Conventional conservation approaches to ecclesiastical architecture remain predominantly object-centered, privileging material condition and stylistic attributes while underrepresenting relational networks that sustain cultural meaning. This paper introduces a Semantic Relational Density (SRD) Index to evaluate the connectivity of architectural elements within their cultural relationships. The framework uses CIDOC CRM to structure entity–relationship logic and UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage domains to classify cultural practices, while network centrality measures their structural connectivity. Applied to three colonial-era churches in Karachi, Pakistan, the results show differentiated patterns of connectivity and varying degrees of semantic integration across architectural elements.
University of Turin, Italy - ORCID: 0009-0008-3632-3326
University of Turin, Italy - ORCID: 0000-0002-3059-4204
University of Turin, Italy - ORCID: 0000-0001-6894-2369
Chapter Title
From Object to Relational System: A Semantic Relational Density Index for Evaluating Ecclesiastical Heritage
Authors
Hira Ovais, Lavinia Chiara Tagliabue, Silvia Meschini
Language
English
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-1113-0.128
Peer Reviewed
Publication Year
2026
Copyright Information
© 2026 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Book Title
ReUso 2026 - New heritage and future strategies. Perspectives on conservation and promotion
Book Subtitle
14th International Congress Barcelona-Girona, 4-7 November
Editors
Alessandro Scarnato, Marisa García Vergara, Ángeles Layuno Rosas
Peer Reviewed
Publication Year
2026
Copyright Information
© 2026 Author(s)
Content License
Metadata License
Publisher Name
Firenze University Press
DOI
10.36253/979-12-215-1113-0
eISBN (pdf)
979-12-215-1113-0
eISBN (xml)
979-12-215-1112-3
Series Title
ReUso