossil cetaceans. The preliminary results of such an effort are encouraging in terms of views and online interactions. Hopefully, this effort of digitization and online archiving will soon extend to other vertebrate collections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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18 pages, 8938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Micro-Museum Quarter as an Approach in the Culture-Led Urban Regeneration of Small Shrinking Historic Cities: The Case of Sombor, Serbia

by Branislav Antonić, Aleksandra Djukić and Jelena Marić

Heritage 2023, 6(10), 6616-6633; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6100346 - 04 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1436

Abstract

Demographic and economic shrinkage has become a common trend in the current urbanisation environment, especially for small cities in developed countries. The desired socio-economic redevelopment of these cities has been significantly affected by the functional, organisational, financial, and professional constraints caused by both [...] Read more.

Demographic and economic shrinkage has become a common trend in the current urbanisation environment, especially for small cities in developed countries. The desired socio-economic redevelopment of these cities has been significantly affected by the functional, organisational, financial, and professional constraints caused by both shrinkage and city size. Paradoxically, this slow development has enabled better preservation of their historic cores, urban heritage, and traditional culture. Nevertheless, the aforementioned local constraints have a profound impact on sustainable urban regeneration, and successful examples are still quite rare. This research presents an inspiring case—a small museum quarter in Sombor, Serbia. Museum quarters are a relatively new concept in culture-led urban regeneration; all known examples are located in big cities. Hence, this research tries to create an innovative methodological link between two theoretical fundaments: the role of cultural heritage in shrinking small cities and its expression through a museum quarter as one of the concepts of culture-led urban regeneration. An analytical framework for the aforementioned single case study is derived by forming this link. The main findings underline that the museum quarters in shrinking small cities should be developed in a micro-format to rationally address and the limited local resources. Furthermore, in contrast to museum quarters in big cities, they should be physically detached from the main retail street to enhance their separate identity and should be internally balanced in both spatial and functional aspects, meaning that the key museum/cultural institutions are equally dispersed throughout the quarter and clearly interconnected by a pedestrian-friendly open public space. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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20 pages, 1159 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Media as Lieux for the Convergence of Collective Trajectories of Holocaust Memory—A Study of Online Users in Germany and Italy

by Stefania Manca and Marcello Passarelli

Heritage 2023, 6(9), 6377-6396; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6090334 - 15 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1256

Abstract

By articulating a shared victimhood or guilt or responsibility, memorial museums are designed as ethical projects that encourage visitors to learn from the past to build a “better future”. In contemporary Europe, Holocaust memorials and museums constitute a trajectory of remembrance about public [...] Read more.

By articulating a shared victimhood or guilt or responsibility, memorial museums are designed as ethical projects that encourage visitors to learn from the past to build a “better future”. In contemporary Europe, Holocaust memorials and museums constitute a trajectory of remembrance about public Holocaust memory that consolidates political legitimacy and articulates national narratives of the legacy of WWII. In parallel, increasing adoption and spread of digital technologies have resulted in a convergence and a globalisation of themes and user interests associated with Holocaust memory. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perspectives and interests of users of the social media profiles of a group of Holocaust museums and memorials in Germany and Italy. Using a primarily quantitative approach, the study sought to understand the motivations, interests, and online activities of users of nine Holocaust museums and memorials. While national narratives regarding public policy continue to diverge in the two countries, users express a convergence of interests and motivations when using these social media profiles. This dual venture of Holocaust memory is a complex yet powerful example of how the globalisation of digital media is playing an increasingly significant role in European contemporary society. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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13 pages, 1517 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowing Is Better than Wondering: The Cataloging of Natural Heritage between Museum Studies and Crime

by Annarita Franza, Federica Scali, Luciano Garofano and Giovanni Pratesi

Heritage 2023, 6(8), 5805-5817; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6080305 - 09 Aug 2023

Viewed by 889

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the role of natural heritage cataloging when criminal events challenge natural history museums. This study investigates the rhino horn thefts in Italian natural history museums from 2011 to 2015 to provide a comprehensive framework for these robberies while [...] Read more.

This paper aims to analyze the role of natural heritage cataloging when criminal events challenge natural history museums. This study investigates the rhino horn thefts in Italian natural history museums from 2011 to 2015 to provide a comprehensive framework for these robberies while highlighting the weaknesses and strengths to prevent thefts and safeguard both rhino horns and natural history collections from future targeting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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37 pages, 5660 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Communication Challenge in Archaeological Museums in Puglia: Insights into the Contribution of Social Media and ICTs to Small-Scale Institutions

by Antonella Lerario

Heritage 2023, 6(7), 4956-4992; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6070264 - 25 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1299

Abstract

Archaeological museums play a vital role in regions with ancient roots, holding a millennial image as the cradle of civilization. In the South of Italy (former “Magna Graecia”) and particularly in Puglia—a melting pot of cultures where ancient Messapian, Byzantine, Roman, and Greek [...] Read more.

Archaeological museums play a vital role in regions with ancient roots, holding a millennial image as the cradle of civilization. In the South of Italy (former “Magna Graecia”) and particularly in Puglia—a melting pot of cultures where ancient Messapian, Byzantine, Roman, and Greek civilizations followed one another in ages, bequeathing a wealth of testimonies—institutions are disseminated across the region, and almost every small municipality has its own archaeological museum hosting a wealth of valuable objects and remains. The gradual structural changes in the role of museums over the last decades and the recent COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, with the sudden closing and subsequent re-opening of facilities, forced institutions to re-think and re-develop their communication practices everywhere. Museums across the world have since been conceiving original and effective strategies based on social media and ICTs. After framing the problem background, the article introduces an overview of good practice and virtuous examples in the museum field and a questionnaire-based focus survey on a sample of archaeological museums in Puglia in order to assess the status of local communication strategies’ implementation against the potential of modern technologies. The survey results allowed identifying a peculiar mix of “emergency” and evolutional approaches in the sample analyzed, main concerns and barriers to the adoption of digital strategies, but also specific strategic drivers for innovation in the very nature of local small institutions. The study’s outcomes offer a potential contribution to the alignment of institutions to current standards through informed policies that can be usefully shared in other similar contexts across Europe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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15 pages, 3374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ontology and Software Tools for the Formalization of the Visualisation of Cultural Heritage Knowledge Graphs

by Javier Sevilla, Jose Javier Samper, Marcos Fernández and Arabella León

Heritage 2023, 6(6), 4722-4736; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6060251 - 08 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1184

Abstract

Over the last decade, several projects have been developed to digitise and semanticise cultural heritage data. They have been developed to preserve and maintain this heritage, but also to make it accessible to all types of users and to other sectors such as [...] Read more.

Over the last decade, several projects have been developed to digitise and semanticise cultural heritage data. They have been developed to preserve and maintain this heritage, but also to make it accessible to all types of users and to other sectors such as tourism and education. These developments combine the use of knowledge graphs and interactive visualisation tools with web technologies. Although remarkably interesting projects have been developed, the data visualisation tools in these projects tend to focus on the project context. Consequently, it is difficult to reuse the results of these projects. In addition, there are characteristics of cultural heritage information, such as uncertainty and spatial and temporal granularity, that have not been considered, and how to deal with them has not been described. The same is true for other aspects, such as the relationships between different objects. Considering these problems, this study presents a model that formalises how to visualise this information. The design of an ontology that implements this model, based on other works such as VUMO or VISO, is described. Furthermore, the design and development of a software framework that allows the visualisation of this information through a web application are presented. The evaluation of the application of this framework in projects such as SILKNOW or Arxiu Valencià del Disseny is outlined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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21 pages, 981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studying COVID-19 Impacts on Culture: The Case of Public Museums in Greece

by Areti Kasiola and Theodore Metaxas

Heritage 2023, 6(6), 4671-4691; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6060248 - 06 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1638

Abstract

During the last three years, COVID-19 has had a huge impact on both tourism and culture globally. The function of every kind of cultural activity was inhibited due to curfews in all public spaces, including museums, galleries, monuments, and archeological sites, which were [...] Read more.

During the last three years, COVID-19 has had a huge impact on both tourism and culture globally. The function of every kind of cultural activity was inhibited due to curfews in all public spaces, including museums, galleries, monuments, and archeological sites, which were forced to interrupt their operation due to the restrictions that were implemented for the protection of public health. In many cases, also in Greece, museums or archeological sites employed the use of digital systems and social media, always carefully abiding by all the security measures. This study aims to investigate the impacts of COVID-19 on public museums in Greece and to pursue possible opportunities in order to improve the museums’ extroversion through the application of new strategies based on ‘New Technologies’. This is achieved through a qualitative methodology with the use of 17 semi-structured interviews to executives of Greek public museums, in order to examine the situation through various aspects, which will reinforce the sustainability of Greece’s cultural domain and its acceptance on the cultural sector. The analysis of data revealed both positive and negative results in this form of investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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22 pages, 9867 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Geomechanical Classification Systems in a Tourist Mine for Establishing Strategies within 3G’s Model

by Maribel Aguilar-Aguilar, María Jaya-Montalvo, Oscar Loor-Oporto, Héctor Andrade-Ríos, Fernando Morante-Carballo and Paúl Carrión-Mero

Heritage 2023, 6(6), 4618-4639; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6060245 - 06 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1455

Abstract

Stability problems in rock masses are one of the main causes of subsidence events in underground mining areas. Zaruma, in the South of Ecuador, is characterised by mineral wealth, in which 65% of the population depends directly on artisanal mining activity. However, mineral [...] Read more.

Stability problems in rock masses are one of the main causes of subsidence events in underground mining areas. Zaruma, in the South of Ecuador, is characterised by mineral wealth, in which 65% of the population depends directly on artisanal mining activity. However, mineral extraction, without technical considerations and in many cases illegal, has negatively impacted the stability of tunnels generated under the city’s urban area, reporting subsidence events in recent years. The aim of this study is to geomechanically characterise the main gallery of the tourist mine “El Sexmo” using two classic methods of geomechanical classification for the configuration of a model that complies with the 3G’s (geotourism, geoconservation, and geoeducation) and supports the culture of sustainability in all areas of the sector. The methodology consists of (i) a field study design, (ii) a geological–geomechanical survey of the rock mass of a tourist mine using rock mass rating (RMR) and the Q-Barton index, and (iii) establishing a 3G’s model for sustainable development. The results reveal that 100% of the rock mass of the tourist mine presents a rock quality classified as “Fair” (class III) by the RMR method, while, via the Q-Barton method, 92.9% of the rock mass obtains a “Poor” rating, except for station S05, rated “Very Poor”. Furthermore, the study proposes additional support measures for three specific stations based on Q-Barton assessments, including fibre-reinforced sprayed concrete and bolting and reinforced ribs of sprayed concrete, considering that the mine is more than 500 years old and maintains geological features for geoeducation in geotechnical mining. Technical and social problems demand an innovative strategy, which, in this work, focuses on the 3G’s model based on the quintuple innovation helix to develop sustainable underground geotourism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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13 pages, 4701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Historical Buildings and Monuments as Cultural Heritage In Situ—Perspectives from a Medium-Sized City

by Cristiana Vîlcea, Liliana Popescu and Amalia Niță

Heritage 2023, 6(6), 4514-4526; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6060239 - 27 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3979

Abstract

The research presents the results of a survey carried on in Craiova, one of the largest Romanian cities, which contains numerous buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some of which were reconsolidated and brought back to use, while others are [...] Read more.

The research presents the results of a survey carried on in Craiova, one of the largest Romanian cities, which contains numerous buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some of which were reconsolidated and brought back to use, while others are still decaying. The aim was to spatially investigate residents’ perceptions of the built heritage in the historical city center of Craiova based on questionnaires and mapping perceptions using the Emotional GIS (EGIS) methodology proposed by Wang (2021) and the extent to which this heritage could be a valuable asset for cultural tourism. The alteration of function as well as the context for part of the historical area of the city center testify to the musealization of the study area. The large number of buildings included on the heritage list outlines the characteristics of a living open-air museum, capitalizing on the heritage in situ. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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18 pages, 4093 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Roman Marble Collections in the Earth Sciences Museum of the University of Bari (Italy): A Valuable Heritage to Support Provenance Studies

by Giovanna Fioretti, Pasquale Acquafredda, Alessandro Monno, Vincenza Montenegro and Ruggero Francescangeli

Heritage 2023, 6(5), 4054-4071; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6050213 - 30 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1820

Abstract

The Earth Sciences Museum of the University of Bari (Italy) boasts the presence of a precious and complete nineteenth-century collection of white marbles and colored stones used by the Romans to embellish their buildings and, afterward, reuse in new buildings and artworks for [...] Read more.

The Earth Sciences Museum of the University of Bari (Italy) boasts the presence of a precious and complete nineteenth-century collection of white marbles and colored stones used by the Romans to embellish their buildings and, afterward, reuse in new buildings and artworks for their high symbolic and aesthetic value. This collection, arranged by Francesco and Filippo Belli, consists of 577 samples and a printed inventory and other documents, which allowed to reconstruct the history of the collection. Another collection of 29 marble samples was donated to the museum in 2010 by the Armenise family. Both collections represent a very useful reference tool in provenance studies for marble pieces at the archaeological and artistic sites and for samples of other collections. The systematic organization of these collections and their sharing among scholars, especially through the web network, is clearly essential. The work presented here focuses on the most recent discoveries about Belli’s collection, on the results of the identification of Armenise’s marbles and stones, and above all, on the actions undertaken in recent years in order to valorize this museum’s heritage. Specifically, both collections were reorganized following novel insights about lithotypes and the provenance of each sample, a detailed database including data on each sample was created, and a website reporting information and images of the two collections was built in order to guarantee the correct dissemination of data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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23 pages, 4884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Geo-Environmental Assessment of Tourist Development and Its Impact on Sustainability

by Fernando Morante-Carballo, Boris Apolo-Masache, Fred Taranto-Moreira, Bethy Merchán-Sanmartín, Lady Soto-Navarrete, Gricelda Herrera-Franco and Paúl Carrión-Mero

Heritage 2023, 6(3), 2863-2885; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6030153 - 09 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1999

Abstract

The evaluation of geosites is an essential part of conserving the geodiversity and biodiversity of an ecosystem, as well as safeguarding the cultural, geological, environmental, and landscape wealth that a highly recognized geographical area possesses. In this context, Guayaquil, the pearl of the [...] Read more.

The evaluation of geosites is an essential part of conserving the geodiversity and biodiversity of an ecosystem, as well as safeguarding the cultural, geological, environmental, and landscape wealth that a highly recognized geographical area possesses. In this context, Guayaquil, the pearl of the Pacific, is a city that registers, in its history and evolution, a binding relationship with the geo-biodiversity of the geosites that characterize it. This work aims to assess places of tourist interest in Guayaquil and its surrounding areas through a geo-environmental evaluation matrix to establish a sustainability proposal that promotes the geotourism development of the city. The methodology consisted of: (i) geographic registration of the chosen sites and present characteristics, (ii) environmental analysis of the sites based on the cause–effect method, and (iii) strategies for the inclusion of these sites into the geo-environmental and geotourism system of Guayaquil as potential geosites. The results demonstrate that Guayaquil has impressive geodiversity in several potential natural sites, obtaining highly representative values that reinforce the city’s natural diversity elements. Sites such as Cerro San Pedro and the Cerro San Eduardo, Pascuales, and Zeolites quarries have the most significant adverse environmental impacts. While places such as Cerro Azul, Estero Salado, Isla Santay, and Hornos de Cal (Bosque Protector Cerro Blanco), obtained positive values that highlight their environmental value, being of great benefit to the city and to nature. Furthermore, some of these places could be integrated into tourism development plans, and as potential geosites, they could complement various services and opportunities for discovering nature. Finally, all this can lead to a sustainable proposal for a Global Geopark project in Guayaquil based on the results obtained in this work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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20 pages, 5553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Global Cultural Conflict and Digital Identity: Transforming Museums

by Tula Giannini and Jonathan P. Bowen

Heritage 2023, 6(2), 1986-2005; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6020107 - 15 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2528

Abstract

This paper looks at key elements of global culture that are driving a new paradigm shift in museums causing them to question their raison d’être, their design and physical space, recognizing the need to accommodate visitor interaction and participation, and to reprioritize institutional [...] Read more.

This paper looks at key elements of global culture that are driving a new paradigm shift in museums causing them to question their raison d’être, their design and physical space, recognizing the need to accommodate visitor interaction and participation, and to reprioritize institutional outcomes and goals reexamining their priorities. As heritage sharing in online spaces reaches across national, political, and social boundaries on platforms and networks, this has been driven by museum engagement with Internet life during the pandemic. Museum relationships and interactions with communities both local and global continue to challenge core values and precepts, leading to radical changes in how museums define their roles and responsibilities. In this new cultural landscape, museums are responding to human digital identity in a tidal wave of human interactions on the Internet, from social media to online sharing of images and videos. This is revealing shared perspectives on cultural conflict as being tied to freedom of expression of one’s heritage embedded in digital identity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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25 pages, 5862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Visual Perception and Cognition by the Means of Interactive Digital Replicas of Museum Artifacts: Leonardo da Vinci’s Drawings as If They Were in Visitors’ Hands

by Simone Garagnani, Rossella D’Ugo, Andrea Lupi, Berta Martini, Marta Salvucci, Mirko Susta, Monica Tombolato and Roberta Barsanti

Heritage 2023, 6(1), 1-25; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6010001 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1536

Abstract

Technologies and applications developed to assist and promote museum activities and cultural exhibitions have evolved significantly during the last decade, as has been proven by many works published in the scientific literature. This paper addresses a study developed with the specific purpose of [...] Read more.

Technologies and applications developed to assist and promote museum activities and cultural exhibitions have evolved significantly during the last decade, as has been proven by many works published in the scientific literature. This paper addresses a study developed with the specific purpose of understanding the possible knowledge-transfer outcomes of a digitization process meant to replicate original drawings by Leonardo da Vinci in the digital domain, allowing museums’ visitors to explore them as if they were manipulating the original artworks through custom interactive artifacts. A report is presented here to evaluate and investigate the didactic effectiveness of the fruition devices set up during a real exhibition, with a focus on the application dedicated to the drawing Study for the Adoration of the Magi, part of five artworks by Leonardo selected for exhibition during the reported event. The results encourage the adoption of this kind of technology for disseminating information at different levels, especially when knowledge contents are successfully explicated through proper didactic mediators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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18 pages, 4522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Reuse of Dark Archaeological Heritage Sites to Promote Ghost Tourism in Egypt: The Case of the Baron Palace

by Abu Elnasr E. Sobaih and Shaimaa M. Naguib

Heritage 2022, 5(4), 3530-3547; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage5040183 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2475

Abstract

Egypt is one of the few countries with significant archaeological sites in every region. Some of these sites have been identified as dark archaeological sites that have not been used in a long time. The study proposes a strategy for the long-term reuse [...] Read more.

Egypt is one of the few countries with significant archaeological sites in every region. Some of these sites have been identified as dark archaeological sites that have not been used in a long time. The study proposes a strategy for the long-term reuse of these sites through niche tourism, i.e., dark or ghost tourism, which has received little attention from decision-makers or tourism planners. Furthermore, they have received little attention from Egyptian scholars. The current study fills knowledge gaps and contributes to the preservation of archaeological sites through sustainable reuse, ultimately helping Egypt’s sustainable tourism development. Using the case of the Baron Palace, the study investigates the potential for dark and ghost tourism in Egypt, as well as the barriers and development recommendations. To achieve the study’s goal, the research adopted a qualitative approach that relied on in-depth interviews with various stakeholders. The discussions revealed that, while Egypt has many types of tourism, both dark and ghost tourism have significant potential and opportunities through the reuse of dark archaeological sites. However, there are numerous impediments to proper implementation. Recommendations were made to overcome these obstacles, achieve positive economic, social, and environmental outcomes, and ensure the long-term viability of archaeological heritage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Museums for Heritage Preservation and Communication)

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