WateR cyclE For RESilient Heritage
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Oxford
Department Name: Geography - SoGE
Abstract
Cultural heritage, as represented by collections in museums and the built environment, is a unique resource in socio-cultural and economic terms. Climate change will lead to extreme events such as droughts and floods, severe storms and heat waves occurring more frequently across Europe. While the impact of climate change on society and ecosystems has garnered significant attention, the consequences for cultural heritage have largely been overlooked. The major factor controlling the impact of climate change on heritage buildings hosting collections, surrounded by natural environments is water (in excess or in stress) and its transfer. In this context the project aims to understand the role of the water cycle on cultural heritage site conservation with an holistic approach considering water dynamics at three scales : - The liquid water in the natural environment (soil and vegetation in gardens and parks) - The liquid to vapor water transfer within the architectural building envelope (monument) - The vapor to liquid water in interiors and collections (condensation phenomena) This research explores how heritage sites can be resources for climate mitigation, adaptation and sustainable development through optimal management of the water cycle in and around them. Our objective is to identify levers at the heritage site scale to optimise conservation of cultural heritage while improving water management and reducing energy consumption. To achieve the project objective, a transdisciplinary approach will combine historical, experimental, theoretical and numerical studies of water transfers across three scales at real heritage sites with respect to climate data. Building on the resultant improved understanding of water transport, passive solutions as well as innovative materials and techniques will be integrated and optimized. Using these levers, the project will establish how the nature-culture relationship (soil-vegetation-buildings-museum collections) could be the key to making European cultural heritage more resilient.
| Title | Systematic archival research protocol |
| Description | As part of our research, we developed a structured archival research framework and a meta-archive to systematically compile and analyze historical data on water management in heritage sites. This database integrates primary and secondary sources from multiple archives, including the Bodleian Library, British Museum, Blenheim Estate Office, and Ordnance Survey Maps. The dataset includes: Catalogued archival records with metadata (dates, authorship, historical context). Digital records and references from historical maps, estate records, and conservation reports. Content analysis annotations linking archival materials to environmental and conservation themes. Cross-referenced secondary literature to provide historical and theoretical context. This approach enhances data accessibility and transparency, allowing future researchers to track historical narratives, landscape changes, and water management strategies over time. |
| Type Of Material | Data analysis technique |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | The development of our archival research framework and meta-archive has improved accessibility to historical records, ensuring a more systematic and transparent approach to analysing heritage water management. By integrating institutional knowledge, it has informed site selection and research strategy, making our study more relevant. The dataset also supports interdisciplinary collaboration, linking historical data with contemporary conservation needs. Additionally, it enhances replicability, providing a structured model for future research, and has potential applications beyond this project, particularly in climate adaptation and heritage management. |
| Description | C2RMF |
| Organisation | Center for Research and Restoration of Museums of France |
| Country | France |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | Our team initiated the idea of using a dummy model with exemplary heritage materials as a tool for monitoring indoor climate conditions affecting collection conservation. We played a key role in designing and implementing this model across the four study sites, ensuring that it aligns with the broader research strategy. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The strategy for assessing indoor climate quality for collection conservation will utilize The Cli-Matrice, a climate study application developed by C2RMF. To support this, we have developed a dummy model incorporating exemplary heritage materials, designed to monitor the surrounding climate conditions. This model will be placed across our four study sites, allowing for systematic data collection and analysis to evaluate environmental factors affecting materials and conservation. |
| Impact | At this stage, our collaboration has resulted in key methodological advancements that lay the foundation for future research outcomes. We have developed a strategic framework for assessing indoor climate quality in relation to collection conservation and designed an experimental setup incorporating a dummy model with exemplary heritage materials. This model will be deployed across four study sites, enabling systematic climate monitoring and data collection. Additionally, interdisciplinary knowledge exchange has facilitated the integration of The Cli-Matrice application into our research approach. These efforts have refined our research strategy, ensuring a robust foundation for the next phases of analysis and interpretation. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | Institutional Knowledge Informing Research Strategy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | As part of the research process, we engaged with site managers and collections specialists at each study location. These individuals are directly responsible for the preservation and maintenance of heritage buildings and collections, providing essential practical insights. Their contributions helped shape our research approach, particularly in assessing environmental factors affecting material degradation and indoor climate conditions. These discussions ensured that our findings remain relevant for real-world conservation efforts. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| Description | Youtube video |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Engagement focused website, blog or social media channel |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | Video by Julie Desarnaud (KIK-IRPA), shown at the Joint Programming Initiative on Cultural Heritage (JPI CH) event during the COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://youtu.be/4OFOnHcD9AU?si=7grIj5ydXfyvK33i |