Close-range photogrammetry enables documentation of environment-induced deformation of architectural heritage

Deformation, damage and permanent loss of heritage assets due to various physical and environmental factors has always been a major problem. As the availability of funds for conservation and restoration is limited, the digital documentation of heritage objects and monitoring of environment-induced deformations are increasingly important for cultural heritage preservation. Our study elucidates developments in the digital image capturing and processing for recording architectural heritage objects focusing on the digital camera calibration, close-range imaging, and photogrammetric modelling of complex structures using image matching techniques. A particular consideration in this paper is given to the ortho-photographic image compiling and accuracy assessment procedure. The practicality of the methodology is demonstrated by applying photogrammetric system PhotoMod for documentation of decorative elements in Uzutrakis manor, a national heritage site in Trakai, Lithuania

Close-range photogrammetry enables documentation of environment-induced deformation of architectural heritage

Deformation, damage and permanent loss of heritage assets due to various physical and environmental factors has always been a major problem. As the availability of funds for conservation and restoration is limited, the digital documentation of heritage objects and monitoring of environment-induced deformations are increasingly important for cultural heritage preservation. Our study elucidates developments in the digital image capturing and processing for recording architectural heritage objects focusing on the digital camera calibration, close-range imaging, and photogrammetric modelling of complex structures using image matching techniques. A particular consideration in this paper is given to the ortho-photographic image compiling and accuracy assessment procedure. The practicality of the methodology is demonstrated by applying photogrammetric system PhotoMod for documentation of decorative elements in Uzutrakis manor, a national heritage site in Trakai, Lithuania

Commercial leisure property valuation: A comparison of the case studies in UK and Lithuania

The development of leisure as an economic activity has come into focus over the last century. Nowadays, a commercial leisure property has gained an important role within the total spectrum of world economies. Despite these developments in the leisure sector, the valuation of property for the purpose of commercial leisure is still regarded as an Achilles’ heel. The accepted approach to the property valuation in UK is to perform an open market valuation for the existing use. However, for the specialized properties including leisure assets, the distinctive valuation methodology has to be applied. This paper outlines the principles of methodology that are commonly used for the valuation of leisure property in the UK, Lithuania and other countries. Factors affecting the valuation process with respect to the property development and investment decision are discussed. The study is accompanied with examples of valuation method applications and analyses of individual case studies of golf course valuation. Santruka Per pastaraji šimtmeti laisvalaikio vystymas tapo reikšminga ekonomikos veiklos sritis. Šiuo metu laisvalaikio verslo nekilnojamasis turtas vaidina svarbu vaidmeni pasaulio šaliu ūkineje veikloje. Nepaisant laisvalaikio sektoriaus išsivystymo, nekilnojamojo turto vertinimas laisvalaikio verslo srityje vis dar yra silpnas. JK priimtas nekilnojamojo turto vertinimo būdas pagristas atviros rinkos vertinimu pagal turto paskirti. Tačiau specializuotam nekilnojamajam turtui, taip pat ir laisvalaikio, išskirtinis vertinimo metodas turi būti taikomas. Šiame straipsnyje apibūdinami principai, kurie taikomi laisvalaikio nekilnojamojo turto vertinimui JK, Lietuvoje ir kitose šalyse. Straipsnyje nagrinejami veiksniai, kurie daro itaka vertinimo procesui, kai nekilnojamasis turtas vertinamas vystymo ar investavimo tikslais. Tyrime pateikti golfo aikštynu vertinimo metodu ir analizes pavyzdžiai. First Published Online: 18 Oct 201

Bridging land value capture with land rent narratives

Urban land values have reached unprecedented levels in many parts of the world. Many scholars direct their research on their utilisation for public purposes. Two established research communities can be traced - the community referring to land value capture comprised mainly of urban planners and lawyers, and the community of economists discussing land rent. The relatively low level of interrelations between these communities prevents an effective sharing of their research outcomes. This contribution seeks to strengthen interconnections between these communities by characterising the narratives of both research communities, and synthesising their views. The research is largely built on systematic literature review with content analysis undertaken using the NVivo software. The analysis focussed on the terminology used, the specific causes of land value increase, rationales and instruments used for land value capture, and the purpose of using the collected money to investigate the interconnections between both research communities.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Sustainability Aspects of Real Estate Development: Lithuanian Case Study of Sports and Entertainment Arenas

The principles of sustainability have become particularly important in the real estate and construction sector over the past decade. Despite extended efforts to evaluate the sustainability aspects of the real estate development, very few attempts have been exposed in the scientific literature pursuing integrating the investors and real estate developers’ responsibility for the local community, regional economy and environmental problems within their financial expectations. The paper presents methodology enabling evaluating the balance of real estate development sustainability and financial viability issues during the feasibility study process. The Model for Real Estate Investment Evaluation Based on Sustainable Development Aspects proposed by the authors was applied to the case study of Lithuanian sports and entertainment arenas. By using multi-criteria decision analysis sustainability assessment of multi-functional arenas was carried out which disclosed that positive sustainability effects lays down on the owner’s and operator’s monetary liabilities

The Importance of Environmental Criteria for Kaunas City Pedestrian Zones

Pedestrian streets are public areas, where vehicle traffic is completely or partially restricted. In these parts of the city, people can take a walk, shop and ride bikes. Many scientific publications can be found on the social and economic significance of public areas; however, while seeking for the economic city growth and social advancement it is important not to waste natural resources and not to endanger ecological balance. It is noticed that environmental criteria are mentioned only as components of coherence and which have to interact with each other. Still, the pedestrian zones, as public areas intended for people, have to be safe (in the case of motor and non-motor vehicles) and protected from the vehicle emissions and noise. In addition, trees and green zones as well as the overall cleanliness are significant for the maintenance of ecological balance. Therefore, pedestrian zones not only have to meet economic and social needs but also should be a place that would be pleasant to come back to. The object of this article are the main pedestrian zones of Kaunas city. The research was conducted by applying the analysis and synthesis research methods

The Usage and Perception of Pedestrian Zones in Lithuanian Cities: Multiple Criteria and Comparative Analysis

As pedestrian zones are public spaces in urban areas, they are important in terms of meeting people’s needs. However, it is worth noting that attention should be paid not only to the development of the physical infrastructure, but also to a sustainable balance between the socio-economic and environmental aspects. To guide urban planning and management initiatives towards more sustainable patterns, it is essential to re-examine the already existing characteristics of cities, establishing how they are used and perceived by inhabitants. The present research suggests environmental, economic and social criteria that determine a greater vitality of pedestrian zones in cities and better life quality for the inhabitants. A questionnaire survey was used to assess common attitudes regarding the research topic in major cities in Lithuania. The multiple criteria decision-making COPRAS (COmplex PRoportional ASsessment) method was used for the formation of a priority queue. The research results showed the attitudes of inhabitants towards pedestrian zones in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaip˙eda. The inhabitants of these three cities regarded social and environmental criteria groups as the most significant. Contrary to what was expected and anticipated, respondents do not consider economic criteria as playing a key role in the sustainable preservation and development of pedestrian zones

Housing Stakeholder Preferences for the "Soft" Features of Sustainable and Healthy Housing Design in the UK.

It is widely recognised that the quantity and sustainability of new homes in the UK need to increase. However, it is important that sustainable housing is regarded holistically, and not merely in environmental terms, and incorporates elements that enhance the quality of life, health and well-being of its users. This paper focuses on the "soft" features of sustainable housing, that is, the non-technological components of sustainable housing and neighbourhood design that can impact occupants' health and well-being. Aims of the study are to ascertain the relative level of importance that key housing stakeholders attach to these features and to investigate whether the opinions of housing users and housing providers are aligned with regards to their importance. An online survey was carried out to gauge the level of importance that the key stakeholders, such as housing users, local authorities, housing associations, and developers (n = 235), attach to these features. Results revealed that while suitable indoor space was the feature regarded as most important by all stakeholders, there were also a number of disparities in opinion between housing users and housing providers (and among the different types of providers). This implies a scope for initiatives to achieve a better alignment between housing users and providers

Comparative analysis of MCDM methods for the assessment of sustainable housing affordability

While affordability is traditionally assessed in economic terms, this paper tests a new assessment method that draws closer links with sustainability by considering economic, social and environmental criteria that impact on a household's quality of life. The paper presents an empirical application and comparison of six different multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) approaches for the purpose of assessing sustainable housing affordability.The comparative performance of the weighted product model (WPM), the weighted sum model (WSM), the revised AHP, TOPSIS and COPRAS, is investigated. The purpose of the comparative analysis is to determine how different MCDM methods compare when used for a sustainable housing affordability assessment model. 20 Evaluative criteria and 10 alternative are as in Liverpool, England, were considered. The applicability of different MCDM methods for the focused decision problem was investigated. The paper discusses the similarities in MCDM methods, evaluates their robustness and contrasts the resulting rankings

An analysis of professional perceptions of criteria contributing to sustainable housing affordability

Housing affordability is a multi-dimensional issue, yet it is typically defined and assessed quite narrowly in terms of financial criteria. The housing affordability problem encompasses more than financial costs of housing and extends to larger issues of social wellbeing and sustainability. Accordingly, a broader range of factors ought to be considered when defining and assessing affordability, particularly if more sustainable outcomes are desired from housing. A comprehensive system of criteria representing sustainable housing affordability, developed by the authors, is validated and analysed in this paper. The quantitative data analysis of surveys conducted with housing and planning professionals across the UK is used to determine stakeholder’s perceptions on the criteria contributing to sustainable housing affordability and to rank these criteria according to their importance. The paper establishes that professional opinions on this issue differ insignificantly across different regions of the UK, while it varies to some extent depending on the sector of housing industry