77815 - Theories of Conservation of Historic Buildings and Architectural Heritage

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide students the capability to gain knowledge about themes and methodologies of conservation/preservation of architectural heritage. The student will develop both the ability to critically identify principles underlied the restoration/conservation interventions and to understand their outcomes on the historical heritage.

Course contents

The course leads the student to acquire the knowledge of theory and history of architectural conservation, in its evolution over the last two centuries. In particular, it aims to led the student to be able to critically recognize both the principles and strategies expressed in the conservation intervention, as their results in the transmission of built heritage to the future.

In its modern meaning, heritage preservation is a relatively recent field of study, born in the early Nineteenth Century. Nevertheless, in this period many theories have been developed, creating an articulated history of the discipline.

The course will provide the student with the basics of these issues, taking him to the current disciplinary principles. A key moment will be the opportunity of being able to connect the theoretical statements to the practical outcomes, through the analysis of plans, interventions and related technical aspects. The course will be improved by visits to monuments and restoration sites.

Readings/Bibliography

J. JOKILEHTO, History of Architectural Conservation, Butterworth-Heinemann, 1999

M. P. SETTE, Profilo storico, in G. CARBONARA (a cura di), Trattato di restauro architettonico, UTET, 1996, vol. I, pp. 109-299, riedito in M. P. SETTE, Il restauro in architettura: quadro storico, UTET, Torino 2001

B. P. TORSELLO (a cura di), Che cos'è il restauro? Nove studiosi a confronto, Marsilio, 2006

R. BONELLI, Il restauro architettonico, alla voce Restauro, in Enciclopedia Universale dell'Arte, vol. XI, col. 322 e ss., ma coll. 344-351, Venezia-Roma, 1963

C. BRANDI, Teoria del restauro, Roma, Edizioni di Storia e Letteratura, 1963 (II ed. Einaudi, 1977)

Teaching methods

The course will be organized into three key-moments: lectures, visits to monuments and restoration sites and a practice exercise. The lectures will address the theoretical issues related to restoration and conservation, also through the presentation of significant interventions. The visits will be prepared through specific lessons in the classroom and will be conducted in situ by specialists.

Assessment methods

The exam consists of an oral discussion both of the course contents (program) and the outcomes of the practice exercise.

Office hours

See the website of Sara Di Resta