Dr. phil. Alexandra Skedzuhn-Safir

Alexandra Skedzuhn-Safir studied the restoration of stone and ceramics at the Instituto per ll'Arte e il Restauro in Florence, and worked on local restoration projects for several years. She received her Bachelor's degree in the conservation of architectural surfaces at the HAWK in Hildesheim, and her MA in World Heritage Studies from the BTU. Her PhD in heritage studies focused on the topography of prostitution in 19th century Florence and the cultural significance of historic brothels.

Her interests in research and teaching are in marginalisation in heritage discourse, the inherent conflict between restoration of historic fabric and value preservation, and the interpretation of heritage. In her post-doctoral project, she is focussing on olfactory perception and emotions in heritage discourse.

Dr Skedzuhn-Safir is a member of ICOMOS and the Working Group on the Theory and Teaching of Heritage Conservation (AKTLD), among others. Until 2018, she was a long-standing member of the NGO Achi Association, which is dedicated to the preservation of Buddhist built heritage in Ladakh.

Professional experience

Since 10/2021  Post-doctoral researcher, teaching associate and academic assistant at the Chair of Architectural Conservation at BTU.

04/2020 – 09/2021  Acting Professor at the Chair of Architectural Conservation at BTU. Additional responsibilities include member of the doctoral committee; member of the working group for the development of a new online degree programme (DAAD funding for the WHS Online degree programme); Member of the working group for the development of a new degree programme in History of Architecture and Art; Chair of the examination board for World Heritage Studies and Heritage Conservation and Site Management.

10/ 2012 – 03/2020  Research assistant at the Chair of Architectural Conservation (Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt) and teaching for the international Master's programmes in World Heritage Studies as well as teaching and capacity building for the Joint Master's programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management with Helwan University, Cairo. Programme coordinator for the Master in Building and Conservation.

Selection of projects

2000 – 2010  Self-employed conservator for gilding and frames in own studio.

07/2006 – 04/2009   Conservation of the architectural surfaces, stucco and gilded picture frames in the Niobidensaal of the Neues Museum in Berlin and their documentation.

02/2002–04/2009  Team leader of above listed conservation work for company Restaurierung am Oberbaum.

03/2005 – 06/2006  Conservation of the Asam ceiling fresco (18th century) in Freising Cathedral (for M. Oeter and B. Fromm).

09/2003 – 12/2003  Conservation of the Asam ceiling fresco (18th century) in Weltenburg Monastery (for M. Oeter).

03/06–08/2003  Conservation of ceiling fresco by Martin Heigl in Marienberg/ Burghausen (for H. Zernikel).

06 – 08/2003  Conservation of wall paintings in Marbach/Hesse (for P. Seger).

1998/1999  Conservation of wall paintings in the Villa Demidoff in Florence, wall paintings in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence (for B. Berselli); internship in studio for gilding and frames in Florence.

09/1995 – 02/1997  Architectural elements and windows of the Camposanto Monumentale in Pisa; Palazzo Pandolfini, Boboli Garden and Palazzo Pitti in Florence (for company M.I.D.A. srl in Pistoia).

1993–1995  Internship at the Soprintendenza della Archeologica della Toscana: Conservation work on several Roman marble sarcophagi in the Camposanto Monumentale/Pisa.

Focus areas

• Mediation strategies in heritage conservation
• Marginalisation in the Heritage Discourse
• Restoration and Conservation
• Spatial History and Cultural Values
• Emotions and Olfaction in Heritage Conservation
• Capacity Building

Current projects

• Habilitation project: Sensory Experience and Emotions in Cultural Heritage (working title)
• Capacity Building: Teaching units on preventive and practical restoration techniques for the WH Meroë in Sudan; development of an online guide for condition assessment and damage mapping of built cultural heritage (both DAI)
• Erasmus+ UNINET: University Network for Cultural Heritage – Integrated Protection, Management and Use (2019-2021, teaching cooperation with production of teaching materials)
• Investigating and Preserving Historic Buildings in Ladakh (2004–2021)

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2019) Hidden in plain sight: The topography of prostitution in Florence between 1860 and 1888. Dissertation, Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg.

Edited volumes

Skedzuhn-Safir, A., Oeter, M., Vets, H. and Pfund, H. (eds.) (2021) Against Forgetting. Investigating and Preserving Historic Buildings in a Himalayan Village. BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. and Franceschini, N. (eds.) (2020) Tattoo taboo. A reader. Chair in Architectural Conservation and Department of Heritage Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.

Schmidt, L. and Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2019) Hidden Conservation Revealed: New media for the presentation of architectural conservation. A study project. Chair of Architectural Conservation, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.

Schmidt, L. and A. Skedzuhn-Safir (eds.) (2015) Forschen, Bauen und Erhalten. Jahrbuch 2014/2015, Berlin/Bonn.

Journal articles and book chapters

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2023) Pushing Boundaries: Localisation of nineteenth-century prostitution in Florence. In: Sonja Dolinsek and Magdalena Saryusz-Wolska, eds., Histories of Prostitution in Central and Eastern Europe, Paderborn 2023, 23-44.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2023) Die Bedeutung des Unsichtbaren. Bordelle im Florenz des 19. Jahrhunderts. In: Eva von Engelberg-Dočkal, Svenja Hönig and Stephanie Herold, eds., Alltägliches Erben. Veröffentlichungen des Arbeitskreises Theorie und Lehre der Denkmalpflege e.V. Bd. 32, Holzminden 2023, 82-89.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2022) Condition assessment and damage mapping of built cultural heritage. Part of the series DAI tutorials, translated into Arabic.

Oeter, M. and Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2021) Jewel on the Ridge: Ancient wall painting materials and techniques in the Avalokiteshvara temple. In: Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Oeter, M., Vets, H. and Pfund, H. (eds.) Against Forgetting. Investigating and Preserving Historic Buildings in a Himalayan Village, 157–172.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. and Oeter, M. (2021) Welcome to discovering the built heritage in Wanla. In: Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Oeter, M., Vets, H. and Pfund, H. (eds.) Against Forgetting. Investigating and Preserving Historic Buildings in a Himalayan Village, 13–36.

Oeter, M. und Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2021) Exploring the Avalokiteshvara Temple: Investigating its characteristics and conservation State.In: Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Oeter, M., Vets, H. and Pfund, H. (eds.) Against Forgetting. Investigating and Preserving Historic Buildings in a Himalayan Village, 125–138.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2021) The protection of archaeological heritage. In: Best Practice Handbook on Sustainable Protection of Cultural Heritage. Project UNINET: University Network for Cultural Heritage – Integrated Protection, Management and Use, 43 – 58.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2021) The protection of archaeological heritage. The case study of Göbekli Tepe, Turkey. In: Best Practice Handbook on Sustainable Protection of Cultural Heritage – case studies. Project UNINET: University Network for Cultural Heritage – Integrated Protection, Management and Use, 107–128.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2021) (Mis-) Use of Archaeological Sites and Ruins. In: Best Practice Handbook on Contemporary Use of Cultural Heritage. Project UNINET: University Network for Cultural Heritage – Integrated Protection, Management and Use, 37 – 59.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2021) Port Arthur – case study of good practice. In: Best Practice Handbook on Contemporary Use of Cultural Heritage – case studies. Project UNINET: University Network for Cultural Heritage – Integrated Protection, Management and Use, 67 – 103.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2021) Babylon. In: Best Practice Handbook on Modern Management of Cultural Heritage – case studies. Project UNINET: University Network for Cultural Heritage – Integrated Protection, Management and Use, 5 – 39.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2021)  Management in the context of UNESCO World Heritage sites (2021). In: Best Practice Handbook on Modern Management of Cultural Heritage. Project UNINET: University Network for Cultural Heritage – Integrated Protection, Management and Use, 49 – 78.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2020) Colour schemes in the Yellow Drawing Room. In: Schmidt, L., Countess of Hopetoun, and Feversham, P. (eds.) Hopetoun. Scotland’s finest stately home. Munich: Hirmer, 148–155.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. and Franceschini, N. (2020) Introduction. In: Skedzuhn-Safir, A. and Franceschini, N. (eds.) Tattoo taboo. A reader. Lehrstuhl Denkmalpflege und das AG Heritage Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. und P.I. Schneider (2019) All mapped out. In: International Journal of Heritage & Museum Studies, vol. 1, 31–44.

Skedzuhn, A., Oeter, M., Luczanits, C., and C. Bläuer (2018) The secrets of 14th century wall painting in the Western Himalayas: Structural damage sheds light onto the painting technique in the Tsuglag-khang temple in Kanji. In: Earth constructions and tradition. Institute of History of Art, Building Archaeology and Restoration at the Vienna University of Technology, 205–222.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A., Oeter, M. und H. Vets (2018), Buddha and the mountain gods: Conservation in the Himalayas. In: Craterre (ed.) Proceedings Terra Lyon 2016, XIIth World Congress on Earthen Architecture, 11-14 July 2016 in Lyon, 89–93.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2015) Documentaries decoded: World Heritage sites in documentary films. In: Schmidt, L. und Skedzuhn-Safir A. (Hg.): Forschen, Bauen und Erhalten. Jahrbuch 2014/2015, Berlin/Bonn 2015, 95–101.

Oeter M. und A. Skedzuhn-Safir. (2015) Wall painting analyses. In: Holger Neuwirth und Carmen Auer (Hrg.) The three-storied temple of Wanla. Buddhist architecture in the Western Himalayas, vol. 2. Graz, 175–192. 

Bertagnin, M., De Antoni, D., Skedzuhn-Safir, A., Oeter, M. und H. Vets (2015) 36 thankas to promote the conservation of the Ladakhi earthen heritage. In: Mileto, C., Vegas, F., Garcia Soriano, L., G. and Cristini, V. (eds.) Earthen architecture: Past, present and future. Conference proceedings of VerSus 2014, 11–13 September 2014 in Valencia, 43–48.

Skedzuhn, A. (2014) The World Heritage site Museum Island in Berlin: Case study of its conservation and access. In: Crescini, H. and Vileikis, O. (eds.) Understanding each other’s heritage – Challenges for heritage communities in a globalized world. Symposium and workshop proceedings. 19-21 July 2012 in Cottbus, 217–238.

Oeter, M. and Skedzuhn, A. (2014) Five years working with youth: Re-evaluation of earthen heritage in the Western Himalayas. In: Correia, M., Carlos, G. and Rocha, S. (eds.): Vernacular heritage and earthen Architecture: Contributions for sustainable development, Conference Proceedings of CIAV 2013 and VerSus 2013, 16–20 October 2013 at Vila Nova de Cerveira in Portugal, 749–754.

Breitenfeldt, J. und A. Skedzuhn (2013) Die Umsetzung eines Restaurierungskonzeptes für den Niobodensaal. Konservierung und Restaurierung der Wandflächen, Decken und Wandgemälde. In: Verband der Restauratoren e.V. (ed.): Konservierung, Restaurierung und Ergänzung im Neuen Museum Berlin. Zwischen ursprünglichen Intentionen und neuen Entwürfen. Beiträge des Fachkolloquiums „Neues Museum Berlin – Restaurierung und Denkmalpflege im Weltkulturerbe“, 4-5 June 2010 in Munich, 115–124.

Skedzuhn, A. (2013): A collections management plan for Eastnor Castle; in: Schmidt, L. und Bantelmann-Betz, A. (Hg.): Forschen, Bauen und Erhalten. Jahrbuch 2012/2013, Berlin/Bonn 2013, 148–149.

Oeter, M. and A. Skedzuhn (2010) Conservation of Buddhist temples in Ladakh: Ideas on an intercultural collaboration. In: Verband der Restauratoren e.V. (ed.), VDR Beiträge zur Erhaltung von Kunst- und Kulturgut, 111–114.

Breitenfeldt J. and A. Skedzuhn (2010) Conservation and restoration of all surfaces in the Niobidensaal. In: Neues Museum. David Chipperfield. Berlin. Restauración & rehabilitación, September-December 2010, 100-107.

De Maizière, U. and A. Skedzuhn (2010) Conservation and restoration of wall paintings: Römischer Saal, Bacchussaal and Niobidensaal. In: Neues Museum. David Chipperfield. Berlin. Restauración & rehabilitación,September-December 2010, 90–99.

Breitenfeldt, J. und A. Skedzuhn (2009) Niobidensaal. In: Staatliche Museen zu Berlin – Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz, Bundesamt für Bauwesen, Landesdenkmalamt Berlin (eds.), Das Neue Museum Berlin. Konservieren, restaurieren, weiterbauen im Welterbe, Leipzig, 168–170.

Miscellaneous published reports and newsletter contributions

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2020) Elements of crime and control, BTU News International 3, 2020, 26 (on a Seminar in Port Arthur/Tasmania in collaboration with Deakin University in Melbourne).

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2019) Kulturelle Werte eines der ältesten Gewerbe der Welt. BTU News 54, 2019, 33 (on the completion of her dissertation).

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2016) Conservation decoded. BTU News 46, 2016, 39 (on a study project in Florence in cooperation with the UNESCO Field Office in that city).

Schneider, P.I. und Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2015) Zur Klausur in die Wüste. BTU News 42, 2015, 36 (on teaching activities atHelwan University in Cairo).

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2014) Hands-on Seminar at the Former Penitentiary in Cottbus. BTU News 41, 2014, 70 (on seminars offered by the Chairs in Architectural Conservation and Building History).

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2014) Das Olympische Dorf von 1936 mit Neuen Medien entdecken. BTU News 41, 2014, 70 (on the study project "Heritage reborn“, together with Simona Cadar).

Bantelmann, A. und A. Skedzuhn (2011) Eastnor castle. Collections Management Plan. A Report.

Webpages

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2019) International Summer School on Sustainable Protection of Cultural Heritage.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2019) Tattoo Taboo.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2019) Cairo. Conservation. Concepts.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2018) Hundezahn und Spitzeisen: Scharriert, bossiert oder einfach nur beschädigt?

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2017) Hidden Conservation Revealed: New Media for the Presentation of Architectural Conservation in Florence.  

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2015) Hidden Traces: Architectural Practice at the Former Penitentiary in Cottbus.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2013) Study Project "Heritage and Documentary Film".

Poster sessions

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. (2023) Sniffing it out. Odeuropa Smell Culture Fair, 28 November 2023, Amsterdam.

Oeter, M., Skedzuhn-Safir, A. und H. Vets (2016) Earth, sweat and prayers: Negotiating conservation and change in the Indian Himalayas. XIIth world congress on earthen architecture, 11–14 July 2016, Lyon.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. und M. Oeter (2014) The path is the goal: The story of the re-vitalization of an ancient temple access path in Ladakh. 18^th ICOMOS General Assembly, 9–14 November 2014, Florence.

Skedzuhn, A. und H. Pfund (2011). The preservation of cultural heritage in Ladakh, UNESCO Hauptsitz, at 17th  ICOMOS GA in November 2011, Paris.

Pfund, H. und Skedzuhn, A. (2011) Pilot youth training program for the preservation of cultural heritage in Ladakh, IAWHP Conference at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, 16 –19 June 2011.

Lectures, conferences and guest lectures

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Tattoo Taboo. Guest lecture at the Faculty of Art and Design at Tsukuba University, Japan, for students of the Heritage Studies Degree Program, 13 February 2023, online.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. To reconstruct or not to reconstruct. The conservation of the Neues Museum in Berlin. Guest lecture at the Faculty of Art and Design at Tsukuba University, Japan, for students of the Heritage Studies Degree Program, 25 January 2023, online.

Oeter, M., Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Lasst uns das Wilde und Ursprüngliche schützen. Natur- und Denkmalschutz um 1900. Verlust und Vielfalt. Zur Parallele von Artenschutz und Denkmalschutz um 1900. Leibniz-Zentrum für Literatur- und Kulturforschung Berlin, 6-7 October 2022.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Sniffing it out: A study project on the odours of a former GDR lecture hall. ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Twentieth Century Heritage. Annual General Meeting, 29 June 2022, Porto.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. E-Values. Communicating Cultural Heritage. Digitalization in Tourism & Hospitality, a hybrid conference hosted by Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management at Helwan University, 25 -27 February 2022, Cairo / online.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Marginalised Heritage and the Potentials of Mapping. Faculty of Art and Design at Tsukuba University, Japan, 12 January 2022, online.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A., Cooke, S. and Williams, K. CoCo:A Collaborative Course on Conservation and Communication of Cultural Heritage. Museum Studies International Symposium VIRTUAL DIALOGUE: Museum Academics and Professionals on Challenges and Opportunities in the Post-COVID World, 16-19 November 2021, South Dakota State University / online.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Approaches and Methods in Conservation and Conflicting Values. Symposium on Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Historic Districts and Preservation of Architectural Heritage after Armed Conflicts, German-Lebanese University Cooperation to Support Young Syrian Academics and Professionals, 2 June 2021, online.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Cultural Significance of Built Heritage. Symposium on Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Historic Districts and Preservation of Architectural Heritage after Armed Conflicts, German-Lebanese University Cooperation to Support Young Syrian Academics and Professionals, 14 April 2021, online.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Mighty Map: A powerful tool for the conservation of cultural heritage. Cult-HeEd initiative on Cultural Mapping as a Tool for Sustainable Development – Egypt’s Cultural Heritage Map, “Helwan City as a Model”, 6 March 2021, online.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Holistic hindsight: An assessment of an NGO’s conservation work in Ladakh. Faculty of Art and Design at Tsukuba University, Japan, 13 January 2021, online.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. et al. Hands-On. Eine Diskussionsrunde zur Vermittlung praktischer Fähigkeiten in einer digitalen Welt, hosted by the German Archaeological Institute (DAI), 10 September 2020, online.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Hidden in Plain Sight: The Topograohy of Prostitution in 19^th century Florence, Faculty of Architecture and Spatial Planning at Namibia University of Science and Technology, 15 August 2019, online.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Introduction. Visualising Significance: Mapping as Common Denominator, BTU-HU 6th International Conference on Heritage Conservation and Site Management.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A., and Schneider, P.I. All Mapped Out. Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development: A Tourism Perspective , HU-BTU 5th International Conference on Heritage Conservation and Site Management, 8-11 December 2017, Aswan.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A., and Bocchio, C. Hidden Conservation Revealed. Digital Cultural Heritage International Conference, 29 August 2017, Berlin.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A., Oeter, M., and Vets, H. Buddha and the mountain gods: Ingredients of earthen architecture conservation in the Western Himalayas. XIIth world congress on earthen architecture, 11–14 July 2016, Lyon.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. Sense and Sensitivity. Augmented Reality and the Presentation of the former Olympic Village in Berlin. PAST IMPERFECT. Communicating the Fragment and the Incomplete: Archaeological Sites, Ruins, Landscapes of Memory, BTU-HU 2nd International Conference on Heritage Conservation and Site Management, 15-17 October 2014, Cottbus.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A., and Oeter, M. Five years working with youth: Re-evaluation of earthen heritage in the Western Himalayas. CIAV 2013 / VerSus 2013, 16–20 October 2013, Vila Nova de Cerveira in Portugal.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A. The World Heritage site Museum Island in Berlin: Case study of its conservation and access. Understanding each other’s heritage – Challenges for heritage communities in a globalized world, 19-21 July 2012, Cottbus.

Skedzuhn-Safir, A., Oeter, M., Roy, J. and Bläuer, C. Wall Paintings on Earthen Support: Technological Characteristics and Challenges for Conservation. Research and Experiences from the Western Himalayas. Terra 2012: 11th International Conference on the Study and Conservation of Earthen Architecture Heritage, 22-27 April 2012.

Master's Theses - first supervisor

2023

Cinar, Özgür (2023). Decoding the Dance Floor. A Case Study of Tresor Club for Assessing Cultural Significance of Berlin’s Techno Culture. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. Second supervisor: Prof. Dr. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Jaberassian, Liana (2023). Mobilizing for Cultural Heritage: An Analysis of Protests against Development Projects in Lebanon. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. Second supervisor: Prof. Dr. Mary Kupelian, Helwan University.

Leahy, Sheldon (2023). The Value of Space for Intangible Cultural Heritage and their Creative Communities: A Case Study of the Berlin Techno Music Club Culture. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. Second supervisor: Prof. Dr. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Yousefian, Niloufar (2023). A comparison of the three displays of fragments from the Temple of Artemis in the Louvre, Pergamon, and Istanbul Archaeology Museums. Master's Programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Dr. Stefan Zink.

2022

Aresti, Francesco (2022). The Maratè Museum in Isili, Sardinia. The Role of a Local Museum In the Safeguarding of the Handloom Weaving Craftsmanship. Master's Programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Dr. Thomas Köstlin, Exponatus - Büro für Ausstellungsmanagement.

Deshmukh, Aishwarya Sharad (2022). Analysing the Long-Term Benefits of Entrepreneurial Capacity Building for Women’s Empowerment and Sustainable Development of World Heritage Sites. Master's Programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Eugene Jo, ICCROM Rome.

Dreger, Inga (2022). Unbequeme Ostmoderne: Ablehnung und Werte des Potsdamer Rechenzentrums. Master's Programme in Building and Conservation. Second supervisor: Dr. Clara Rellensmann, BTU.

Elsayed, Mariam Mohamed Yehya (2022). The Role of Different Generations in Heritage Conservation: A Comparative Study Between Egypt and Germany. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. Second supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Krivokapić, Jelena (2022). Vernacular Architecture as the Unity of ‘intangible’ and ‘tangible’ Aspects; Case Study of Stara Planina, East Serbia.  Master's Programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Aleksandar Repedzić, Museum of Ponišlavia in Pirot, Serbia.

Mahecha Robayo, Laura Catalina (2022). Tundama Mill as a representative of wheat mills of the first half of the 20th century. Master's Programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Dr. Elke Richter, BTU.

Milusheva, Yanka (2022). Tourism opportunities of the dissonant heritage in Bulgaria: The potential of the Buzludzha Memorial House. Master's Programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Dr. Simona von Eyb, BTU.  

Schwarz, Sarah (2022). Protective Structures over Archaeological Excavations as a Tool for in situ Conservation and Presentation of Architectural Remains: An Evaluation of Case Studies from Germany. Master's Programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Dr. Kristal Buckley, Deakin University.

Thimoteo, Maria Rita da Motta (2022). Uses of Decolonial Theories for Heritage Interpretation in Museums: A comparative study within the State Museums of Berlin. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. Second supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Vargas Julio, Alvaro Felipe(2022). The exile of the Chilean community in the GDR. Master's Programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Prof. Dr. Johanna Blokker.

2021

Bardhan, Jayashree (2021). Optimising ICOMOS’ ‘Heritage at Risk’ Initiatives:Towards a Comprehensive Framework for Cultural Heritage at Risk. Master's Programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisors: Clara Rellensmann M.A., BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, and Dr. Teresa Patricio, KU Leuven.

Bayrak, Irem (2021). Umnutzungskonzept für das ehemalige Feuerwehrdepot in Welzow. Master's programme in Building and Conservation, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Prof. Per Pedersen, BTU.

Bouaziz, Khansa (2021). Managing Heritage in Time of Crises Through the Use of New Technologies. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. Second supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Bretz, Mathilde (2021). Interpretation and Stakeholders of Difficult Heritage: A case study of the massacre of October 17th, 1961. Master’s Programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Katelyn Williams M.A., BTU.

Echeverri Velasco, Felipe (2021). Can cognitive perspective help in the current capacity building activities needed for the conservation of World Heritage Sites? Master’s Programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Nicole Franceschini, ICCROM.

Farkas, Anna (2021). Baden-Baden and the ‘Great Spas of Europe’: Opportunities and challenges of sustainable tourism at a component part of a Transnational Serial UNESCO World Heritage Nomination. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Smriti Pant M.A., Department for World Heritage Nomination and Urban Design, Municipality of Baden-Baden.

Hassan, Abdullah (2021). Reinterpreting ancient Egyptian Heritage, Utilizing Augmented reality to enhance the visitor experience in the open-air museum of Mit Rahina-Memphis. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. Second supevisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Joshi, Pratiti (2021). A Critical Review of the UNESCO 2011 Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape: Gap between international standards and localized implementation. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Nicole Franceschini M.A., BTU.

Mehta, Afreed (2021). Moving beyond the tangible: An integrated cultural mapping of Udvada. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Shernaz Cama.

O’Brien, Claire (2021). Accessing the Outdoors from Home: Analyzing Environmental Education through the Hidden Worlds of National Parks Virtual Experiences. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Nicole Franceschini, BTU.

Oguntile, Kolawole (2021). A Preliminary Study for Developing a Digital Museum and a Database for Heritage Collections in Nigeria. Master’s Programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Dr. Roland Meyer, BTU.

Reyes, Alexandra Triana (2021). Presentation as means of conservation of ruins and archaeological sites – Case study: The Peenewiesen Bunker Complex in Peenemünde, Germany. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. Second supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Rovnenko, Kristina (2021). Urban Heritage Conservation Under Socio-Economic Changes. Case Study: Krasnodar City. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. Second supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Schuster, Florian (2021). Die Dorfkirche in Egsdorf (Luckau) – Erhaltungs- und Sanierungsmaßnahmen auf Grundlage der Befunddokumentation und Schadenskartierung. Master's programme in Building and Conservation, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: PD Dr. Alexandra Druzynski v. Boetticher, BTU.

Stephens, Adam (2021). Using Section 106 to aid the United States military in the protection of cultural resources in conflict areas.
Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Dr. Constanze Röhl, BTU.

2020

Aslan, Bengi (2020). Adaptive Reuse of industrial Heritage: A Case Study on Adaptive Reuse of the Bomonti Beer Factory. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. Second supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Etemadi, Azarang (2020). Analysis of Historic Streets Based on Placemaking Approach as a Basis Towards Enhancing their Quality. Case Study: Naser Khosrow Street in Tehran. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Solmaz Yadollah, BTU.

Harshmann, Natalie (2020). Tracking Restoration Ideologies and Trends in Berlin-Mitte. Master's programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. Second supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Thoma, Friederike (2020). Heritage Conservation in Conflict Zones of the Middle East Heritage Conservation in Palmyra – Peace- Building Project or Soft Power Strategy? Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, B-TU Cottbus-Senftenberg. Second supervisor: Katelyn Williams M.A., BTU.

Master's theses - second supervisor

Cunningham, Katelynn (2023). Mosaic Conservation: Applications of Materials-Based and People-Centered Approaches. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. First supervisor: Dr. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Fatourehchi, Golsa (2023). Reconstruction and Revitalization Plan for a Traditional Iranian Caravanserai and Its Impact on Tourism. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Roland Bernecker, BTU.

Saeidi, Sabra (2023). Perceiving a Place: A Phenomenological Study on Artistic Interventions at a Heritage Site. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Sylvia Claus, BTU.

2022

Abdelhaziz, Nancy (2022). The Hidden Arts of Locals: An Approach for the Safeguarding and Sustainability of Traditional Handicrafts: The Case of Basketry in Egypt. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. First supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Attiatalla, Nesma (2022). Tangible and Intangible Cultural Heritage In Egypt. Siwa Oasis as a Case Study. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. First supervisor: Prof. Stephan Seidlmayer, FU Berlin.

Bone, Shari (2022). Beyond Engagement: Indigenous-Led Nominations of Australian World Heritage Sites. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. First supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Fawzy, Nadia (2022). Assessing and Managing Risks for Hassan Fathy’s Fares Primary School in Kom Ombo/Aswan. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. First supervisor: Dr. Nevine Nizar Zakaria, Universität Würzburg.

Joshi, Shalil Krishna (2022). Impact of Urbanisation and Seismic Activity on Newar Residential Buildings of Kathmandu Valley. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Dr. Elke Richter, BTU.

Rizvi, Farwah (2022). The Power of Narratives for Heritage Interpretation: The Case of Taxila.Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Roland Bernecker, BTU.

Segers, Maria (2022). The Memoralisation of “asozialen” Women in Ravensbrück Concentration Camp. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Johanna Blokker, BTU.

Wai Ng, Sze (2022). Villain Hitting in Hong Kong: Peace Violence Ritual. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Roland Bernecker, BTU.

Wenzler, Jennifer (2022). Acting Locally: The Contributions of Local Heritage-Related Civil Society Organizations to Cultural Sustainability through Educational Programming. Master's Programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. First supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

2021

Dindomar, Marina (2021). A holistic heritage approach: recognition and multiple perspectives at “Tava, Lugar de Referência para o Povo Guarani”. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Sylvia Claus, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.

Shabaeva, Margarita (2021). The Role of Canaletto’s paintings in the After-War Reconstruction of Warsaw and Dresden: New Perspectives on Art and Heritage. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Sylvia Claus, BTU.

2020

Eldien, Hagar Saad (2020). The cultural mapping of Mūlids as intangible cultural heritage. A case study of St. George Church in Beba – Beni Suef – Egypt. Master's programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. First supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Dumoulin, Régis (2020). Queer cultures and heritage making. The case of Berlin. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Anna Amelina, BTU.

Gutt, Janina (2020). Das Stibadium im Schlosspark Charlottenhof. Master's programme in Building and Conservation, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Klaus Rheidt, BTU.

Hasneen, Sally Mostafa Shaban (2020). Statement of significance and heritage interpretation: A case study of the Temple of Denderah, Egypt. Master's programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. First supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Sharma, Diksha (2020). Interpretation of heritage for the construction of Indian national identity. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Anna Amelina, BTU.

Siraj, Sarika (2020). Influences of modernity on traditional earthen architecture of Bangladesh: A case study of Maheshkhali. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

2019

El Noshokaty, Manal Ahmed Hussein Ali (2019). Adaptive reuse of Mohamed Ali factories in Salah El Di Citadel in Mokattam: An approach to engage local community and revive extinct handicrafts. Master's programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. First supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Frederick, Ingrid (2019). Preserving the present: A study of rapid response collecting. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Dr. Anca Prodan, BTU.

Kandil, Ehsan (2019). Practical approaches to involving the local community in the management of Heliopolis urban heritage in Cairo. Master's programme in Heritage Conservation and Site Management, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg and Helwan University. First supervisor: Prof. Mona Raafat, Helwan University.

Schwarzer, Amelie (2019). Vermittlung von Industriedenkmalen in Deutschland.  Master's programme in Building and Conservation, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

Yuan, Mengjie (2019). Dong Architecture and culture in discourse on conservation perspective. Master's programme in Building and Conservation, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Gernot Weckerlin, BTU.

2017

Langstaff, Lindsay (2017). A race to the top: Constructing skyscrapers above historical houses in Paseo de la Reforma, Mexico. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

2016

Ayoubi, Ayda (2016). Adaptive reuse of churches. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

Calado, Guilherme Carvalho (2016). Literary statues, or how a writer becomes heritage. The case of Robert Walser. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

Clarke, Marina (2016). Architektonische Gestaltung von Plastiken in der DDR-Zeit am Beispiel Cottbus. Master's programme in Building and Conservation, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

Diaz, Yanis (2016). Heritage and aesthetic displeasure: The value of aesthetic discomfort exemplified through three case studies. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, B-TU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.
This project was recognized as the Best Master’s Thesis of 2016 at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.

Eder, Thomas (2016). Monument protection in Austria and England. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, B-TU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

Franske, Tim (2016). Interpretation in German evangelical churches. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, B-TU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

Höhne, Janine (2016). Atomschutzbunker als Zeugnisse des Kalten Krieges in Berlin. Master's programme in Building and Conservation,  BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

Karagianni, Eleni-Ionna (2016). Re-integration of voids at a World Heritage site. Case study: The Neues Museum in Berlin. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

Markmann, Nadja (2016). Heutiger Denkmalwert der Architektur der 1960er und 1970erJahre. Der soziale Wohnungsbau in NRW. Master's programme in Building and Conservation, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

Montoya, Juanita Barriga (2016). The story behind the hand of the craftsman. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Dr. Britta Rudolff, BTU.

2015

Awal, Puroshottam (2015). Reconstruction and conservation of traditional residences of the Kathmandu Valley Nepal. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

Dimitrov, Vladimir (2015). Authentication of a cityscape – the effects of the nation-building project “Skopje 2014” on the built environment of the capital of Macedonia. Master's programme in Building and Conservation, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

Matta, Ellyn (2015). Improving quality of life in historic cities: an examination of place-based planning in Italy. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Millar Stevens, BTU.

2014

Burlingame, Katherine (2014). Whispers of a common past. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.
First supervisor: Prof. Marie-Theres Albert, BTU.

2013

Chin-I, Chiang (2013). From colonial to shared: The Japanese heritage in Taiwan. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

Lin, Hsiu-jui (2013). Recontextualizing Japanese colonial prison complexes in Taiwan. Master's programme in World Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. Dr. Leo Schmidt, BTU.

Doctoral dissertations - third supervisor

Meißner, Marlen (2020). The valorisation of intangible cultural heritage. A Bourdieusian approach to the developmental potentials of heritage. PhD Programme in Heritage Studies, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg. First supervisor: Prof. em. Marie-Theres Albert, BTU. Second supervisor: Prof. Christoph Wulf, FU Berlin.