B2143 - PROCESSES IN CONSERVATION

Learning outcomes

The course is aimed at illustrating the role played by scientific examinations for the investigation of different works of art. The course follows an “answer to question” structure by considering the most frequent questions conservator-restorers are used to ask to conservation scientists along the overall duration of a conservation-restoration project. A broad range of questions are answered and are strictly related with key conservation issues such as material constitution, execution technique, state of conservation and treatments’ evaluation. To this purpose the possibility offered by the application of both destructive and/or non-destructive techniques to each specific question is presented, discussed and explained by making reference to real case studies. As the students will realize many can be the answers given to a specific question and they are strictly connected with the usefulness, availability, destructiveness/non-destructiveness of each scientific method.

Course contents

The course explores the major contemporary challenges for cultural heritage conservation, with a focus on natural hazards - both climate and non-climate related - as well as the impacts of human activities. Through case studies and thematic discussions, students will examine the vulnerabilities of heritage assets, the role of preventive conservation and programmed maintenance, and the development of strategies for resilience and long-term safeguarding.

By the end of the course, students will be able to identify and critically analyze the main challenges affecting heritage assets, ranging from works of art to architectural heritage. They will acquire knowledge of the tools, strategies, and approaches available to address a variety of threats, and develop the ability to reflect on appropriate measures for safeguarding cultural heritage.

Readings/Bibliography

Cassar, M., Sabbioni, C. and Brimblecombe, P. (eds.)(2010). The atlas of climate change impact on European cultural heritage: scientific analysis and management strategies. Anthem Press. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2777/11959

Fatorić, S., Seekamp, E. (2017). Are cultural heritage and resources threatened by climate change? A systematic literature review. Climatic Change, 142(1), pp. 227–254. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-017-1929-9.

ICOMOS Climate Change and Cultural Heritage Working Group (2019). The Future of Our Pasts: Engaging Cultural Heritage in Climate Action. ICOMOS, Paris (France).

UNESCO (2013). Managing Cultural World Heritage. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, ICCROM, ICOMOS, IUCN, Paris (France).

ICOMOS (2017). Guidance on Post Trauma Recovery and Reconstruction for World Heritage and Cultural Properties. ICOMOS, Paris (France).

Jigyasu, R. (2010). Managing Disaster Risks for World Heritage. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, ICCROM, ICOMOS, IUCN, Paris (France). http://whc.unesco.org/uploads/activities/documents/activity-630-1.pdf [10/02/2025]

Jigyasu, R., Murthy, M., Boccardi, G., Marrion, C., Douglas, D., King, J., O’Brien, G., Dolcemascolo, G., Kim, Y., Albrito, P., Osihn, M. (2013), Heritage and resilience: Issues and opportunities for reducing disaster risks. Working Paper. Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. ICCROM, Geneva (Switzerland).

Michalski, S., Pedersoli Jr, J. L. (2016). The ABC Method: a risk management approach to the preservation of cultural heritage. ICCROM, Canadian Conservation Institute, Ottawa (Canada).

Pedersoli, J. L. J., Antomarchi, C., & Michalski, S. (2016). A Guide to Risk Management of Cultural Heritage. ICCROM.

Tandon A. (2018)a. First Aid to Cultural Heritgate in Times of Crisis. Handbook for coordinated emergency preparedness and response to secure tangible and intangible heritage, vol. 1, ICCROM, Roma.

Tandon A. (2018)b. First Aid to Cultural Heritgate in Times of Crisis. Toolkit for coordinated emergency preparedness and response to secure tangible and intangible heritage, vol. 2, ICCROM, Roma.

Tandon A., ICCROM (2016). Endangered Heritage: Emergency Evacuation of Heritage Collection, UNESCO, Paris (France).

Testi e letture aggiuntive verranno suggerite durante le lezioni.

Teaching methods

Ex-cathedra lessons; On site visits

Assessment methods

The final examination consists of an oral discussion aimed at assessing the theoretical knowledge acquired, the mastery of specific terminology, and the ability to develop a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in class. Students will also be required to take part in workshop-based discussion activities and to submit a short practical assignment, which will contribute to the final grade.

Good or excellent grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate a critical understanding of the subject, the ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical examples, and the use of appropriate terminology. An examination based mainly on rote learning, with limited analytical and synthesis skills and imprecise language, will result in marks ranging from fair to satisfactory. Significant gaps in knowledge, inadequate language, and the inability to provide an overall understanding of the topics addressed will inevitably lead to a barely passing grade or a negative evaluation.

Teaching tools

Teaching materials and additional resources will be made available through the Virtuale platform. 

Office hours

See the website of Eleonora Melandri