The Way of Saint James is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain, traditionally believed to be the burial site of the apostle Saint James. This pilgrimage tradition has been practiced for centuries, fostering cultural exchange and spiritual exploration.
The Bayeux Tapestry is an iconic historical artifact that vividly narrates the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Despite its name, the tapestry was likely created in England shortly after the conquest, possibly in Canterbury. It measures approximately 70 meters long and is embroidered on linen cloth in colored wool yarns. The tapestry depicts scenes of battles, coronations, and daily life, providing valuable insights into the political and cultural dynamics of the time. Its intricate detail and skilled craftsmanship make it a masterpiece of medieval art. Although the tapestry's precise origins and purpose remain subject to debate among scholars, it is widely believed to have been commissioned by Bishop Odo of Bayeux, half-brother to William the Conqueror, or by William's wife, Queen Matilda. Today, the Bayeux Tapestry is housed in the Bayeux Museum in Normandy, France, where it attracts thousands of visitors annually. It serves as a crucial historical record, offering a unique glimpse into the medieval period and the Norman Conquest, and continues to inspire fascination and study among historians, artists, and enthusiasts worldwide.
Located in Barcelona, Casa Batlló showcases Gaudí’s unique curves and modernist style. The building incorporates augmented reality (AR) technology for guided tours, enhancing interactivity and engagement with the architecture through provided devices within the building. Sustainable development target: • SDG 4 (Quality Education), target 4.7 (equip learners with knowledge and appreciation of cultural diversity and culture’s contribution to SDGs) Empowering learners with knowledge and appreciation of cultural diversity. Using digitised cultural materials at Casa Batlló ensures students gain insights into the broader cultural context, fostering a global perspective.
The Morin Khuur, Mongolia's traditional bowstring instrument, holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing the nation and recognized as vital intangible heritage by UNESCO. Its name originates from the horse's head shaped engraving at the head of the instrument. Crafted from wood and strung with horsetail or ox tendon, the Morin Khuur's tones are produced by the artist's skillful manipulation of tension and vibration patterns while playing with a bow.This unique instrument plays a pivotal role in Mongolian and Tuvan cult ures, frequently featured in folk performances and rituals.
Casa Batlló is a building in the center of Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by Antoni Gaudí, and is considered one of his masterpieces. A remodel of a previously built house, it was redesigned in 1904 by Gaudí and has been refurbished several times after that. (Wikipedia)
Kai Tak Airport was Hong Kong's international airport from 1925 to 1998. It was surrounded by apartment complexes, mountains, and water such that only the most experienced pilots were allowed to land there (Villamizar, 2023). Upon approach, the pilot had to spot Checkboard Hill, before making a sharp 47-degree right turn above the Kowloon City district and touching down at the first section of the runway to avoid Victoria Harbour. This approach was one of the world’s last landing spots in which automated aircraft instruments could not fly and instead, relied on the pilot’s visual judgement. Online archives of photographs depicting the approach along with documentaries on its history preserve the legacy of Kai Tak. Enthusiasts can also recreate the landing in flight simulator programs (i.e. Microsoft Flight Simulator, 2020) at home. Although the airport is no longer operational, the redevelopment of its former site into a mixed-use district promotes compact, integrated, and resilient urban living - thus contributing to Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Likewise, the digital preservation of the heritage can address Target 11.3 as urban planners can learn from the challenges and successes of Kai Tak's operation to enhance the sustainability and inclusivity of future urban developments.
The Morin Khuur, Mongolia's traditional bowstring instrument, holds deep cultural significance,symbolizing the nation and recognized as vital intangible heritage by UNESCO. Its name originates from the horse's head shaped engraving at the head of the instrument. Crafted from wood and strung with horsetail or ox tendon, the Morin Khuur's tones are produced by the artist's skillful manipulation of tension and vibration patterns while playing with a bow.This unique instrument plays a pivotal role in Mongolian and Tuvan cult ures, frequently featured in folk performances and rituals.
Angkor Wat, located in the Siem Reap province of Cambodia, is one of the world's largest religious monuments and cultural heritage sites. It was constructed in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire and utilised as a Hindu temple followed by its utilisation as a Buddhist monastery. The temple structure spans over 400 square kilometers, showcasing magnicent architecture, detailed carvings, and deep connections to art, history and religion. Beyond its enormous physical structure, Angkor Wat incorporates signicant cultural, spiritual, and archaeological value. In addition to its reputation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it also holds great spiritual and cultural signicance for the people of the country and across the world.
An aerial photo of the Kowloon Walled City taken in 1989. The new park which was laid out at the site of the former Sai Tau Tsuen squatter settlement is visible at the south edge of the city.
Casa Batlló is a building in the center of Barcelona, Spain. It was designed by Antoni Gaudí, and is considered one of his masterpieces. A remodel of a previously built house, it was redesigned in 1904 by Gaudí and has been refurbished several times after that. (Wikipedia, 2024)
Kowloon Walled City was an ungoverned settlement in British-occupied Hong Kong. It evolved from a Chinese military output during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) into a densely populated urban enclave due to ambiguous jurisdictional boundaries after the Second World War. Without effective governance from China or Britain, the Walled City developed organically, with buildings constructed without official permits and businesses operating independently. By the late 1980s, it housed over 50,000 in a labyrinthine network of high-rise buildings characterised by poverty and crime (Fraser & Cheuk-Yin Li, 2017). It was demolished in 1993. The Walled City is portrayed in various video games such as Stray (2022) and Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010). Moreover, online archives of photographs and illustrations along with 3D digital reconstructions and animations continue to preserve its unique cultural legacy for audiences worldwide. Awareness of the complexities of Kowloon Walled City provides lessons on urban living, community resilience, and the importance of sustainable city development - thus contributing to Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Specifically, Target 11.4 can be addressed by ensuring continued recognition and appreciation of the site’s historical significance
St Salvator's Quadrangle, St Andrews University
historic site, educational facility, university, St Andrews
The Basílica i Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família, otherwise known as Sagrada Família, is a church under construction in the Eixample district of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. (Wikipedia, 2023)
Originally called Bat Cave, Cathedral Caverns was opened to the public by Jacob Gurley in the 1950's. The cave was renamed because of its cathedral-like appearance. Purchased by the state in 1987, it was opened as a State Park in the summer of 2000. The first feature most people notice about Cathedral Caverns is its massive entrance. The huge opening measures 126 feet wide and 25 feet high, a possible world record for commercial caves. The grand entrance is only the beginning. Inside the cavern are some of the most beautiful formations Mother Nature has ever created including “Goliath”- one of the largest stalagmites in the world measuring 45 feet tall and 243 feet in circumference. Cathedral Caverns features many amazing sites: a "caveman" perched atop a flowstone wall, a "frozen" waterfall, a large stalagmite forest and a most improbable stone formation - a stalagmite that is 27 feet tall and 3 inches wide! -alapark.com
Gaelic or Gàidhlig is an indigenous Celtic language spoken in Scotland, mainly in the Highlands and the Islands. The Gaelic language and literature embody a heritage of identity and culture springing from a centuries-old tradition, folklore, and collective memory.This language acts as a medium through which the people of Scotland can guard their intangible heritage that enhances and promotes their unique sense of cultural identity.
Tongariro National Park is a volcanic national park, awarded World Heritage Site in 1993.
Deans Court is a student hall of residence at the University of St Andrews originating from the 12th century, thus, arguably, the oldest dwelling house in the town of St Andrews, Scotland. It stands at the east-end of St Andrews, where North street and South street converge. The entrance of the courtyard opens up to the ancient, ruined, St Andrews cathedral. The Hall is open exclusively to postgraduates, and comprises the main building and four annexes, two on North Street, two on South Street.
Deans Court is a student hall of residence at the University of St Andrews originating from the 12th century, thus, arguably, the oldest dwelling house in the town of St Andrews, Scotland. It stands at the east-end of St Andrews, where North street and South street converge. The entrance of the courtyard opens up to the ancient, ruined, St Andrews cathedral. The Hall is open exclusively to postgraduates, and comprises the main building and four annexes, two on North Street, two on South Street
Situated in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, Casa Vicens - Gaudí, 1883, the first significant architectural project by Gaudí represents the modernist style. Using digital technology, Casa Vicens offers virtual tours, allowing visitors to scan a QR code at the entrance for 3 guided floor tours and historical insights into each space. Sustainable development target: • SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), target 16.10 (public access to art archives through digitised collections) By digitising architectural archives, this approach contributes to SDG 16.10 by promoting public access to art archives through digitised collections. This approach not only preserves the architectural heritage of Casa Vicens but also makes it accessible to a broader audience, fostering transparency and public engagement.
School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews
This is the School of computer science at the University of St Andrews
Casa Vicens is a modernist building situated in the Gràcia neighbourhood of Barcelona. It is the work of architect Antoni Gaudí and is considered to be his first major project. (Wikipedia, 2024)
This square keep castle sits on the tidal island "Castle Island". Climate Impacts: Coastal erosion, fluvial flooding, coastal flooding, groundwater flooding, slope instability
A Medieval castle, central to the Scottish Wars of Independence. Climate Impacts: Groundwater flooding, slope instability, fluvial flooding
A 12th-century castle with one of the first examples of a circular curtain wall. Climate Impacts: Groundwater flooding, slope instability, coastal flooding, coastal erosion
A 13th-14th century medieval hall-house turned tower house on a peninsula very close to the coast. Climate Impact: Coastal erosion, fluvial flooding, coastal flooding, groundwater flooding, slope instability
First built in the 1100s, it is one of the only major cathedrals which remained virtually intact after the Reformation. Climate Impact: Groundwater flooding, slope instability
Considered to be the old capital of Strathclyde, this was a strong Dark Ages fort, later changed to a Medieval castle which had its fortifications modernised in 1600-1700. Climate Impacts: Coastal erosion, fluvial flooding, coastal flooding, groundwater flooding, slope instability
Built in 1636 as a private tomb, it is adorned with paintings depicted the relationship between land and sea. Climate Impacts: Groundwater flooding, coastal erosion, slope instability
A 1478 tower house and gatehouse. James IV stayed before going to the Hebrides. Climate Impacts: Coastal erosion, groundwater flooding, coastal flooding
First built in 1371, a 3-storey high tower house remains. This site is at high risk of deterioration. Climate Impact: Groundwater flooding, slope instability, fluvial flooding
One of the stone walls of a church first built in 500-790 remains along with a well and foundations. This site is at very high risk of deterioration. Climate Impact: Slope Instability
Several stone circles in the area, one of them linked to Fingal the giant. A 2016 grass fire threatened to destroy the stones. Climate Impacts: groundwater flooding, slope instability
A collection of 7 upright stones and 5 on their side. The stone circle has been disrupted by a road and fencing erected through it. Climate Impacts: groundwater flooding, slope instability
The unfinished Sagrada Família, located in Barcelona, Spain, employs digital technology by developing a free app for download. This digital approach also establishes an online donation platform, thereby increasing global support for constructing this iconic building. Sustainable development target: • SDG 4 (Quality Education), target 4.1 (providing quality secondary education through an art archive) The digitisation of cultural archives and the incorporation of diverse materials contribute to providing quality secondary education through an art archive. By engaging students with the rich history and architectural evolution of Sagrada Família, this approach enriches the educational experience, fostering a deeper understanding of artistic and cultural nuances.
The Traditional Art of Batik Making in Indonesia
The art of Batik making is an Indonesian heritage that involves wax-resist dyeing applied to the whole cloth. Batik is known for its intricate patterns and is deeply interwoven with Indonesian cultural identity. Recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Batik reflects Indonesian creativity and spirituality through its diverse patterns influenced by various cultures.
The Vatican City is a sovereign city-state located in Rome, Italy, and even more so, the sovereign city-state and spiritual centre of the Roman Catholic Church, known for its important collection of art, manuscripts and historical artefacts (Melloni, 2022, p. 432). As the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, Vatican City boasts centuries of history and is home to the Apostolic Palace, where the Pope resides, important works of Renaissance art (including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling), and St Peter's Basilica, which is built over the tomb of St Peter. Its cultural heritage is of worldwide significance.
1929 (as an independent city-state recognized by the Lateran Treaty)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, located next to Central Park in Manhattan, New York, New York, United States, and founded in New York City in 1870, is one of the world's largest, most visited, and most comprehensive art museums, with more than 2 million exhibits spanning 5,000 years of world history. Its global art collection helps educate and preserve cultures by revealing the richness of creative expression across many cultures and eras. The Met attracts millions of visitors, contributing to New York City's tourism industry and creating jobs. In addition, the Museum's vast collection inspires artists and creative workers around the world, influencing modern culture and the creative economy. The Met must balance worldwide relevance and accessibility with the convergence of current technologies and the ethical issues of art restitution and cultural heritage in the digital age.
The Met's Great Hall was built to inspire awe and a sense of arrival | Art, Explained
Situated between historic Eyemouth and St Abbs, Berwickshire Marine Reserve was established by the local community to protect its habitats and species and to ensure that all users can carry out their activities responsibly. Berwickshire’s coastal waters are home to unique marine life found nowhere else in the UK. For example grey seals, broad-snouted dolphins and minke whales can all be seen here.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is a UK-based nonprofit organization dedicated to marine protection, conservation, and sustainable management. It works to address issues such as plastic pollution, overfishing, and habitat degradation through research, education, and advocacy.
The Scottish Oceans Institute (SOI) is a renowned research institute based at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. SOI specializes in multidisciplinary marine research, and conducts cutting-edge studies on marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the impacts of environmental changes. Through collaborations and partnerships, SOI contributes valuable insights into the complex interactions within oceans, advancing scientific understanding and supporting the conservation of marine environments.
Marine Scotland Science is a government organization based in Scotland that focuses on scientific research, monitoring, and management of marine and freshwater environments. It plays a crucial role in studying marine ecosystems, fisheries, aquaculture, and environmental impacts to ensure sustainable and responsible use of Scotland’s marine resources.
The Scottish Association for Marine Science
The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is a prominent research institution in Oban, Scotland, focusing on marine science, biodiversity, and ecosystem dynamics. With interdisciplinary research spanning marine biology, oceanography, and environmental science, SAMS collaborates nationally and internationally to provide insights into marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and human impact on oceans. SAMS contributes significantly to marine conservation, sustainable resource management, and policy decisions.
The Longmen Grottoes (simplified Chinese: 龙门石窟; traditional Chinese: 龍門石窟; pinyin: Lóngmén Shíkū; lit. 'Dragon's Gate Grottoes') or Longmen Caves are some of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art. Housing tens of thousands of statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and his disciples, they are located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) south of present-day Luoyang in Henan province, China. The images, many once painted, were carved as outside rock reliefs and inside artificial caves excavated from the limestone cliffs of the Xiangshan (香山) and Longmenshan, running east and west. The Yi River (Chinese: 伊河) flows northward between them and the area used to be called Yique (伊阙; 'The Gate of the Yi River'). The alternative name of "Dragon's Gate Grottoes" derives from the resemblance of the two hills that check the flow of the Yi River to the typical "Chinese gate towers" that once marked the entrance to Luoyang from the south.[4] There are as many as 100,000 statues within the 2,345 caves, ranging from 1 inch (25 mm) to 57 feet (17 m) in height. The area also contains nearly 2,500 stelae and inscriptions, hence the name "Forest of Ancient Stelae", as well as over sixty Buddhist pagodas. Situated in a scenic natural environment, the caves were dug from a 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) stretch of cliff running along both banks of the river. 30% date from the Northern Wei and 60% from the Tang dynasty, caves from other periods accounting for less than 10% of the total.[3] Starting with the Northern Wei dynasty in 493 AD, patrons and donors included emperors, Wu Zetian, members of the royal family, other rich families, generals, and religious groups.
The Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes or Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, form a system of 500 temples[1] 25 km (16 mi) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China. The caves may also be known as the Dunhuang Caves; however, this term is also used as a collective term to include other Buddhist cave sites in and around the Dunhuang area, such as the Western Thousand Buddha Caves, Eastern Thousand Buddha Caves, Yulin Caves, and Five Temple Caves. The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years. The first caves were dug out in AD 366 as places of Buddhist meditation and worship; later the caves became a place of pilgrimage and worship, and caves continued to be built at the site until the 14th century. The Mogao Caves are the best known of the Chinese Buddhist grottoes and, along with Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes, are one of the three famous ancient Buddhist sculptural sites of China.
The Yungang Grottoes (Chinese: 云冈石窟; pinyin: Yúngāng shíkū), formerly the Wuzhoushan Grottoes (Chinese: 武州山 / 武周山; pinyin: Wǔzhōushān), are ancient Chinese Buddhist temple grottoes near the city of Datong, then called Pingcheng, in the province of Shanxi. They are excellent examples of rock-cut architecture and one of the three most famous ancient Buddhist sculptural sites of China. The others are Longmen and Mogao. The site is located about 16 km west of the city of Datong, in the valley of the Shi Li river at the base of the Wuzhou Shan mountains. They are an outstanding example of the Chinese stone carvings from the 5th and 6th centuries. There are 53 major caves, along with 51,000 niches housing the same number of Buddha statues. Additionally, there are around 1,100 minor caves. A Ming dynasty-era fort is still located on top of the cliff housing the Yungang Grottoes.
The Longmen Grottoes (simplified Chinese: 龙门石窟; traditional Chinese: 龍門石窟; pinyin: Lóngmén Shíkū; lit. 'Dragon's Gate Grottoes') or Longmen Caves are some of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art. Housing tens of thousands of statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and his disciples, they are located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) south of present-day Luoyang in Henan province, China. The images, many once painted, were carved as outside rock reliefs and inside artificial caves excavated from the limestone cliffs of the Xiangshan (香山) and Longmenshan, running east and west. The Yi River (Chinese: 伊河) flows northward between them and the area used to be called Yique (伊阙; 'The Gate of the Yi River').
Hertitage, Climate The Mogao Caves, also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes or Caves of the Thousand Buddhas, form a system of 500 temples.25 km (16 mi) southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis located at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China. The caves may also be known as the Dunhuang Caves; however, this term is also used as a collective term to include other Buddhist cave sites in and around the Dunhuang area, such as the Western Thousand Buddha Caves, Eastern Thousand Buddha Caves, Yulin Caves, and Five Temple Caves. The caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art spanning a period of 1,000 years.The first caves were dug out in AD 366 as places of Buddhist meditation and worship; later the caves became a place of pilgrimage and worship, and caves continued to be built at the site until the 14th century.The Mogao Caves are the best known of the Chinese Buddhist grottoes and, along with Longmen Grottoes and Yungang Grottoes, are one of the three famous ancient Buddhist sculptural sites of China.
Description: Heritage - Wuzhen is an ancient water town located in Zhejiang Province, China. With a history of over 1,300 years, the town is renowned for its well-preserved architecture, picturesque canals, and traditional Chinese wooden buildings. The beauty of Wuzhen's landscape is further enhanced by its stone bridges, narrow cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene. As a living heritage site, Wuzhen offers a glimpse into China's rich history and traditional way of life. Climate Threats - Wuzhen's climate is characterized by a subtropical monsoon climate, with hot, humid summers and cool winters. The region is prone to seasonal flooding and typhoons, which can cause significant damage to the ancient buildings and infrastructure. In addition, the effects of climate change, such as rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and more frequent extreme weather events, exacerbate the risks to Wuzhen's cultural heritage. Measures such as flood control infrastructure, proper maintenance, and regular monitoring are essential to preserving the town's historic structures and preventing damage from climate-related threats.