ARCHive-SR

Petrified Wood as Hand Weapons for the Early Egyptians

Adel Yassin — 2026-07-31

Human life began in eastern and northern Africa, adapting to the unstable environmental conditions by the end of the Miocene epoch, approximately six million years ago. Amid the fluctuating cycles of aridity and wet climates during this formative period, evidence of early human ancestors has been identified in various parts of Africa - though none had been discovered in Egypt until now. By chance, during an independent investigation in Lower Egypt, the author identified several artifacts that may provide preliminary clues to an early hominin presence in the region. These artifacts - petrified wood dating to the same period as human origins - may offer a subtle indication of activity that once occurred in this ancient landscape. According to their shape and form, they might have been used as hand weapons for defensive reasons. Evidence suggesting the artifacts were shaped prior to petrification is visible in three delicate, parallel incisions on one face of a presumed spearhead. These marks could only have been made when the material was still soft wood, prior to its transformation into stone in the distant past. This research focuses on nine specimens from these intriguing findings. Their dimensions and the distinct fingerprint-like impressions on each piece—perfectly suited to fit a human palm—sparked our curiosity. These characteristics suggest a logical conclusion: early humans may have inhabited this region at the dawn of their existence, around six million years ago. Adding to the significance of this discovery, the site aligns with the location of Merimda Bani Salama, a known ancient civilization west of the Nile Delta in Lower Egypt. However, this ancient settlement was not previously dated to such an early point in history as these findings imply. This paper calls for further investigation in the area to uncover additional evidence of early hominins. Such efforts could help bridge a significant gap in the history of Egypt, shedding light on the past six million years and enriching our understanding of human origins.

Giza Pyramid: The Complete Oneness Sacred Edifice

Adel Yassin — 2026-07-31

Accumulating building information of the pyramid shape as a tomb mostly took all of the third and fourth dynasties’ times in Egypt. The tomb, as a mastaba, symbolized the oneness of the people's sacred belief in the beginning of time. When the mastaba was vertically multiplied into six to give shape in height by the time of Djoser, they were covered by a non-successful casing by Sneferu's time. That dress was expelled, and the multiple mastabas were visually clear by the same time; here the oneness was betrayed, which pushed Sneferu to try for a new, complete tomb/pyramid. For the second time, it was not a successful try, so he built a third pyramid, which was the “Red Pyramid”. Constructionally, it was sound, but architecturally and proportionally, it was not successful.

By the time of “Khufu”, thanks to the architect “Hemiunu,” he managed to select a complex of structural systems to hold together for the purpose of having a complete one edifice symbolizing the sacred oneness. The combination of four structural systems was: 1- two cross-diagonal walls, 2- seven stepped cores filling the four gaps within the diagonal walls where both systems were rotated in six degrees clockwise. 3- one pyramid that forms a coat, following the four geographic directions, enclosed both the rotated cross walls and the stepped core; 4- the last cover was the casing dress over the previous one.

Courses were different in height all over the pyramid. They mostly served the stability of constructing the two main chambers that acquired the names of King’s and Queen’s; consequently, the core steps followed that formation. Stone arrangement in each course of the 210 existing courses – plus the missing ones- followed two orientations, one in the core and the other in the coat and the dress. Under seismic blows, forces of each orientation contradicted the other, resulting in an almost zero effect and causing the edifice's stability. The final edifice shape expressed the whole idea of the complete, stable, balanced, aesthetically sound, and impressive oneness. That was the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Study on the Value of Busan Wartime Capital Heritage

Doo Won Cho — 2026-07-31

The heritage of Busan, recognized as the wartime capital, stands as a remarkable testament to the urgent collaboration among the government, citizens, and the United Nations to ensure the safety of the people and protect refugees during the Korean War (June 25, 1950 - July 27, 1953), the first conflict of the Cold War. The principle of humanity, central to the UN's mission, is intrinsically linked to the existence and protection of human rights in the Republic of Korea, a nation that adopted a liberal democratic system in 1948, as well as to the events of the Korean War.

In this regard, this analysis will examine how the attributes of humanity—coexistence, solidarity, and inclusion—were implemented in government operations, refugee life, and international cooperation facilities during Busan's tenure as a wartime capital, and whether these principles continue to be upheld today. During the Korean War, Busan served as a wartime capital for 1,023 days (First Period: August 18, 1950 - October 26, 1950, Second Period: January 4, 1951 - August 14, 1953). Most of the facilities associated with the wartime capital were repurposed from existing structures. However, even after the armistice agreement on July 27, 1953, rapid urban development occurred, and these facilities have been well preserved in Busan's city center for over 70 years. This study analyzes the values and significance of a heritage site in Busan Wartime Capital during the Korean War, which was used for emergency purposes and has maintained its vitality during the post-war urbanization process. Given its humanity-linked nature, we compare it with similar World Heritage sites to discuss its uniqueness. We also analyze the key attributes of coexistence, solidarity, and inclusiveness, which constitute the site's core values. This analysis establishes a domestic and international foundation for the protection of Busan Wartime Capital Heritage.

Assessment of the Current State of Construction Materials of Some Historical Monuments in Georgia

Nugzari Buachidze — 2026-07-31

The study aims to assess the current condition of construction materials used in four significant historical monuments in Georgia - Sioni Cathedral (Tbilisi, VI-XI century), Anchiskhati Basilica (Tbilisi, VI century), Barakoni Church (Racha region, XVIII century), and Nikortsminda Cathedral (Racha region, XI century) - through mineralogical and physical-mechanical analyses. The methodology combines X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and standard physical-mechanical tests, and the results are compared with established reference values.

XRD analysis revealed distinct mineralogical compositions for each structure. In Sioni’s tuff slabs (19th century), the dominant phases include quartz (40%), kaolinite, and Na-montmorillonite - all of which are highly hygroscopic and sensitive to moisture-induced degradation. Anchiskhati’s dressed tuff showed 25% quartz, Ca-Na feldspar, clay phases, and traces of kaersutite, indicating a relatively complex and weather-sensitive matrix. Barakoni’s dolomitic stone contains (Ca, Mg)CO₃ dolomite and CaCO₃ calcite, both susceptible to chemical weathering, especially from acid rain and salt crystallization. In Nikortsminda’s sandstone, dominant phases include calcite, quartz, and clinoptilolite (a zeolite), which contributes to increased capillarity and water retention, enhancing decay risks.

Physical-mechanical analysis indicates significant deterioration across all sites: the porosity of the Sioni building material increased by 12.5%, water absorption increased by up to 5%, and the strength decreased by 24%. In Anchiskhati, the porosity increased by 5%, and the strength decreased by 28%. In Barakoni, the strength decreased by 38%, while the porosity of Nikortsminda sandstone increased by 33%, and the strength decreased by 29%.

The results demonstrate that the presence of clay minerals, zeolites, and carbonates correlates with increased porosity, reduced strength, and higher susceptibility to environmental factors. These findings emphasize the necessity of tailored conservation approaches to ensure the long-term protection of Georgia’s architectural heritage.

A Cost-Effective Approach to Monitoring Outdoor Heritage Sites

Eleanor Evans — 2026-07-31

This research aimed to design and critically evaluate a novel method to monitor visitor behaviour and the physical condition of outdoor heritage sites and monuments in Cumbria. The method used aerial photography and photogrammetry to repeatedly record the physical condition of selected free-to-enter Cumbrian heritage sites over a six-month period, whilst visitors’ routes around these chosen sites were also recorded. This allowed conclusions to be drawn about visitor impact, vulnerable points on site, areas of high foot-traffic, and the impact of climatic conditions on the heritage sites. A key outcome of the research and fieldwork was the design of a new cost-effective toolkit to assist heritage organisations in assessing loss of heritage assets (such as physical deterioration) at their sites.

Digital Trust in Tourism: From Information Quality to Willingness to Accept

Meta Bara Berutu — 2026-07-31

Many studies discuss artificial intelligence in the education sector using the IAM (Information Adoption Model) theory, but there are still very few studies discussing AI-based IAM for tourism activities. Therefore, usage behavior is assessed not only based on technology adoption but also on the information generated. The attitude in this study is employed to determine whether AI acceptance is emotional or rational, thereby comprehensively understanding AI acceptance based on information. The study involved 450 respondents, analyzed using PLS-SEM. PLS-SEM was employed because the study aims to predict relationships among latent constructs and assess a relatively complex structural model. PLS-SEM is particularly suitable for exploratory research, theory extension, and prediction-oriented studies, while accommodating data that may not meet multivariate normality assumptions (Hair et al., 2021). Among the six hypotheses tested, four were significant, while two were not. The conclusion is that in tourism activities, AI chatbots have inconsistent usage patterns because there are results that indicate trust but not readiness to use. This is an important point for developers because optimal performance is not enough to address users' concerns about using the technology, so additional psychological encouragement is needed to overcome these issues.

Integrating Biophilic Design Principles and Human-Centered Strategies for Enhancing Psychophysiological Wellbeing in Higher Education Environments

Sadeka Abdel-Shakour — 2026-07-31

Considering contemporary transformations in trends related to interior and environmental design, increasing attention has been directed toward the development of educational interior environments that support users’ psychophysiological well-being, while fulfilling sustainability requirements and performance-based environmental design. Within this context, both Human-Centered Design (HCD) and biophilic interior design emerge as two complementary approaches that reorient the design process toward users’ needs, enhance environmental responsiveness, and integrate natural elements and systems within interior spaces.

This research aims to study the integration of the methodologies and fundamentals of Human-Centered Design with the principles of biophilic design to enhance psychophysiological well-being within educational interior environments. The Faculty of Arts and Design at MSA University is adopted as an applied case study, through which the research explores mechanisms for employing user-centered methodologies in terms of objectives and criteria, and linking them with environmental biophilic standards.

The research adopts a mixed-methods research methodology that combines quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data are collected through questionnaires directed to several user groups, including students of the Faculty of Arts and Design, alongside conducting qualitative interviews with faculty members. The research also includes an evaluation of the existing interior design of educational spaces, covering spatial designs, lighting conditions, selection of interior finishing materials, and the furniture used in design studios, lecture halls, and computer labs.

This evaluation aims to support the integration of biophilic design principles with a comprehensive response to user requirements by presenting design proposals for the spaces, in line with contemporary trends in sustainable environmental design within educational institutions.

Planning Proximity: A Critical Perspective on Measuring the 15-Minute City

Margot Diradourian — 2026-07-31

Although the 15-minute city has become a prominent paradigm in contemporary urban planning, the conditions under which urban proximity can be meaningfully measured and operationalized remain insufficiently defined. While it has gained widespread recognition through its strong political and scientific appeal, it remains characterized by methodological and operational ambiguities, reflecting a persistent gap between its rhetorical appeal and its practical implementation in urban planning. Despite the growing number of proximity assessment approaches, no shared conceptual framework currently exists to organize the diversity of existing methodologies. Existing assessment approaches—predominantly grounded in GIS-based and quantitative methods—struggle to capture the multidimensional nature of urban proximity.

This article presents a critical comparative review of 47 proximity assessment methodologies covering the period 2016–2025. Rather than conducting a systematic review, the study adopts a critical analytical approach to examine how urban proximity has been conceptualized, measured, and operationalized across different disciplinary traditions and urban contexts. Three principal findings emerge from the comparative analysis: the disciplinary compartmentalization of proximity assessment, largely dominated by engineering and GIS-based approaches; the absence of a shared conceptual framework despite the plurality of "X-minute city" models and assessment methodologies; and the underrepresentation of polycentric medium-sized cities, despite their strategic role within the European urban system. Building upon these findings, the article proposes the Integrated Proximity Matrix as a conceptual synthesis rather than as a new measurement indicator. The matrix integrates the complementary methodological dimensions identified across the reviewed literature into a coherent conceptual architecture intended to support the future development of context-sensitive proximity assessment methodologies. Developed within the broader context of an ongoing doctoral research project conducted in Prato (Italy), this framework constitutes the conceptual bridge between the comparative findings presented here and their future empirical implementation and validation in urban planning practice.