Can Vandalism Reshape the Way We Perceive Cultural Heritage?

Fabrizio Terenzio Gizzi, Cristina Cumbo, Maria Rosaria Potenza, Agata Maggio, Antonio Minervino Amodio, Canio Alfieri Sabia
Abstract:
Through an empirical approach, this article examines people's responses to vandalism on cultural heritage using eye-tracking technology. Analysing visual heatmaps, the work provides some preliminary insights into vandalism's influence on individual’s visual perception and appreciation for cultural heritage. The results indicate that acts of vandalism on cultural sites evoke varied visual and symbolic responses and are not perceived in a uniform manner. Four are the key factors appear to influence the visibility of graffiti and vandalism acts: position, visual salience, content, and context.
Download:
IMEKO-Metroarchaeo-2025-051.pdf
DOI:
10.21014/tc26-2025.051
Event details
IMEKO TC:
TC26
Event name:
TC26 MetroArcheo Conference 2025
Title:

Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

Place:
Bergamo, ITALY
Time:
15 October 2025 - 17 October 2025