Journal of Cultural Heritage最新文献

{"title":"New strategies for portable XRF spectrum processing applied to historical glasses","authors":"Diego A. Ahumada-Forigua ,&nbsp;Inés Acevedo ,&nbsp;Georgios Magkanas ,&nbsp;Teresa Palomar ,&nbsp;Paloma Pastor ,&nbsp;Javier Saurina ,&nbsp;José F. García","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Portable X-ray fluorescence (p-XRF) is a powerful, non-destructive tool widely used to analyze cultural heritage objects. However, limitations such as noise, drift, and spectral overlaps may affect the accuracy of elemental identification and quantification. This study presents a comprehensive methodology for processing and analyzing p-XRF spectra, aiming to improve the reliability and accuracy of elemental identification in cultural heritage materials. The methodology incorporates key steps such as spectral alignment, energy calibration, smoothing, drift correction, signal detection, deconvolution, and integration.</div><div>The approach was successfully applied to reference materials and historical glass objects from La Real Fábrica de Cristales de La Granja, which exhibit a wide range of elemental concentrations. Furthermore, the methodology was adapted to deal with spectra acquired from various portable XRF instruments, demonstrating broad compatibility. Notable improvements include increased positive and negative predictive values for element identification, especially for challenging low-intensity signals such as Na, Mg, and Al, compared to the direct instrument report. Limits of detection were also established, demonstrating reliability across a range of elements. Key advancements include reduced noise, enhanced linearity (R²), and the preservation of spectral proportionality, ensuring robust and reproducible results. This approach reduces uncertainty in element identification, improves the accuracy in concentration determination and facilitates the use of p-XRF by researchers and conservators. A user-friendly implementation of this procedure, including example datasets and scripts, is provided in the Supplementary Material. Additionally, an interactive Shiny application was included to allow users to perform basic spectral processing in a straightforward and accessible manner.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 351-363"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145880460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The first evidence of the polychromy on the stucco decoration in the Archbishop's Chateau - Sala Terrena (Kroměříž, Czech Republic)","authors":"Peter Majoroš ,&nbsp;Pavla Kučerová ,&nbsp;Dalibor Všianský ,&nbsp;Silvie Švarcová ,&nbsp;Petr Bezdička ,&nbsp;Lukáš Kučera","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This interdisciplinary paper presents the results of an examination of the original coloring as well as the later modifications of stucco decorations, authored by the sculptor and stuccoer Baldassarre Fontana. The rich stucco decoration adorns the Archbishop’s Chateau in Kroměříž, which, together with its gardens, is listed as a World Heritage Site (UNESCO). The detailed material investigation employed a multianalytical approach, comprising polarising light microscopy (PLM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Next, Raman microspectroscopy (µRS) was used as a complementary method, while X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), including X-ray powder microdiffraction (µXRPD), was used to ascertain the phase composition of the pigments.</div><div>The earliest scheme features a restrained white monochrome over lime-based finishing layers, locally accented by iron-oxide red-brown details (e.g., eyes, lips). Multiple thin <em>scialbo</em> (limewash) strata were identified. Petrographic features indicate lime–gypsum technology with occasional hydraulic traits. Later interventions include a 19th-century light-green repaint containing copper acetoarsenite (Paris green), followed by overpaints from the 19th to the 20th century with zinc white and TiO₂ (anatase) extenders. FTIR-ATR and μRS detected secondary calcium oxalates related to surface alteration and signals consistent with a drying-oil class binder on selected elements. These markers refine the chronology of treatments and inform conservation strategies, supporting selective uncovering and stabilization of significant layers</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 149-155"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145621533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Church bells tuning temperament evaluation through spectral acoustic emission matching","authors":"Marco Casazza ,&nbsp;Rosa Fiorillo ,&nbsp;Fabrizio Barone","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Church bells, as historical artifacts and musical instruments, represent a unique intersection between tangible and intangible elements of cultural heritage. While previous works suggested that systematic bell tuning only emerged in the 18th century, this work hypothesizes and presents experimental evidence indicating otherwise. Focusing on the bells of Salerno Cathedral (Italy), casted between the 13th and 19th centuries, we investigated whether their tuning reference evolved coherently with the historical evolution of Western music theory or followed independent standards. A non-invasive spectral analysis was applied to identify tonal components and compare them with historical musical temperaments. Results show that reference tuning systems were already in use by the 13th century, centuries earlier than previously documented. A consistent evolution in tuning, matching the historical development of temperaments, was also observed. These findings suggest the existence of a non-formalized implicit know-how in bell-making, having important implications for heritage conservation. The proposed approach also provides a preliminary diagnostic tool to support the identification of a church bell features for its functional restoration, supporting the recognition of this know-how as a part of the intangible heritage related to church bells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 109-116"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145577793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The key role of Pb-Bi, Pb-Te-Se and S-Fe-Te-Se inclusions, microstructures, and corrosion processes in reconstructing Etruscan metallurgy at Pyrgi (Latium, Italy)","authors":"Marta Porcaro ,&nbsp;Laura M. Michetti ,&nbsp;Alessandro Conti ,&nbsp;Giacomo Mazzotta ,&nbsp;Tilde de Caro ,&nbsp;Matteo Paciucci ,&nbsp;Antonio Doménech-Carbó ,&nbsp;Caterina De Vito","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.021","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.021","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The archaeological site of Pyrgi (Santa Severa, Rome, Italy) has yielded a diverse range of metal artifacts that provide valuable insights into the Etruscans' metallurgical knowledge and material selection practices. This study focuses on micro-inclusions, microstructure, chemical composition, and corrosive process of arrowheads, nails, and <em>aes rude</em>. Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical analysis, <em>i.e.</em>, Voltammetry of Immobilized Particles (VIMP), and Mott-Schottky (MS) were used. The nails and <em>aes rude</em> are pure copper, with minor contents of tin and lead, while the arrowheads are ternary bronze alloy (Cu-Sn-Pb). The microstructures of nails and <em>aes rude</em> are characterized by the presence of Pb-Bi, Pb-Te-Se, and S-Te-Se-Fe micro-inclusions within the metal matrix, which provide insights into smelting processes, the nature of the ores used, and technological capabilities. The variability of inclusions suggests the use of polymetallic minerals as starting materials. Tellurium and selenium suggest refining practices and smelting techniques that were not fully optimized. The corrosion patinas are composed of cuprite, malachite, and trihydroxychlorides. The Mott-Schottky analysis highlighted variations in the electrochemical response of the corrosion layers, suggesting different alteration conditions among areas of Pyrgi. These results contribute to the exploration of Etruscan metallurgical choices and techniques, highlighting variations in smelting processes, raw materials, and processing practices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 67-80"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145577753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multianalytical approach to the study of polymeric materials under artificial aging: Reference database","authors":"Ruth Chércoles Asensio ,&nbsp;María Matesanz Benito ,&nbsp;Marta Pérez Estébanez ,&nbsp;María Higueras ,&nbsp;Silvia G. Fernández-Villa ,&nbsp;Sonia Santos Gómez ,&nbsp;Elena Gómez-Sánchez ,&nbsp;y Margarita San Andrés Moya","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.12.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The accurate identification of polymeric materials used in Cultural Heritage is crucial for ensuring their preservation. Their inherent variability makes the identification and characterization a complex endeavor. Consequently, it is vital to improve identification methods and to deepen the understanding of plastic degradation. A comprehensive approach incorporating reliable reference standards is essential for the precise diagnosis of their state of conservation and to support appropriate intervention strategies and criteria. Furthermore, facilitating the dissemination of these data for practical application within the scientific and professional community is fundamental.</div><div>The primary objective of this study is to translate the aforementioned knowledge into a readily accessible resource in the form of a reference database providing a framework for the identification and conservation of polymeric heritage items and artistic production and assisting in the study of existing products on the market.</div><div>This research systematically analyses 50 widely used materials processed under the same conditions provided by The ResinKit™. The polymers were characterized using a range of analytical methods, including optical microscopy, spectrocolorimetry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR-FTIR), and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). The samples were then subjected to artificial aging under controlled conditions of radiation (Xenon-Arc chamber for 1080 h), temperature and humidity (Climate test chambers for 840 h). The evaluation of the results was undertaken by repeating the series of previous tests and comparing them with the pre-aging analytical data.</div><div>The final step was to integrate all the results into a freely accessible online database that compiles all the information providing controlled reference standards for analyses of cultural artifacts and commercially available polymeric materials, thereby facilitating research in laboratories dedicated to the study of these materials within the context of fine arts and heritage conservation.</div><div>This paper analyses, as a case study, key heritage polymer families: polyvinyl chlorides (PVCs) and cellulose acetates (CAs).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 439-452"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145976213","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ours Elsevier","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1296-2074(26)00025-7","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1296-2074(26)00025-7","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Page iv"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147395207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the thermal dampening and blanketing effects of ivy (Hedera helix) on stone-built coastal heritage assets under summer conditions","authors":"Georgina Jenkins ,&nbsp;Timothy Baxter","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Climbing plants, such as English ivy (<em>Hedera helix</em>), are an important component of the natural and built environment, and are increasingly integrated into the designs of modern developments to provide aesthetic and thermal benefits. Yet, the influence of ivy on the conservation of historic buildings remains controversial. In urban and rural settings, ivy has been shown to both enhance and retard material breakdown. However, in dynamic coastal environments, where heritage assets are regularly exposed to variable weather conditions and damaging ocean spray, the impacts of ivy on stone decay are relatively unknown. In this study, a combination of laboratory simulations and field experiments were used to assess the impacts of different covers of ivy (i.e., full foliage, managed foliage, and exposed stone) on surface and subsurface microclimates and stone deterioration at two sixteenth century castles in Kent, UK. Our results show that ivy may shield surfaces against potentially damaging salt crystals, and buffer extremes and fluctuations in temperature and humidity during warm, summer conditions. Importantly, we show that heavily-managed stems can provide protective functions irrespective of leaves through the modulation of environmental variables linked to stone decay.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 197-206"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733375","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"VuRA: A proposal for calculating vulnerability and risk in rock art sites. The experience in Foz Côa","authors":"Fernando Carrera-Ramírez ,&nbsp;Vera Moreira Caetano","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.027","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.10.027","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>As part of a project with very ambitious goals (<em>LandCRAFT - the sociocultural contexts of art from Recent Prehistory in the Côa Valley</em>), the authors were entrusted with tasks related to the conservation of a large set of rock art sites. In order to achieve these goals, and given their complexity, a standardized inspection and measurement strategy was designed to determine the degree of vulnerability and risk of this group of archaeological sites.</div><div>In a research area in which proposals and bibliographic references are particularly rare, the developed formula has reached such a high level of complexity and interest that its publication and submission to the analysis and criticism of the scientific community has been deemed necessary. Indeed, we consider that scientific dissemination could not only improve this formula but also turn it into a useful tool for public use.</div><div>Consequently, we would like to present here the first version of VuRA (Vulnerability of Rock Art), an integrated set of record sheets aimed at determining vulnerability and risk in rock art sites. This proposal combines detailed field observation with territorial information and the support of data offered by other disciplines (archaeology, chemistry, geotechnics, etc.), with a level of detail and complexity that can be regulated by the editors, depending on the objectives of the study. In the case of the LandCRAFT project, VuRA was used to define in detail the management strategies (protection, presentation, conservation, etc.) of the set of sites covered by the project.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 117-126"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145621534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biodeterioration aspects of the 16th century icon “Deesis tier of thirteen figures” by the fungus Iodophanus sp. STG-150: a range of materials for biodegradation and selection of target antiseptics","authors":"Daria A. Avdanina ,&nbsp;Olga B. Vorobyova ,&nbsp;Anna A. Ermolyuk ,&nbsp;Nikolay P. Simonenko ,&nbsp;Ivan A. Volkov ,&nbsp;Liudmila A. Alexandrova ,&nbsp;Maxim V. Jasko ,&nbsp;Dmitry A. Makarov ,&nbsp;Maxim A. Khomutov ,&nbsp;Elena N. Khurs ,&nbsp;Alexey R. Khomutov ,&nbsp;Olga B. Riabova ,&nbsp;Vadim A. Makarov ,&nbsp;Egor V. Troyan ,&nbsp;Michael V. Shitov ,&nbsp;Alexander A. Zhgun","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Cultural heritage objects—particularly, paintings—consist of materials that can be deteriorated by specialized microorganisms. In this regard, it is imperative to both delineate their biodegradation capacity as well as select target antiseptics that can prevent this process, while remaining inert towards the painting materials. This study characterized the fungus &lt;em&gt;Iodophanus&lt;/em&gt; sp. STG-150, belonging to the &lt;em&gt;Pezizaceae&lt;/em&gt; family, which was isolated from bio-lesion sites of the 16th century painting “Deesis Tier of 13 Figures”—a unique habitat that has not been described before. To analyse their ability to degrade painting materials, cells of the STG-150 strain were inoculated onto crafted mock layers that were coloured with individual painting materials, including basis, adhesives, egg yolk emulsion and tempera paints, watercolour, and varnishes. STG-150 was able to actively grow on basis (pavoloka), adhesives (sturgeon glue and mordant), egg yolk emulsion, and ochre-pigment. Contrastingly, moderate growth was observed on watercolour black and varnishes (linseed oil, acrylic varnish). The addition of cobalt green, strontian yellow, cadmium red, and grey-green to the egg yolk resulted in significant antifungal resistance. Furthermore, the addition of zinc white and burnt sienna completely inhibited STG-150 growth. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was observed that STG-150 produced two morphological forms of mycelium on the egg yolk emulsion and ochre-pigment—vegetative and aerial with conidia. All other art materials revealed only vegetative mycelium. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) also detected areas of STG-150 growth at the periphery of the inoculation site that were invisible to the eye. Mineral pigments as an antiseptic cannot be used to protect paintings from biodegradation, as they introduce unwanted colouration and degrade the original colour. Consequently, a targeted selection of new generation antiseptics were developed for the protection of paintings against STG-150: (i) nucleoside derivatives: &lt;em&gt;N&lt;sup&gt;4&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/em&gt;-dodecyl-5-methyl-2′-deoxycytidine (Ala 54), &lt;em&gt;N&lt;sup&gt;4&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/em&gt;-dodecyl-5-methylcytidine (Ala 106), 3′-amino-&lt;em&gt;N&lt;sup&gt;4&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;/em&gt;-dodecyl-5-methyl-2′,3′-dideoxycytidine (SOV4); (ii) sulphur-containing heterocyclic compounds: 3,5-dinitropyridin-2-yl thiocyanate – (М1), 4-nitro-2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-5-yl thiocyanate (M2), 3-cyano-5-nitropyridin-2-yl thiomorpholine-4-carbodithioate (M3), and ethyl 1‑hydroxy-6-thioxo-1,6-dihydropyridine-3-carboxylate (М4); as well as (iii) &lt;em&gt;H&lt;/em&gt;-phosphinic amino acid analogues: 1-Aminoethyl-&lt;em&gt;H&lt;/em&gt;-phosphinic acid (Ala-pH), &lt;span&gt;l&lt;/span&gt;-amino-2-methylpropyl-&lt;em&gt;H&lt;/em&gt;-phosphinic acid (Val-pH), 1-amino-3-methylthiopropyl-&lt;em&gt;H&lt;/em&gt;-phosphinic acid (Met-pH), and &lt;span&gt;l&lt;/span&gt;-amino-2-carboxyethyl-&lt;em&gt;H&lt;/em&gt;-phosphinic acid (Asp-α-pH). Their effects completely suppressed the growth of &lt;em&gt;Iodophanus&lt;/em&gt; sp. STG-150. Further exploratio","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 96-108"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145577754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Abandoned industrial heritage: From waste to resource. Which evaluation tools to evaluate this circular process?","authors":"Francesca Nocca ,&nbsp;Hilde Remøy","doi":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.culher.2025.11.013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The abandonment of industrial buildings, driven by global economic changes and deindustrialization, has led to a growing interest in their adaptive reuse as a strategy for sustainable regeneration. This paper explores how disused industrial heritage can be transformed from waste into a valuable resource, aligning with circular economy principles. The main objective of the research is to propose an evaluation framework capable of assessing the multidimensional impacts (environmental, economic/financial, and socio-cultural) of adaptive reuse projects for industrial heritage across various project phases.</div><div>To achieve this, a systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, identifying key criteria and indicators used in previous evaluations. The review highlighted the complexity of balancing heritage conservation, community needs, and sustainability goals. While numerous studies propose multicriteria evaluation frameworks, few explicitly address the circular economy perspective. In this context, the European Commission’s Level(s) tool (currently the only officially recognized framework for assessing building sustainability in a circular economy perspective) was selected as the basis for this research.</div><div>The Level(s) tool was integrated and expanded to account for the unique characteristics of industrial heritage, including historical significance and socio-cultural values. The resulting evaluation framework consists of six thematic-areas, nine macro-objectives and a comprehensive set of 48 criteria and 100+ indicators. Indicators are categorized by evaluation phase (ex-ante, ongoing, ex-post) and lifecycle status (renovation activity, in-use, future adaptation potential), ensuring relevance across the building lifecycle. They also distinguish between impacts on the building/site itself and those on its urban context.</div><div>The framework allows stakeholders, including designers, investors, policymakers, and communities, to evaluate the sustainability of adaptive reuse projects in a structured, transparent, and comparable way. It supports decision-making through multicriteria analysis and encourages stakeholder collaboration. Moreover, it emphasizes the integration of qualitative and quantitative data and accommodates varying levels of technical expertise.</div><div>This study provides a replicable, flexible, and interdisciplinary tool for evaluating the circular regeneration of industrial heritage. Future research will focus on applying this framework to real-world projects to validate and refine its components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":15480,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Cultural Heritage","volume":"77 ","pages":"Pages 207-222"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145733374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}