Integrated techniques for the structural assessment of cultural heritage masonry buildings: application to Palazzo Cocchi-Serristori in Florence

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vieri Cardinali ◽  
Marta Castellini ◽  
Maria Teresa Cristofaro ◽  
Giorgio Lacanna ◽  
Massimo Coli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Ambient Vibration ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Structural System ◽  
Structural Assessment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Heritage Buildings ◽  
Non Destructive

PurposeThis paper aims to contribute to the discussion of the experimental campaigns on Cultural Heritage buildings. By adopting integrated procedures it is possible to limit the invasiveness of the destructive techniques leading to reliable results. The purpose is the proper definition of the structural system, which represents the starting point of the following analysis's phases, not treated in this work. A methodology based on normative references and acknowledged non-destructive and partial destructive strategies has been conceived. The latter aims to an accurate comprehension of the structural information.Design/methodology/approachAn integrated approach for the structural assessment of cultural heritage buildings is presented. The methodology defines an interdisciplinary procedure based on normative references, non-destructive and minor-destructive techniques. A funnel-shaped workflow is developed to characterize the structural system of the buildings. The non-destructive campaigns are widely extended. Then, in-depth analysis concerning partial demolitions and minor-destructive tests are performed. The dynamic identification of the building is executed to detect its global response. The final validation of the assumed mechanical values is obtained by comparing the experimental modes coming from the ambient vibrations and the analytical modes of the structural modelling.FindingsThis research belongs to the Protocol signed between the Municipality of Florence and Department of Earth's Science and Department of Architecture of the University of Florence for the seismic vulnerability assessment of relevant and strategic buildings.Research limitations/implicationsThe descripted methodology is targeted for monuments and special buildings where the use of destructive techniques is not possible or unrecommended.Social implicationsSocial implications are related to the conservation of Heritage buildings. The latter deals with: (1) risk assessment of the targeted buildings towards different hazard sources (e.g. earthquakes, floods); (2) knowledge path developed through non-invasive diagnostic campaigns oriented to the conservation of the manufact. Furthermore, the paper encourages towards the recognition of non-destructive techniques and ambient vibration tests for the achievement of higher knowledge levels.Originality/valueThis paper defines a funnel-shaped procedure defining hierarchical roles between the different available strategies. The originality of this contribution is firstly related to the methodological flowchart. It is targeted to limit the invasive tests and consequently achieving accurate levels of knowledge. Secondly, some novelty can be found in the adoption of improvement parameters from a regional database adopting a Bayesian approach.

Application of cloud technology in digital cultural heritage: an analysis of public culture cloud platforms in China

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dengdeng Wanyan ◽  
Tong Shang
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Public Culture ◽  
Cultural Construction ◽  
Service Development ◽  
Cloud Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Cultural Heritage ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Technology Applications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the significant advantages of cloud technology in digital cultural heritage construction by analyzing public culture cloud platforms in China. The authors hope to provide references for other countries and regions on the applications of cloud computing techniques in digital cultural construction. Design/methodology/approach The primary research methods involved interview and case analysis. A comprehensive understanding of cloud technology and China’s culture cloud platforms were gained through research into extensive amounts of literature. Analyzing 21 culture cloud platforms offers a general understanding of culture clouds, while the Hunan Public Culture Cloud acts as a representative sample that gives detailed insight. Findings This paper explores the considerable advantages of cloud computing in digital cultural construction from four aspects: integration of decentralized heterogeneous resources, coordination and cooperation, accurately matching user needs and promotion of balanced service development. Originality/value Existing studies fall short of comprehensive investigations of culture cloud platforms and in-depth analysis of the advantages of cloud technology applications. This paper uses the construction of public culture cloud platforms in China as the research object. Further, this paper compares the construction status of different culture cloud platforms.

scholarly journals Conservation of cultural heritage buildings: Methodology and application to case studies

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. B. Lourenço
Keyword(s):  
Structural Analysis ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Remedial Measures ◽  
Non Destructive Testing ◽  
Destructive Testing ◽  
Seismic Engineering ◽  
Structural Problems ◽  
Theological School ◽  
Heritage Buildings ◽  
Non Destructive

ABSTRACTModern societies understand built cultural heritage as a landmark of culture and diversity. Only during the last decades the idea that ancient buildings could be conserved and reused became appealing. Still, a large part of this heritage is affected by structural problems which menace the safety of buildings and people. The developments in the areas of inspection, non-destructive testing, monitoring and structural analysis of historical constructions, together with recent guidelines for reuse and conservation, allow for safer, economical and more adequate remedial measures. The paper addresses the issues of the methodology to adopt, of different cases studies and of present challenges. In particular, recent interventions in Portuguese cases studies (the Cathedral of Porto and a theological school in Braga) are analyzed in detail.Keywords: Cultural heritage buildings; Conservation and rehabilitation; Earthquakes and seismic engineering; Case studies.RESUMENLas sociedades modernas entienden su patrimonio cultural como un hito de cultura y diversidad. Sólo durante las últimas décadas la idea de que edificios antiguos podrían ser conservados y reutilizados se ha convertido en atractiva. Sin embargo, una gran parte de este patrimonio es afectado por problemas estructurales lo cual amenaza la seguridad de los edificios y personas. Los desarrollos en el área de inspección, ensayos no destructivos, seguimiento y análisis estructural de construcciones históricas, bien como recientes normas para reutilización y conservación, permiten medidas correctivas más seguras, económicas y adecuadas. El artículo aborda las metodologías adoptadas, en diferentes casos de estudio así como presentes desafíos. En particular, intervenciones recientes en casos de estudio en Portugal (Catedral de Porto y Seminario de Braga) son analizadas con detalle.Palabras Clave: Edificios de patrimonio cultural; Conservación y rehabilitación; Terremotos e ingeniería sísmica; Casos de estudio.

Governance of the Chinese Super League

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Ma ◽  
Markus Kurscheidt
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Organisational Change ◽  
The Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Republic Of China ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
The Government ◽  
Governance Processes ◽  
Super League

Purpose In 2017, the Chinese Super League (CSL), the first professional football division in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), became the highest-spending league in the international players’ transfer market, with a total spending of €377m. Moreover, the government of the PRC is backing the CSL with an ambitious football plan. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the governance of the CSL by questioning the organisational viability of the league. Design/methodology/approach In addition to the relevant international literature, this study is based on 14 recent scholarly articles published in Mandarin from 2013 to 2018 to reflect the national academic debate. Moreover, website research on all CSL clubs has been conducted. The institutional analysis follows the integrative change model of Cunningham (2002) complemented by agency and bureaucracy theory. Findings The CSL still faces substantial governance problems caused by the divergence of goal setting, organisational inefficiencies and compliance issues. The organisational change is notably constrained by internal competitive value commitments and external power dependency. Research limitations/implications The institutional findings on the CSL provide a starting point for empirical studies. The approach contributes to the theory of sport governance processes. Practical implications The material and insights are informative for decision makers to evaluate the competitiveness of the CSL. Originality/value This paper is the first international in-depth analysis of the governance of the CSL using the body of knowledge published in Mandarin.

Engagement-oriented design: a study of New Zealand public cultural heritage institutions crowdsourcing platforms

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 887-912
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Johnson ◽  
Chern Li Liew
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Future Research ◽  
User Interest ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
Design Recommendations ◽  
Starting Point

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose a set of design recommendations for crowdsourcing platforms with a focus on user engagement. A sample of New Zealand (NZ) cultural heritage institutions (CHIs) crowdsourcing platforms were assessed, with the aim of offering insights into how they have been designed to encourage dialogue and engagement and to sustain participation.Design/methodology/approachThe design recommendations were derived from a review of related works. Following this, 12 crowdsourcing projects overseen by libraries, museums and an archive in NZ were assessed against the recommendations through content analysis.FindingsThe recommendations were classified into four main categories. These were promote ease of use, attract and sustain user interest, foster a community of users and show users that their work is contributing to the institution and society. The findings indicated that the sample of crowdsourcing projects assessed were generally successful at displaying the credibility and significance of their projects, and promoting their crowdsourced collections. Many of the projects could nevertheless benefit from providing further support to promoting dialogues and engagement with their users and contributors and sustaining offline community interaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe content analysis conducted was focused on the functionality of design elements of the crowdsourcing platforms. The design recommendations derived from the analysis were intended as a starting point for discussion and they would need to be validated in further studies. Other relevant project information such as funding and staffing, promotion and outreach efforts were not solicited in this study. Such information could provide important contextualisation. Future research could take the form of in-depth case studies, including surveying those involved in the projects and stakeholders to investigate such contextual aspects of crowdsourcing projects.Originality/valuePrevious research on crowdsourcing in NZ CHIs consisted of single case studies. This study provides a wider snapshot and insights into digital crowdsourcing platforms from public NZ CHIs. The study findings have practical implications for project managers and Web designers involved in crowdsourcing projects, particularly those in the cultural heritage sector.

scholarly journals Exploring the influence of big data on city transport operations: a Markovian approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rashid Mehmood ◽  
Royston Meriton ◽  
Gary Graham ◽  
Patrick Hennelly ◽  
Mukesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Markov Model ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Smart City ◽  
Smart Cities ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
City System

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to advance knowledge of the transformative potential of big data on city-based transport models. The central question guiding this paper is: how could big data transform smart city transport operations? In answering this question the authors present initial results from a Markov study. However the authors also suggest caution in the transformation potential of big data and highlight the risks of city and organizational adoption. A theoretical framework is presented together with an associated scenario which guides the development of a Markov model. Design/methodology/approach A model with several scenarios is developed to explore a theoretical framework focussed on matching the transport demands (of people and freight mobility) with city transport service provision using big data. This model was designed to illustrate how sharing transport load (and capacity) in a smart city can improve efficiencies in meeting demand for city services. Findings This modelling study is an initial preliminary stage of the investigation in how big data could be used to redefine and enable new operational models. The study provides new understanding about load sharing and optimization in a smart city context. Basically the authors demonstrate how big data could be used to improve transport efficiency and lower externalities in a smart city. Further how improvement could take place by having a car free city environment, autonomous vehicles and shared resource capacity among providers. Research limitations/implications The research relied on a Markov model and the numerical solution of its steady state probabilities vector to illustrate the transformation of transport operations management (OM) in the future city context. More in depth analysis and more discrete modelling are clearly needed to assist in the implementation of big data initiatives and facilitate new innovations in OM. The work complements and extends that of Setia and Patel (2013), who theoretically link together information system design to operation absorptive capacity capabilities. Practical implications The study implies that transport operations would actually need to be re-organized so as to deal with lowering CO2 footprint. The logistic aspects could be seen as a move from individual firms optimizing their own transportation supply to a shared collaborative load and resourced system. Such ideas are radical changes driven by, or leading to more decentralized rather than having centralized transport solutions (Caplice, 2013). Social implications The growth of cities and urban areas in the twenty-first century has put more pressure on resources and conditions of urban life. This paper is an initial first step in building theory, knowledge and critical understanding of the social implications being posed by the growth in cities and the role that big data and smart cities could play in developing a resilient and sustainable transport city system. Originality/value Despite the importance of OM to big data implementation, for both practitioners and researchers, we have yet to see a systematic analysis of its implementation and its absorptive capacity contribution to building capabilities, at either city system or organizational levels. As such the Markov model makes a preliminary contribution to the literature integrating big data capabilities with OM capabilities and the resulting improvements in system absorptive capacity.

scholarly journals Business model patterns for 3D printer manufacturers

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 1281-1300 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Holzmann ◽  
Robert J. Breitenecker ◽  
Erich J. Schwarz
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
3D Printer ◽  
Value Capture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Depth Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the business models that 3D printer manufacturers apply to commercialize their technologies. The authors investigate these business models and analyze whether there are business model patterns. The paper describes the gestalt of the business model patterns and discusses differences and similarities. Design/methodology/approach The authors review the literatures on business models and 3D printing technology. The authors apply a componential business model approach and carry out an in-depth analysis of the business models of 48 3D printer manufacturers in Europe and North America. The authors develop a framework focusing on value proposition, value creation and value capture components. Cluster analysis is used to identify business model patterns. Findings The results indicate that there are two distinct business model patterns in the industry. The authors termed these patterns the “low-cost online business model” and the “technology expert business model.” The results demonstrate that there is a relationship between business model and technology. The identified patterns are independent of age, company size and country of origin. Research limitations/implications The empirical results complement and extend existing literature on business models. The authors contribute to the discussion on business models in the context of novel technology. The technology seems to influence the gestalt of the business model. The sample is limited to European and North American companies and the analysis is based on secondary data. Originality/value This is the first empirical study on the business models of 3D printer manufacturers. The authors apply an original mixed-methods approach and develop a framework that can function as a starting point for future research. 3D printer manufacturers can use the identified business model patterns as blueprints to reduce the risk of failure or as a starting point for business model innovation.

Culture and social identity in preserving cultural heritage: an experimental study

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (8) ◽  
pp. 1078-1091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kean Siang Chng ◽  
Suresh Narayanan
Keyword(s):  
Social Identity ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Social Dilemma ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Heritage Buildings ◽  
Positive Feelings ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Due to the non-rivalrous and non-excludable characteristics of properties classified as being part of the cultural heritage of a city, owners of these properties face a lower incentive to maintain them. Many studies have advocated the participation of the local community in the maintenance of such “public” properties because community demands and tastes are better reflected through direct participation than through government intervention. One of the main factors that may determine whether or not such participation would be forthcoming is whether the community identifies with elements that the cultural heritage building represents. The purpose of this paper is to examine the cultural effects of the Chinese community with regard to the preservation of the heritage buildings that reflect the community’s early presence in George Town, Penang. Design/methodology/approach An experimental method was used to invoke feelings of social identity through historical and cultural photos about these buildings associated with the community. The authors attempted to create an emotional attachment to the cultural and historical values in a laboratory. Findings The authors found that information increased the participants’ positive feelings toward their historical and cultural backgrounds. This positive emotion might explain why the subjects appeared more willing to contribute to the public pool to maintain these buildings. The findings suggest that the incorporating cultural and historical information about heritage buildings may encourage more pro-social behaviors. Social implications Although community participation and discussions can help to align the conservation objectives of diverse stakeholders, the divergence between individual and collective interests may cause individuals to shirk from their commitment, given the public nature of the goods. Therefore, investigating whether a factor that aligns diverse interests or the nature of the game can influence behavior is important to the development of strategies used in the provision of public good. Originality/value Although the impact of social identity on social dilemma has been widely studied, the empirical proof and its application to preservation of cultural heritage has not been studied. As far as the authors know, this is the first paper that experimentally proves the importance of social identity and its role in provision of social goods.

scholarly journals Vulnerability and buildings service life applied to preventive conservation in cultural heritage

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rocío Ortiz ◽  
Juan Manuel Macias-Bernal ◽  
Pilar Ortiz
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Service Life ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Vulnerability Index ◽  
Conservation Action ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Preventive Conservation ◽  
Heritage Buildings ◽  
Delphi Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present research on vulnerability and service life indexes applied to cultural heritage buildings. The construction and rehabilitation industry is concerned with the maintenance of monuments and reducing the economic costs of urgent interventions by taking preventive conservation action in historic cities. By applying a vulnerability index or analyzing the service life of buildings, it is possible to reduce risk and optimize the identification, evaluation and prioritization of urgent monument restoration tasks in a city or a region to establish preventive conservation policies. Design/methodology/approach This research sets out the concepts of vulnerability and service life, focusing on their methodologies in comparison with other techniques for building diagnosis, discussing the differences between indexes that measure the vulnerability and service life of buildings. Findings The vulnerability of three churches in Seville (Spain) was studied by means of their vulnerability index, based on Delphi analysis, and the service life of these buildings was also assessed, based on artificial intelligence tools. Delphi and artificial intelligence tools allow us to compare and dovetail different scenarios and expert opinions. The degree of each monument’s conservation is defined as its vulnerability index, which is an indirect function of deterioration levels. The service life of buildings, on the other hand, includes the assessment of vulnerability and hazards. Practical implications This study is useful for stakeholders, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and policymakers, as an important reference on diagnosis, including updated, inexpensive and sustainable methodologies to manage the conservation of monuments, which are easy to implement in developed and developing countries. The application of vulnerability and/or service life indicators is crucial to ensuring the sustainability and improvement of maintenance carried out on cultural heritage buildings. Originality/value This study details new approaches based on artificial intelligence and Delphi analysis to prioritize preventive conservation actions in a city or region.

Sustainable adaptive reuse – economic impact of cultural heritage

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tris Kee
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Adaptive Reuse ◽  
Heritage Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Property Prices ◽  
Positive Externalities ◽  
Heritage Buildings

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the positive externalities of adaptive reuse of heritage buildings and the economic impact on adjacent residential property prices as adaptive reuse is emerging as a significant heritage management and cultural heritage conservation practice recognized by the International Council on Monuments and Sites. Design/methodology/approach Through mixed methodologies of hedonic price model and case studies of three tenement houses in Hong Kong, this paper argues that the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings increases the values of residential properties within the district and revitalizes the area economically and culturally because of the positive externalities generated from the cultural heritage. Findings The findings have identified key cultural heritage values of adaptive reuse via the case studies as well as the major intangible cultural values associated with the heritage assignment. On the other hand, the hedonic regression also verifies that key variables such as heritage completion and distance from heritage show significance to the property prices of adjacent residential units. Practical implications The research is useful for heritage conservationists, policy makers and urban planners in other cities with regards to management and implementation of sustainable cultural heritage revitalization schemes for economic benefits. Originality/value The research is original in its scope and context, and is one of the first of its kind for a high-density metropolitan context in Hong Kong and is significant in demonstrating the economic impact of the heritage practice of adaptive reuse.

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